BBB: How To Protect Yourself From Moving Scams
DETROIT (WWJ) - This is the busiest time of year for moving. And as WWJ's Jayne Bower reports, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is out with a few guidelines to avoid being scammed.
Following a few simple rules when selecting a mover will go a long way toward protecting yourself from being victimized by scams this summer, according to BBB and the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).
Chief among them: make sure you know who you're hiring and know your rights.
Every year, however, both BBB and AMSA receive complaints from consumers who have fallen prey to dishonest and often unlicensed moving companies.
BBB received more than 8,900 complaints against movers in 2010 - a five percent increase over the previous year - primarily about damaged or lost goods and final prices in excess of original estimates.
In a too-frequent worst-case scenario, the moving company holds the customer's belongings "hostage" and requires potentially thousands of dollars to unload the van.
One particularly egregious complaint last year involved a consumer who hired a moving company found on Craigslist. A-1-A Jay's Way Moving quoted a reasonable price of $80 per hour.
It wasn't until they arrived at the new apartment that A-1-A Jay's Way Moving upped the price to $800 – practically doubling the quoted price.
Demanding the payment in cash, A-1-A Jay's Way Moving refused to unload the belongings and threatened that the furniture would be taken to storage, leaving the consumer no choice but to pay the drastic difference in price.
BBB discovered that the company did not have its required licensing as a household mover with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A-1-A Jay's Way Moving did not respond to the complaint.
"Because anyone with a truck and a website can claim to be a mover, our industry is plagued by con artists who don't adhere to standards for honesty and ethical conduct," AMSA President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr said in a statement.
"When it comes to such an important decision, you can prevent a lot of headaches by checking on a company in advance to identify which put customer service and integrity first. For interstate moves, that means an AMSA-certified ProMover," Darr continued.
"Checking a mover's credentials is critical and easy. Last year alone, consumers relied on BBB more than one million times for finding a trustworthy mover," Melanie Duquesnel, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, said in a statement. "When making the final choice, go with a BBB Accredited Businesses or, at the very least, choose a business that has a good rating with BBB."
BBB and AMSA offer the following checklist for finding a trustworthy moving company:
Research the company thoroughly. While state regulations vary, all interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the federal government and are assigned a motor carrier number, which you can verify on FMCSA's website. Also check the company's rating with your BBB.
Get at least three written in-home estimates. No legitimate mover will offer to give you a firm price online or over the phone. Also keep in mind that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic low-ball offer which can cost you more in the end.
Know your rights. Research your rights as a consumer with either FMCSA for interstate moves or the state in which you reside for moves within that state. Also, enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises or threatens to hold your belongings hostage.
Consider getting full value protection. It may cost a few dollars more up front, but it can provide some peace of mind and eliminate a headache after your move. Investing in full replacement value protection means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made to repair the item or to replace it at its current market value, regardless of age.
To research a moving company, visit detroit.bbb.org.
