How to Spot Moving Company Scams, Part 2

Suzanne is joined by Sean Joseph, CEO of Jordan River International Moving & Storage, a nationwide firm that specializes in working with seniors. They continue their conversation about moving company scams to watch for.

Sean says, “I’m a board member of the Washington Movers Conference. And every time, we’re talking about education, education, education. People need to be aware of scams. The scan is very simple. The company tries to get you in at a certain amount of money, and then double it. 

“First, stay away from brokers. Brokers won’t admit they are brokers. Brokers always charge a 35% deposit… If the company asks you and try to move you based on a cubic feet, run and hang up the phone. You don’t want to move by cubic feet, because this is not a precise measure… [A scammer] will create a hole in the middle of the truck to inflate the amount of space they’re using… Pay attention to blank paperwork. They must send a bill of lading three days before the move… Don’t sign a blank paper.

“Recently [scammers] have been using the same tactic of a binding estimate fee… Legitimate companies will not charge for an estimate. Any time you hear that, it’s a scam.”

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