How to Spot a Moving Scam — 9 Red Flags to Watch For
Moving is stressful enough without worrying about fraud. Unfortunately, the moving industry has one of the highest complaint rates of any consumer service. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) receives thousands of complaints about rogue movers every year. Here are the warning signs that should make you think twice.
1. The Estimate Is Suspiciously Low
If a quote comes in dramatically lower than everyone else, that is almost certainly a trap. Rogue movers use lowball estimates to win your business, then inflate the price on moving day once your belongings are loaded onto the truck. A legitimate mover will provide a binding or not-to-exceed estimate after an in-home or video survey of your items.
2. No In-Home or Video Survey
Any mover that gives you a binding price over the phone without seeing your belongings is guessing — or, more likely, planning to charge you more later. Reputable companies will always assess the volume and weight of your move before committing to a price. Federal law requires written estimates for interstate moves.
3. Large Upfront Deposit Required
Legitimate moving companies rarely ask for more than a small deposit or no deposit at all. If a company demands a large cash deposit before the move, that money may disappear along with the company. Payment should happen upon delivery, and you should pay by credit card for maximum consumer protection.
4. No DOT Number or Refuses to Share It
Every interstate mover must have a US DOT number issued by the FMCSA. If a company cannot or will not provide their DOT number, they may be operating illegally. You can verify any DOT number on MoveSafe in seconds. Learn more about what a DOT number is and why it matters.
5. Generic Business Name or No Physical Address
Scam movers frequently operate under generic names like "Best Moving Services" and have no verifiable physical address. They may use a P.O. box or virtual office. A legitimate mover will have a warehouse, trucks with their company name, and employees in branded uniforms.
6. Blank or Incomplete Paperwork
Never sign a blank contract or bill of lading. Federal regulations require movers to provide specific documents including a written estimate, order for service, bill of lading, and an inventory list. If any of these are missing or incomplete, walk away.
7. Your Belongings Are Held Hostage
One of the most common and distressing scams is the "hostage load." The mover loads your belongings, then demands a much higher price than quoted — and refuses to unload until you pay. This is illegal, but it happens thousands of times a year. Read our detailed guide on the hostage load scam and how to prevent it.
8. No Proof of Insurance
All legitimate movers carry cargo insurance. If a company cannot provide a certificate of insurance, your belongings are unprotected during transit. The FMCSA tracks insurance status for registered carriers — you can check this on any company's MoveSafe safety report. Learn more about moving insurance and what it covers.
9. Consistently Bad Reviews or No Reviews at All
Check Google, BBB, and Yelp reviews. A pattern of complaints about hidden fees, damaged items, or hostage loads is a clear warning. Equally suspicious is a company with zero reviews — they may be operating under a new name to escape their reputation. Cross-reference with their FMCSA record on MoveSafe.
How to Protect Yourself
- Get at least three written, in-home estimates
- Verify the company's DOT number on MoveSafe
- Check their insurance status and crash history
- Read the fine print — understand binding vs. non-binding estimates
- Pay by credit card, never cash or wire transfer
- Document everything: photos, inventory lists, signed contracts
- File a complaint with the FMCSA if anything goes wrong