Moving Scam Warning Signs

moving scams

April 08, 2025•18 min read

🛑Stop Their Twisted Game Now!🛑

Moving Scam Terrorists Surrender When You Unleash This No-Mercy Defense Guide!

Your Ultimate Weapon Against Moving Company Fraudsters

Are you about to move?

STOP RIGHT THERE.

Don't make another call until you read this.

Moving scam terrorists are out there.

Waiting.

Planning.

Ready to take your money and hold your stuff hostage.

But guess what? Today is the day they surrender.

Because "Moving Scam Terrorists Surrender When You Unleash This No-Mercy Defense Guide!"

This is your battle plan.

Your secret weapon.

Your path to a stress-free move without the nightmares.

Let me ask you something...

Have you ever felt that sick feeling in your stomach when something just doesn't seem right?

When they suddenly tell you the price just doubled?

When they drive away with everything you own and won't return your calls?

It happens EVERY DAY to good people just like you.

But not today. Not to you. Not anymore.

Hi, I'm Jae Burnham, founder of Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving. YouTube influencer. Published author. And frankly, I'm ANGRY about what's happening in my industry.

Since starting Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving on January 1st, 2024, I've heard horror story after horror story from customers who came to us after being BURNED by moving scammers.

That's why I created this guide - to give you the weapons you need to fight back.

Our 75+ 5-star reviews on Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper didn't happen by accident. They happened because we're different. Because we CARE.

But enough about us for now. Let's talk about YOU. And how you can protect yourself from the moving scam terrorists that want to ruin your next move.

The Moving Scam Nightmare: What You're Up Against

Picture this: You're excited about your new home. You've packed your boxes. You've hired a company with a nice website and a great price.

Then it all falls apart.

The movers show up late.

They look unprofessional.

They start adding fees.

"Oh, you have stairs? That's extra." "Your couch? That's a specialty item." "Heavy boxes? We need to charge more."

Before you know it, your $1,000 move has become $3,000.

And if you don't pay? Your stuff stays on the truck. Held hostage. Your family photos. Your grandmother's china. Your kids' toys.

This isn't a scary story.

This is REAL LIFE for thousands of Americans every year.

But knowledge is power. And you're about to become very, very powerful.

The Scammer's Playbook: Know Their Tricks

Before we talk defense, let's understand the enemy.

Here are their favorite plays:

The Lowball Quote Scam

This is their go-to move. They give you a super low quote to get you excited. You think you found a bargain. But once they have your stuff loaded up, SURPRISE! The price triples. And you have no choice but to pay or lose everything.

The Deposit Disappearing Act

They ask for a big deposit upfront. They sound professional on the phone. They have a slick website with fake reviews. Then moving day comes and... no movers. Your calls go straight to voicemail. Your texts get ignored. Your money? GONE.

The Hostage Cargo Crisis

This is the worst one. They load your stuff. They drive away. Then they call with "bad news." Your items are "heavier" than estimated. There are "additional fees." And if you don't pay RIGHT NOW, you'll never see your belongings again.

The Fake Company Cover-Up

These scammers change names constantly. They operate under multiple business names. They have no real address - just a P.O. box. They have no USDOT number. They're ghosts - here today, gone tomorrow, taking your money with them.

The Hidden Fees Heist

This is sneaky. The contract has tiny print. Vague terms. And on moving day, suddenly there are fees for everything. Stairs fee. Long carry fee. Packing material fee. Weekend fee. Heavy item fee. "That wasn't in the estimate? Sorry, it's in our standard contract."

Now you know their playbook. But knowing isn't enough. You need a plan of attack.

Your No-Mercy Defense Plan: Make Scammers Run Scared

This is where the tide turns.

Where YOU take control.

Where moving scam terrorists surrender.

Follow these steps and watch scammers run for the hills:

Step 1: Do Your Homework (The Scammer's Worst Nightmare)

Before you even THINK about hiring a mover, do this:

Check their USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. No USDOT number for interstate moves? RUN AWAY.
Look for a real physical address. Not a P.O. box. Drive by if you can!
Read reviews on multiple sites - Google, Yelp, BBB, Thumbtack. Look for patterns of complaints.
Check how long they've been in business. Brand new company with hundreds of 5-star reviews? BIG red flag.
Call their office. Ask detailed questions. Does it sound professional or like someone's cell phone?

This step alone eliminates 75% of scammers. They HATE when you do your homework.

Step 2: Demand In-Home Estimates (Watch Them Squirm)

NEVER accept an estimate over the phone or online only. DEMAND an in-person assessment.

Here's why:

Legitimate movers need to see your stuff to give accurate quotes
Scammers avoid in-home estimates because they don't want to be identified later
Real movers will measure furniture, count boxes, check stairs and elevators
You can assess their professionalism face-to-face

When you say "I need an in-home estimate," scammers get nervous.

Good. Make them sweat.

Step 3: Get Everything in Writing (Their Kryptonite)

This is where you really turn the screws:

Demand a BINDING estimate in writing
Get a complete inventory list of all your items
Have delivery dates in writing
Get their cancellation policy in writing
Get all potential fees and charges in writing
Make sure nothing is left blank to be "filled in later"

Scammers HATE documentation.

It's their kryptonite.

When you say "I need that in writing," they start to back away. Good!

Step 4: Know Your Rights (Your Secret Weapon)

Did you know that for interstate moves, movers MUST:

Provide a "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet
Deliver your goods for no more than 10% above a non-binding estimate
Release your goods once you pay 100% of a binding estimate
Allow you to be present when they weigh your shipment

Scammers count on your ignorance.

When you say "I know my rights under federal law," watch how quickly they surrender!

Step 5: Never Pay Large Deposits (Cut Off Their Oxygen)

This one simple rule will save you thousands:

NEVER pay more than 10% as a deposit
NEVER pay cash (always use credit card for protection)
NEVER pay in full before delivery

Money is the scammer's oxygen.

Cut it off, and they can't breathe.

They'll move on to easier targets.

Step 6: Document EVERYTHING (Your Bulletproof Vest)

On moving day:

Take photos of all your items before loading
Take photos of the moving truck and license plate
Get names of all movers on site
Record any conversations about charges or changes
Keep a copy of all paperwork with you (not packed in the truck!)

Documentation is your bulletproof vest.

Scammers don't want witnesses.

They don't want evidence.

They want easy victims.

Step 7: Trust Your Gut (Your Built-In Scam Detector)

Your intuition is powerful.

If something feels wrong:

It probably is
Don't ignore red flags
Don't be pressured by "limited time offers"
Don't be rushed into decisions
Listen to that voice in your head

Scammers rely on pressure and urgency.

When you step back and say "I need time to think about this," they get desperate.

Good!

The Ultimate Scam-Proof Solution: Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving

Here's the truth: Following these steps will protect you from 99% of moving scams.

But there's an even easier solution.

Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving for your next move.

Why? Because we are EVERYTHING scammers are not:

Real physical address you can visit
Proper USDOT licensing and insurance
75+ verified 5-star reviews across Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper
Transparent pricing with binding estimates
No surprise fees or hidden charges
Professional, uniformed movers who respect you and your belongings
Founded by Jae Burnham, a trusted name in the community

When you choose Mr. BigStuff, you're not just choosing a moving company.

You're choosing peace of mind.

You're choosing to say NO to scammers once and for all.

Real Stories: The Moving Scam Survivors

Let me share some stories from real people who learned these lessons the hard way:

Dylan from Detroit: "They quoted me $1,200 for my two-bedroom apartment move. By the end, they demanded $3,400 and wouldn't unload my stuff until I paid. I had to take a cash advance on my credit card right there in the parking lot of my new place. I felt violated."

Michael from Chicago: "They took my $500 deposit and never showed up on moving day. Their phone was disconnected. Their website was gone. It was like they never existed. I had to scramble to find movers last minute at triple the price."

Jennifer from Dallas: "They broke my grandmother's antique mirror and denied responsibility. When I showed them where they signed for it on the inventory, they claimed I had packed it improperly. They refused to pay for damages, even though I had purchased their 'full coverage' insurance."

These stories break my heart.

And they're why I started Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving.

To be the solution.

To be the company you can TRUST.

Answering Your Burning Questions About Moving Scams

Let's address some of the questions you probably have right now:

How can I identify a legitimate moving company?

Look for:

Real physical address (not a P.O. box)
USDOT number that checks out on the FMCSA website
Years in business (established companies are less likely to be scams)
Professional website with clear contact information
Trucks with the company name permanently painted (not magnetic signs)
Verifiable reviews across multiple platforms
Membership in industry associations

What are the most common types of moving scams?

The big ones are:

Lowball estimates that skyrocket on moving day
Holding goods hostage for additional payment
Disappearing with deposits
Adding excessive fees not mentioned in the estimate
Fake online reviews to appear legitimate
Damaging items and denying responsibility

What is a "hostage load" scam?

This is when movers load your belongings, drive away, and then demand more money before they'll deliver your items. They're literally holding your possessions hostage. It's one of the most common and devastating scams.

Should I pay a deposit before my move?

Small deposits (10% or less) can be normal for legitimate companies to secure your date. But large upfront payments are a major red flag. Never pay more than a small percentage before the move begins.

How do I verify a moving company's license?

For interstate moves, check their USDOT number on the FMCSA website. For in-state moves, contact your state's transportation department or public utilities commission to verify licensing requirements.

What documents should legitimate movers provide?

You should receive:

A written estimate (binding or non-binding)
Order for service
Bill of lading (your contract and receipt)
Inventory list
"Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet (for interstate moves)

What's the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?

A binding estimate guarantees the price won't change if the inventory remains the same. A non-binding estimate can increase, but for interstate moves, it cannot exceed more than 10% of the original quote.

How do I report a moving scam?

Contact:

The FMCSA for interstate moves (1-888-DOT-SAFT)
Your state attorney general's office
The Better Business Bureau
Local police if your goods are being held hostage
The FMCSA's online complaint system

What red flags should I watch for when hiring movers?

Major warning signs include:

No physical address
No USDOT number
Demand for large cash deposits
No in-home inspection before quoting
Generic name with no logo or branded trucks
Answering phone with "movers" instead of company name
Blank documents to sign
No written estimate

Is it normal for a mover to add fees after giving an estimate?

For a binding estimate, no fees should be added unless you add items or services. For non-binding estimates, some adjustment based on actual weight is normal, but it shouldn't be dramatically different, and they can only require payment of 110% of the estimate at delivery.

How can I verify the actual weight of my shipment?

You have the right to witness the weighing of your shipment. Ask to be present when they weigh the truck, both empty and full. This right is protected by federal law for interstate moves.

What should I do if my mover doesn't show up on moving day?

Immediately document the no-show with date and time stamps. Contact the company through every available method. If they've disappeared, file complaints with the BBB, FMCSA, and your state attorney general, then quickly find alternative movers.

Are online moving company reviews reliable?

Not always. Scammers often create fake positive reviews. Look for patterns across multiple platforms, and pay attention to detailed negative reviews. Check BBB ratings and FMCSA complaint history for a more complete picture.

What is the FMCSA and how do they protect consumers?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates interstate movers. They maintain standards, issue licenses, and handle complaints. While they can't directly resolve your claim against a mover, they can take enforcement action against companies that violate regulations.

Can I sue a moving company for damages or lost items?

Yes, you can pursue legal action, especially if you have documentation. For interstate moves, federal law establishes liability standards. For smaller claims, small claims court may be appropriate. For larger issues, consult an attorney specializing in transportation law.

Should I get multiple estimates before choosing a mover?

Absolutely! Get at least three in-home estimates. This helps you identify outliers (suspiciously high or low quotes) and gives you leverage in negotiations with legitimate companies.

What rights do I have if a moving company breaks our contract?

Your rights include:

For interstate moves, filing complaints with the FMCSA
Pursuing action through your state consumer protection agency
Filing lawsuits for breach of contract
Disputing credit card charges if you paid that way
Reporting to the BBB and online review sites

How do I find a trustworthy moving company that won't scam me?

You call Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving at (517) 948-0894.

We're the answer you've been looking for.

The solution to the moving scam epidemic.

The company that treats you with respect, your belongings with care, and your move with professionalism.

The Moving Scam Protection Checklist: Your Quick-Reference Guide

Let's put it all together in one easy checklist you can use:

Before You Book:

Verify USDOT number with FMCSA
Check for physical address (not P.O. box)
Read reviews across multiple platforms
Get 3+ in-home estimates
Ask for proof of insurance
Verify company name hasn't recently changed
Call office during business hours
Check BBB rating and complaints

When Getting an Estimate:

Insist on in-home inspection
Get a BINDING estimate in writing
Get complete inventory list
Confirm delivery timeframe in writing
Review cancellation policy
Understand valuation and insurance options
Ask about potential additional fees
Never sign blank or incomplete documents

Before Moving Day:

Confirm date and time in writing
Get names of movers who will be there
Reconfirm pricing and services
Take photos of valuable items
Keep important documents and valuables with you
Have moving company contact information handy
Know your rights regarding hostage loads

On Moving Day:

Verify company name on truck matches paperwork
Get movers' names and driver's license number
Monitor loading carefully
Keep copy of bill of lading and inventory
Document any damages immediately
Don't sign anything that says "goods received in good condition" until you've inspected
Get a direct phone number for the driver

This checklist is your shield. Your protection. Your peace of mind.

OR...

Skip all that stress and just call Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving at (517) 948-0894.

We've already checked all those boxes for you.

Why Moving Scams Are Getting Worse (And How Mr. BigStuff Is Fighting Back)

Moving scams are on the rise.

The Better Business Bureau reported a 216% increase in money lost to moving scams in 2022 compared to 2021.

That's SCARY.

Why is this happening?

Online booking makes it easier for scammers to appear legitimate
Economic pressures lead people to choose the lowest quotes
The housing market has created more moves in less time
There are too few investigators to handle the volume of complaints
Legal loopholes make it hard to prosecute moving scammers

But at Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we're fighting back. We're part of the solution.

Since our founding on January 1st, 2024, we've:

Maintained a perfect safety record
Earned 75+ 5-star reviews
Never had a single complaint filed with the BBB
Provided transparent, honest pricing
Treated every customer's belongings like our own

We're not just a moving company. We're moving company revolutionaries.

We're changing the industry one satisfied customer at a time.

The Hidden Costs of Hiring the Wrong Mover

When you hire a scam mover, the costs go WAY beyond money:

Financial Costs:

Paying double or triple the quoted price
Lost or damaged belongings
Legal fees to recover property
Emergency storage costs
Last-minute replacement movers

Emotional Costs:

Extreme stress and anxiety
Feeling violated and helpless
Disruption to family life
Loss of irreplaceable sentimental items
Trust issues with service providers

Time Costs:

Delays in getting settled
Time spent fighting for your rights
Hunting for replacement movers
Filing complaints and reports
Replacing lost or damaged items

Is saving a few bucks upfront worth all that? Of course not!

That's why Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving might not always be the cheapest quote you get.

Because we're HONEST about our prices.

We don't lure you in with lowball estimates only to jack up the price later.

We believe in fair, transparent pricing for quality service. Period.

How Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving Proves We're Different

Anyone can CLAIM to be trustworthy.

We PROVE it:

We invite you to visit our physical location
We show you our insurance certificates
We introduce you to our professional team
We provide detailed, binding estimates
We give you our owner Jae Burnham's personal cell number
We share real, verifiable customer testimonials
We welcome you to watch us load and unload
We guarantee our arrival times

We have nothing to hide. Because we do things RIGHT.

That's why we've earned 75+ 5-star reviews in just a few months of business. Because we're the real deal.

The BIG STUFF Guarantee: Our No-Risk Promise to You

When you choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, you get our iron-clad BIG STUFF Guarantee:

We show up on time, every time
We honor our estimates - no surprise fees
We treat your belongings with respect
We resolve any issues promptly and fairly
We make your move as stress-free as possible

If we fail in any way, we make it right.

That's our promise.

Can those scam movers make the same guarantee?

No way!

They're too busy planning their next victim.

Take Action NOW: Your Next Steps to a Scam-Free Move

You've read this guide.

You know the threats.

You understand the solution.

Now it's time to act.

Option 1: Do It The Hard Way

Follow all the steps in this guide. Research companies carefully. Get multiple in-home estimates. Check licenses and insurance. Read reviews. Inspect contracts line by line. Document everything. Be constantly vigilant for scams.

It's a lot of work. A lot of stress. A lot of uncertainty.

Option 2: Do It The Easy Way

Call Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving at (517) 948-0894 right now.

Let us handle everything.

Let us give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Let us show you what a professional, honest moving company looks like.

Visit our website at https://justthebigstuff.com to learn more about our services.

When you choose Mr. BigStuff, you're not just hiring movers. You're joining a family. A community of satisfied customers who sleep well at night knowing their move is in good hands.

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Your Moving Scam Defense: A Final Word from Jae Burnham

Hey, Jae Burnham here again.

I want to thank you for reading this guide.

For arming yourself with knowledge.

For taking a stand against moving scams.

This industry is my passion.

My calling.

I've made it my mission to restore trust in moving companies by leading by example.

When I founded Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving on January 1st, 2024, I made a promise: to be the moving company I would want to hire.

To treat every customer like family.

To handle every item like it was irreplaceable.

To make every move smooth and stress-free.

That promise guides everything we do.

So when you're ready for your next move, remember: "Moving Scam Terrorists Surrender When You Unleash This No-Mercy Defense Guide!" And the ultimate defense is choosing Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving.

Call us today at (517) 948-0894. Visit us at https://justthebigstuff.com.

Let us show you how moving should be.

Your stuff matters. Your peace of mind matters. YOU matter.

Choose wisely. Choose Mr. BigStuff.

P.S. Act Now: Special Offer for Smart Readers

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