Relocating to a new home or office can be a daunting task. It becomes even more difficult when you add dishonest moving brokers to the picture. These con-artists masquerade as moving companies and provide deceptively low quotes, just to raise charges later on, or even worse, vanish with your valuables. Knowing how these moving broker scams work and what steps you can take to protect yourself from them can save you a lot of heartache and financial loss.
This guide will delve into the issues of identifying moving broker scams and how to choose a vetted moving company. It will also show how U. S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO) can assist in the verification of movers and help to safeguard your move.
What Are Moving Broker Scams and How Do They Work?
Moving broker scams involve a broker posing as a legitimate moving company, while in actuality they do not have their own trucks, nor do they take care of moves personally. They do have their own trucks, but rather, they serve as dispatcher and take a deposit from a customer for moving his goods, and then pay a third party carrier to do the job. Not all brokers are criminals, but some attempts to conceal identity and charge phony deposit fees are rampant.
Common Signs of Moving Broker Scams
a. Extremely Low Estimates
Scammers work to lure customers by offering quotations that are lower than what genuine movers charge. After signing the contract, they often alter the terms by raising the cost significantly or by imposing hidden charges prior to delivery.
A large number of unsuspecting customers are victims of these fraudulent estimates and assume they are getting a bargain. However, when the actual moving processes sets in, the scammers subject the customer to extra charges with little option but to pay those charges.
b. Large Upfront Deposits
Some genuine movers may ask for small fee as a sign of goodwill, but fraudsters usually ask for even bigger sums to initiate any form of movement, and some even expect cash payments or nonrefundable charges.
Reliable movers will never expect large sums before any work is to be done. If a broker requests large sums before moving day, they are likely to vanish with the clients’ money which is ordinarily a huge red flag.
c. No Physical Address or Office
Scammers often operate from remote locations and use generic websites with no real business addresses. Always verify a company’s address and visit their office if possible. Reputable movers maintain physical offices where you can speak with representatives in person, like the below companies.
d. Vague or Non-Existent Licensing Information
Brokers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If a company refuses to provide their DOT number or registration, it’s a warning sign.
A genuine moving company willingly shares its licensing details. You can verify a mover’s legitimacy using USMPO’s Movers Database.
Learn More About Recognizing the Warning Signs of Moving Fraud
How to Protect Yourself from Moving Broker Scams?
Choosing a reputable mover is crucial to avoiding fraudulent brokers. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
a. Verify the Mover’s Credentials
Always check whether the moving company is licensed with USMPO and look up their DOT number. The USMPO database provides details about a mover’s track record, complaints, and licensing status. A trustworthy mover should have valid credentials and a history of legitimate operations.
b. Get Everything in Writing
Make sure that the moving services, costs, and other particulars of the service are presented in a written contract, and do not pay until you see it. Undesired charges and deceitful decreases in prices are best dealt with using a contract. Make sure and confirm all of the spoken promises are present in the contract.
c. Read Reviews and Complaints
Make an effort to find reviews of the company on Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. The company that has too many negative reviews should be avoided. It is best to look at multiple reviews from different sources to get an accurate representation of their credibility.
d. Use USMPO’s Verified Movers Database
The U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO) maintains a list of vetted and legitimate movers, ensuring you connect with reputable companies. USMPO eliminates fraudulent brokers by verifying movers based on customer feedback, licensing, and service history. Their database is a trusted resource for anyone planning a move.
Need help? Connect with a moving coordinator for assistance
How USMPO Helps You Find Safe and Reliable Movers
The U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO) offers valuable tools to protect customers from moving scams:
a. Verified Movers Database
USMPO only lists legitimate moving companies that meet industry standards and safety regulations.Each mover in their database undergoes a strict verification process, ensuring they have valid licensing and a positive customer reputation.
What is a USMPO Verified Carrier?
- Verified Carriers are held accountable to their service and accuracy of their estimates. It isn’t just about meeting basic licensing requirements—it’s about demonstrating a sustained commitment to creating a safer moving industry. To earn verification, movers must:
- Hold a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) license.
- Maintain a minimum B rating or higher with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Have an active operating authority for at least two years
- Operate legitimate, independent moving operations with owned trucks and trained staff.
- Adhere to the USMPO Code of Ethics, which ensures accountability, transparency, and consumer protection.
Why choose a Verified Carrier?
- Fair Pricing: Carriers are held accountable to their estimates. No hidden fees, no bait & switch pricing, no surprises on move day—just honest quotes and fair pricing adjustments if needed.
- Quality Assurance: Verified movers are thoroughly vetted to ensure their operations meet industry-leading standards for service and professionalism.
- Consumer Protection: USMPO advocates for customers, holding movers accountable for any discrepancies and ensuring a smooth, transparent experience.
- Fraud Prevention: With USMPO, you can avoid the risk of falling victim to rogue movers or brokers who exploit unsuspecting customers.
Our Methodology to Verify
- Pricing Accuracy
- Responsiveness & Customer Service
- Reliability & Delivery Time
- Integrity, Ethics & Professionalism
- Problem Resolution
b. List Your Move
Customers can enter their moving details on USMPO’s platform to receive quotes from pre-screened and trustworthy movers. By using this service, you avoid unsolicited calls from brokers and connect directly with reliable moving companies.
Submit Your Move Details
List your move details to our job board and connect to carriers with available space headed in your direction.
Recieve & Compare Bids
Receive bids from verified carriers competing for your business and compare multiple pricing options.
Reserve Risk Free
Book with added protection & secure payments. We hold movers accountable to their estimates.
c. Complaint Resolution Assistance
If you face issues with a mover, USMPO helps resolve disputes through their consumer advocacy program. Whether it’s hidden charges or lost items, USMPO assists in mediating disputes and guiding customers toward legal actions if necessary.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Move Safely
Moving broker scams can cause financial loss and emotional distress, but with proper knowledge, you can avoid falling victim to these fraudulent practices. By researching moving companies, verifying credentials, and utilizing resources like USMPO, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
If you’re planning a move soon, start by checking USMPO’s Verified Movers Database to connect with safe, reliable, and professional moving companies.
How can I verify if a moving company is legitimate?
You can verify a moving company by checking their DOT number with FMCSA and reading reviews on platforms like BBB, Google Reviews, and USMPO’s Verified Movers Database.