What Are Common Moving Scams in 2025 (And How To Avoid Them)?

You just said “yes” to a new job in another area, and you’re now in full-throttle moving mode.

You search for “movers near me” and TONS of options fill your screen. However, you know that not all of these potential moving partners have your best interest in mind. Unfortunately, many unsuspecting customers fall prey to scams and unethical practices by moving brokers and rogue moving companies.

But as you look through your search results, how do you spot scams? How can you know that you’re booking with a reputable company?

Let’s talk about how you can steer clear of untrustworthy companies, protect yourself from some of the most common moving scams, and feel confident you can count on your mover.

Common Types of Moving Scams in 2025

Have you heard the phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” This saying holds true for understanding fraudulent practices. Scammers may have a professional-looking website, friendly representatives, and attractive offers. But here are some of the tactics you can look out for to know they’re not the moving partner for you:

1. Bait-and-Switch Estimates

Imagine getting a quote that seems too good to be true, only to face MUCH higher fees when it’s time for delivery. In this scam, a company lures you in with a rock-bottom estimate to secure your business. But once your belongings are in transit, they pile on fees and charges.

This is a tactic often used by moving brokers. These companies are sales teams without their own vehicles or movers. They buy your move and sell it to third-party providers. After promising an impossibly low estimate, they might or might not be able to find a mover to provide services at that rate, resulting in additional charges from the actual moving company.

Ways to avoid this scam:

• Get quotes from multiple companies. If one is significantly lower than the others, it might be a scam.
• Ask the company if they have their own moving team and own a fleet.
• Beware of any company that won’t provide a written estimate.

2. Hostage Situations

Next on our list of common moving scams: holding your belongings hostage. This can occur when the company has possession of your belongings and demands additional fees to release your items.

Ways to avoid this scam:

• Always check a mover’s reviews and local reputation.
• Ensure you’ve a written contract.

3. Fake Moving Companies

Not every mover is legitimate. Some companies operate without proper licenses, use fake reviews, and might even disappear after receiving your deposit.

Ways to avoid this scam:

• Verify a company’s licensing information (like their USDOT number).
• Make sure your mover is an agent of a trusted van line. Companies like Mayflower carefully choose agents that meet their standards of service.

4. Blank Contract Scams

Sometimes scammers or disreputable companies offer vague or incomplete contracts loaded with hidden charges. As a customer, insist on a detailed, written contract with clear terms of service before you agree to anything.

Ways to avoid this scam:

• Avoid any mover who won’t provide a thorough, written contract.
• Read the fine print and make sure you understand the services and fees.
• Again, check a company’s reviews and local reputation — and make sure they’re a trusted agent of a reputable van line. This provides protection against common moving scams.

Here at Scobey, we strive for complete transparency with our pricing. You deserve to feel confident and secure during the whole moving process.

Warning Signs of a Moving Scam

Scammers continually devise new methods to exploit unsuspecting customers. But regardless of the scam, there are ways to stay one step ahead and stay safe. We’ve talked about some of the most common fraudulent practices, but here are red flags to watch out for:

🚩 Extremely Low Estimates

• If the estimate seems unusually low, you might be dealing with a scammer.

🚩 Cash-Only Demands

• Beware of any company that pressures you to pay in cash or asks for an upfront deposit. At Scobey, we encourage payment by card, and only AFTER the truck is loaded.

🚩 No Physical Address

• Make sure your mover has a verifiable business address in your area.

🚩 No Verifiable Licensing Information

• Companies that perform interstate moves are required to register with the USDOT and FMSCA. Some scammers use fake USDOT numbers — so make sure to verify your mover’s qualifications!

🚩 Poor or Inconsistent Online Reviews

• Always check reviews on multiple platforms. You can often spot common moving scams by recurring complaints or majorly inconsistent responses.

🚩 Refusal To Provide a Written Contract

• If a mover won’t provide a written contract, don’t work with them.

How To Protect Yourself From Moving Scams

Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about scammers. Fortunately, there are ways you can protect yourself and feel confident in your mover.

Here’s how:

1. Research Your Mover Thoroughly

✅ Verify licenses (such as the USDOT number) and insurance.

✅ Ask for recommendations and check with local consumer protection agencies.

2. Get Multiple Quotes

✅ Compare at least three different quotes to gauge the market rate and identify unusually low or high estimates.

Pro tip: Write a checklist of questions to ask each potential mover.

3. Read Your Contract Carefully

✅ Look through every line and ask questions!

✅ Get details about the cancellation policy, final delivery time/date, and check for any hidden surcharges.

4. Use Secure Forms of Payment

✅ Paying by card provides a record of the transaction and built-in dispute resolution options if issues arise.

✅ NEVER make an upfront cash payment.

Not only does paying with a card help you avoid common moving scams, you can also earn points or miles to use later! Win-win!

What To Do if You Become a Victim of a Moving Scam

It’s unfortunate, but every year people fall prey to moving scams. If you suspect that you’re one of these victims, here are some steps you can take:

Contact Local Law Enforcement:

• File a police report to document the incident.

Report the Scam:

• Notify the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help warn others.

Share Your Experience

• Leave honest reviews on multiple platforms. Dispute any fraudulent charges with your bank.

Staying Safe, Secure, and Confident During Your Move

When it comes to avoiding common moving scams, prevention is truly the best medicine. Moving is already stressful, and you deserve to feel confident and secure throughout the process! Knowing scammers’ tactics and red flags to watch for can help keep them far away from your move (and wallet). At Scobey, we’re committed to providing quality moves you can count on. And with over a century of experience, we’re here to help you have the best moving experience possible.

CTA: Looking for a mover you can count on? Contact Scobey today! We’re here to help you have a secure, low-stress move.

FAQ

1. Are moving brokers the same as moving companies?

No, they’re not moving companies. They’re sales teams that act as middlemen between you and a mover. They don’t handle your move themselves, and they might link you with less-than-quality service. Always ensure you’re working with a licensed mover and verify their credentials online. For your convenience, here’s a short summary of the risks of moving brokers.

2. How does working with an agent of a reputable van line protect you from common moving scams?

Working with a mover affiliated with a reputable van line provides an added layer of security and confidence. Van lines like Mayflower carefully select agents that meet their standards of service and offer a nationwide network of connections.

3. How can I verify that my potential mover is legitimate?

If you’re in Texas, all movers are required to register with the TxDMV. If you’re moving across state lines, you can verify a potential mover’s USDOT number on the FMCSA website. You can also ask about a mover’s association memberships (for instance, Scobey is a proud pinnacle member of the Southwest Mover’s Association (SMA). If you’d like to find out more about making sure your mover is legitimate, check out this blog post.