Common Moving Scams and How to Avoid Them: Your Ultimate Protection Guide

The Hidden Dangers of Moving Day That Could Cost You Everything

Want to know a scary fact?

Common moving scams and how to avoid them is something EVERYONE needs to know before they hire a moving company.

Yes, even you.

Why?

Because every year, thousands of nice folks just like you get tricked by bad movers who take their money and break their stuff.

But don't worry!

Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving is here to keep you safe. As a new but trusted moving company with over 75 five-star reviews, we've seen all the tricks. Our founder, Jae Burnham, made sure we do things the RIGHT way.

WARNING: If you don't read this whole article, you might become the next moving scam victim. But if you stick with us to the end, you'll know exactly how to protect yourself and your belongings.

Are you ready to learn the truth? Let's dive in!

The 17 Most Common Moving Scams That Could Happen to YOU

Bad movers are out there waiting to trick you.

Here are the 17 most common moving scams they use:

1. Bait and Switch Pricing: The Price Tag Trick

Have you ever been told one price, then charged a much bigger one? This is called "bait and switch." Bad movers give you a low price to make you happy. Then on moving day, they say, "Oops! It will cost way more now!"

Why do they do this? Because once your stuff is on their truck, you have no choice but to pay. It's like being held hostage!

Real-Life Example: Mary from Detroit was quoted $1,200 for her move. But when the movers got everything on the truck, they suddenly said it would be $3,500! She had to pay or lose all her things.

2. Low-Ball Estimates: Too Good to Be True

When a price seems too good to be true, it probably is! Some movers give super low estimates to get your business. They know you'll pick the cheapest option. Then they hit you with "extra fees" later.

Remember: If one quote is much lower than all the others, this is a BIG red flag!

3. Holding Your Stuff Hostage: The Ransom Game

This is one of the scariest scams! Bad movers load your stuff, drive to your new home, and then refuse to unload unless you pay them extra money. Your things are basically kidnapped!

They might say: "Pay us $2,000 more, or we drive away with everything you own!" What can you do? Most people just pay.

4. The No-Show Movers: Taking Your Deposit and Running

You book movers. You pay a deposit. Moving day comes... but the movers don't! They took your money and disappeared. Now you have no movers and no way to get your deposit back.

This happens more often than you think, especially during busy summer months when everyone is moving.

5. Weight Bumping: The Invisible Weight Game

Interstate movers charge by weight. Dishonest ones claim your stuff weighs more than it really does. They might add extra weight to the truck or just lie about the number.

How would you know? You can't weigh the truck yourself, so they can get away with it!

6. Cash Only Demands: The Disappearing Money Trick

Beware of movers who only take cash! When you pay cash, you have no proof of payment and no way to get your money back if things go wrong.

Legitimate movers, like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, take credit cards and provide proper receipts.

7. Disappearing With Your Belongings: The Vanishing Act

It sounds like a nightmare, but it happens: Movers load up your stuff and simply never arrive at your new home. They've stolen everything!

These "movers" are actually thieves who know exactly what they're doing.

8. Hidden Fees After Loading: The Fee Surprise Party

You agreed on a price, but suddenly there are extra fees for:

• Stairs

• Long walks from truck to door

• Packing materials

• Heavy items

• Narrow doorways

• Storage fees

• Fuel surcharges

These weren't in your contract, but now you must pay or your stuff stays on the truck!

9. Using Unlicensed Movers: The Fake Company Scam

Some "moving companies" aren't really companies at all! They have no license, no insurance, and no training. They're just people with a truck who decided to make money by moving stuff.

When they damage your things or steal them, you have no protection.

10. Last-Minute Price Increases: The Moving Day Surprise

Everything is packed, the truck is ready, and suddenly the mover says: "Oh, by the way, the price just went up by $500." What can you do? Your moving day is HERE. You need to move TODAY.

They know you're stuck and will probably pay.

11. Fake Reviews: The Make-Believe Happy Customers

Don't trust online reviews without doing your homework! Bad moving companies create fake five-star reviews to look good.

Look for companies with REAL reviews across many platforms, like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving with our 75+ authentic five-star reviews on Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper.

12. Moving Broker Scams: The Middleman Trap

Moving brokers aren't actual movers. They're middlemen who sell your job to real movers. The problem? The real movers might be terrible, and the broker takes no responsibility!

Brokers often give low estimates to get your business, knowing the actual movers will charge you more later.

13. Bill of Lading Fraud: The Paper Trail Trick

The bill of lading is your moving contract. Dishonest movers might:

• Leave sections blank to fill in later

• Add terms you didn't agree to

• "Lose" your copy

• Change the terms after you sign

Always read EVERYTHING before signing and keep your copy safe!

14. Unreasonable Storage Fees: The Warehouse Hostage

Some movers claim they can't deliver on the promised day and need to put your things in storage. Then they charge huge daily storage fees!

This "delay" is often planned from the start as a way to charge you more.

15. Company Name-Changing: The Identity Switch

Bad moving companies change their name often to escape bad reviews and complaints. If a company has been around for less than a year, be careful!

At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we're new but proud of our name and reputation. We're building a company that will last, not running from our past.

16. No Written Estimate: The Invisible Agreement

If a mover won't give you a written estimate, RUN! Verbal agreements mean nothing when things go wrong.

Every legitimate mover provides clear, written estimates before you agree to hire them.

17. Damage Claim Denial: The "Not Our Fault" Game

When movers break your things, bad companies will say:

• "You packed it wrong"

• "It was already broken"

• "That's normal wear and tear"

• "You didn't buy enough insurance"

Then they refuse to pay for the damage, leaving you with broken items and no help.

How to Spot These Scams BEFORE They Happen to You

Now that you know the tricks, how do you protect yourself?

Here's your step-by-step guide to staying safe:

Check for Proper Licensing

Every interstate mover MUST have a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Local movers need state licenses.

Do This Now: Before hiring ANY mover, ask for their USDOT number and check it at the FMCSA website. If they don't have one, they're not legal!

Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving has all required licenses and insurance—just ask us and we'll proudly show you!

Read Reviews (The Right Way)

Don't just look at star ratings. Read the actual reviews and look for:

• Specific details about the move

• Photos from real customers

• Reviews across multiple platforms (not just their website)

• Responses from the company to negative reviews

Our 75+ five-star reviews on Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper show our real commitment to customer happiness.

Get Multiple Written Estimates

NEVER accept a verbal estimate or a quick online quote without an inspection. Legitimate movers need to see your stuff to give an accurate price.

Get at least three written estimates from different companies. If one is much lower, be suspicious!

Verify the Company's Physical Location

Real moving companies have real offices, not just P.O. boxes or apartment addresses. Check their address on Google Maps or even drive by!

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

Ask These 10 Important Questions

Before hiring any mover, ask these questions:

1. How long has your company been in business?

2. Can I have your USDOT number?

3. Do you have insurance, and what does it cover?

4. Will you do an in-home estimate?

5. Is my estimate binding or non-binding?

6. What additional fees might I have to pay?

7. How do you handle damaged items?

8. What is your cancellation policy?

9. Will you give me a written contract?

10. Who do I contact if there are problems?

At Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, we're happy to answer ALL of these questions clearly and honestly.

Understand Different Types of Estimates

There are three types of estimates:

• Non-binding: Final price could be higher

• Binding: Price won't change regardless of weight or time

• Binding Not-to-Exceed: You pay the estimate or less if the move takes less time/weight

Always get a binding estimate if possible! Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving offers clear, honest pricing with no surprises.

Never Pay a Large Deposit

Legitimate movers don't need big deposits. A small deposit (less than 20%) might be normal, but anything larger is suspicious.

Pay with a credit card if possible, NEVER cash! Credit cards give you some protection if things go wrong.

Get Everything in Writing

Verbal promises mean NOTHING. Get a written contract that includes:

• Pickup and delivery dates

• Total cost and payment terms

• Insurance coverage

• Company contact information

• Inventory list of all items

• Any special handling instructions

Read it ALL before signing!

Know Your Rights

For interstate moves, movers must give you a booklet called "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." If they don't, they're breaking federal law!

This booklet explains what movers can and cannot do. Read it carefully before moving day.

Real-Life Horror Stories: Don't Let This Happen to You!

Sometimes the best way to learn is from others' mistakes.

Here are real stories from moving scam victims:

The Vanishing Deposit

"I paid a $700 deposit to hold my moving date. The day before my move, I called to confirm and the phone number was disconnected! The company had disappeared with my money and left me with no movers just 24 hours before I had to be out of my apartment."

How to avoid this: Research companies thoroughly and never pay large deposits.

The Price Tripling

"My quote was $2,500 for my three-bedroom home. After loading everything, the movers said it would actually be $7,800! When I refused to pay, they drove off with my stuff and wouldn't tell me where it was going. I had to get police involved to get my belongings back."

How to avoid this: Get a binding written estimate and know your rights.

The Broken Piano

"Movers dropped my grandmother's antique piano down the stairs. When I filed a claim, they said I hadn't purchased enough insurance and offered me $60 for an irreplaceable family heirloom worth thousands."

How to avoid this: Understand insurance options and get full-value protection for valuable items.

The Hostage Situation

"After driving my stuff 1,000 miles to my new home, the movers parked their truck in my driveway and demanded an extra $3,000 in cash. They wouldn't unload a single box until I paid. I had to withdraw my entire savings to get my own belongings back."

How to avoid this: Use reputable movers like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving who have integrity and transparent pricing.

The Mr. BigStuff Difference: Moving with Trust and Integrity

By now, you're probably wondering: "How do I find a moving company I can actually trust?"

The answer is simple: Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving.

Founded on January 1st, 2024, by YouTube influencer and published author Jae Burnham, we built our company on one simple idea: DO THINGS RIGHT.

Why Our Customers Love Us:

• Total Transparency: Our pricing is clear, honest, and written down. No surprises ever!

• Proper Licensing: We have all required licenses and insurance.

• Trained Professionals: Our movers are experienced, background-checked, and care about your belongings.

• Guaranteed Delivery: We show up when promised and deliver on time.

• Protection Plans: Multiple insurance options to protect your valuable items.

• No Hidden Fees: The price we quote is the price you pay.

• 75+ Five-Star Reviews: Our customers love us because we treat them right!

Don't take our word for it—check out our reviews on Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper. We're proud of our perfect five-star rating!

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Scams

Still have questions?

We've got answers to the most common questions about moving scams:

How do I identify a legitimate moving company?

Look for proper licensing (USDOT number for interstate movers), physical office location, professional website, and consistent positive reviews across multiple platforms. Legitimate movers like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving are transparent about their business practices.

Is it normal for a moving company to ask for a deposit?

Small deposits (under 20%) can be normal, especially during busy seasons. But large deposits are a red flag. Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving has reasonable deposit policies that protect both you and us.

How can I verify if a moving company is licensed?

Interstate movers must have a USDOT number you can verify on the FMCSA website. Local movers need state licenses. Always check before hiring!

What should I do if a moving company holds my belongings hostage?

Contact the FMCSA immediately at 1-888-DOT-SAFT if it's an interstate move. For local moves, call local police. Document everything and don't pay in cash. Better yet, avoid this situation by using trusted movers like us!

Are online reviews reliable for choosing a moving company?

Reviews can be helpful, but look for detailed reviews across multiple platforms, not just the company's website. Check for specific details that show the reviews are authentic.

Why is my moving quote so much lower than others?

Be very suspicious of unusually low quotes! They often lead to price increases later or indicate a scam company. Legitimate movers like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving offer fair, competitive rates that reflect the actual work involved.

What's the difference between a moving broker and a moving company?

Brokers sell your job to actual movers but don't do the moving themselves. Moving companies (like us) own trucks and employ the people who handle your move. Working directly with a moving company is almost always better!

How much should I expect to pay for a move?

Local moves typically cost $80-$100 per hour for a two-person team. Long-distance moves average $2,000-$5,000 depending on distance and size. Always get multiple quotes to understand fair pricing.

Can I report a moving scam, and if so, where?

Yes! Report interstate moving scams to the FMCSA and the BBB. Local scams should be reported to state authorities and local police. Always report scams to protect others!

What information should be included in a proper moving contract?

A proper contract (bill of lading) should include pickup and delivery dates, total cost, payment terms, inventory list, insurance coverage, and contact information. Never sign incomplete contracts!

Should I get an in-home estimate or is an online estimate sufficient?

ALWAYS get an in-home estimate for accuracy. Online or phone estimates are often unreliable and can lead to price increases later. Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving provides thorough in-home estimates.

What are my rights when using an interstate moving company?

Interstate movers must provide a booklet called "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." This explains federal regulations protecting you. Know your rights before moving day!

How can I protect myself from bait-and-switch pricing?

Get a binding written estimate, read the contract carefully, and choose reputable movers with good reviews. Never hire companies with suspiciously low estimates.

Is it safer to use a national moving company or a local one?

Both can be good choices if properly vetted. Local companies like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving often provide more personalized service and care more about their local reputation.

What type of insurance should a moving company offer?

Moving companies should offer Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection options. Understand what's covered before choosing.

What should I do if my belongings are damaged during a move?

Document the damage immediately with photos, note it on the delivery paperwork, and file a claim promptly. Reputable movers will work with you to resolve claims fairly.

How far in advance should I book a moving company?

Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season (May-September) and 2-4 weeks during off-peak times. Earlier is always better, especially for long-distance moves.

(Click here for our 8-week, 72-point massive, epic moving checklist)

What are the warning signs of a moving scam during initial contact?

Be wary of companies that: won't do in-home estimates, have no USDOT number, answer phones generically ("movers" instead of company name), have no physical address, or demand large deposits.

What recourse do I have if I've been scammed by a moving company?

You can file complaints with the FMCSA, BBB, state attorneys general, and local police. You may also be able to dispute credit card charges or take legal action.

Don't Become a Victim: Book Your Move with Mr. BigStuff Today!

Now that you know how to spot and avoid moving scams, it's time to make the smart choice for your next move.

Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving offers:

• Fair, transparent pricing

• Professional, trained movers

• Proper licensing and insurance

• On-time service

• Careful handling of your belongings

• Peace of mind knowing you won't be scammed

Ready for a Stress-Free Move?

Call us today at (517) 948-0894 for a free, no-obligation estimate. We'll answer all your questions honestly and show you why our 75+ five-star reviews speak for themselves.

Or visit our website at https://justthebigstuff.com to learn more about our services and see why we're Michigan's most trusted new moving company.

Don't risk your valuable belongings with just anyone. Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving—where integrity matters and your satisfaction is guaranteed!

Remember: The difference between a nightmare move and a dream move is often just the company you choose. Choose wisely. Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving.

About the Author: This article was written by the content team at Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, under the direction of founder Jae Burnham. We're committed to educating consumers about moving scams while providing the highest quality moving services in Michigan.