You’ve started to declutter your home and organize your belongings. Next, it’s time to find a moving company.
Unfortunately, not all moving companies are reliable, and there are a number of moving scams that you need to be on the lookout for. Busy Buddies, a trusted expert at senior move management, shares a list of red flags you need to watch out for to avoid falling victim to a moving scam.
1. They Don’t Have a USDOT Number
Whether a moving company specialize sin interstate or elderly moving services, they must have a federal motor carrier number or a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. If they refuse to share this information with you or they don’t have one, they may not be a legal business at all.
2. They Don’t Own Their Trucks
Many fraudulent moving companies don’t have their own fleet of trucks. Typically, they use unmarked trucks or U-haul trucks, which can be very difficult to track.
3. They Don’t Answer Your Questions
Rogue moving companies often dodge questions and hold back information from customers. Professional movers, on the other hand, will provide all the information you need to ensure a smooth process even when an issue arises. For instance, with regards to filing claims, rogue moving companies will deliberately not tell you about the procedure. They want to make it impossible for you to file claims so that they won’t be held liable for any damage or loss.
4. They Don’t Conduct In-Home Estimates
An in-home estimate enables moving companies to give accurate quotes. If they refuse to do this, they are most likely expecting you to underestimate your needs — which gives them a reason to increase the cost of their services on moving day.
With over 20 years of experience, Busy Buddies offers our expertise in caring transitions as well as senior move management. Call us at (703) 828-1833 or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation. We serve customers in McLean, VA, and nearby areas.
