Hiring the wrong moving company doesn’t just cost you money — it can mean broken furniture, missed delivery dates, or belongings held hostage until you pay a surprise fee. The moving industry has a real scam problem, especially for long-distance moves. Here’s how to vet a company properly and the warning signs that mean you should walk away.
What a Legitimate Mover Should Have
Before comparing prices, confirm the basics:
- USDOT number (for interstate moves) — every legal interstate mover must be registered with the Department of Transportation. You can look up any company’s number on the FMCSA’s website to check their safety record and complaint history.
- A physical business address — not just a phone number and a website.
- Insurance and licensing appropriate to your state for local moves.
- A written in-home or video survey before providing a final estimate — reputable movers don’t quote a whole-house price over the phone without seeing what you own.
7 Red Flags That Mean You Should Walk Away
1. A Huge Deposit Required Upfront
Legitimate movers typically require little to no deposit before the move. Demanding a large deposit — especially in cash — is one of the most common signs of a moving scam.
2. The Estimate Is Wildly Lower Than Everyone Else’s
If one quote comes in dramatically below every other company you’ve contacted, be suspicious. Lowball quotes are frequently used to get a signature, with the price increasing dramatically on move day once your belongings are already loaded.
3. They Won’t Do an In-Home or Video Survey
A phone-only or “just tell me how many rooms” quote is not a real estimate. Without seeing your belongings, no company can accurately price a move — quotes given this way are essentially guesses that leave room for a big “surprise” adjustment later.
4. Vague or Missing Paperwork
You should receive a clear written estimate, a bill of lading, and information about your rights and responsibilities as a mover before you sign anything. If a company is reluctant to put things in writing, that’s a serious warning sign.
5. The Company Uses Several Different Names
Search the company name plus “reviews” or “complaints.” If you find the same address or phone number associated with multiple different business names, it’s a common tactic used by disreputable movers to escape bad reviews and complaints under a previous name.
6. No Local Presence or Recent Reviews
A company with no verifiable address, no recent reviews, or a flood of reviews all posted in the same short window is worth extra scrutiny.
7. Pressure to Sign Immediately
Reputable movers give you time to compare quotes. High-pressure tactics — “this price is only good if you book today” — are designed to stop you from shopping around or reading the fine print.
Questions to Ask Every Company Before Booking
- What is your USDOT number, and can I verify it?
- Is this a binding or non-binding estimate?
- What happens if my move takes longer than expected, or my delivery window changes?
- What kind of valuation/insurance coverage is included, and what does upgraded coverage cost?
- Who do I contact if something goes wrong during the move?
- Are there additional fees for stairs, long carries, or bulky items?
How Many Quotes You Actually Need
Get quotes from at least three companies, each based on an in-home or video survey rather than a phone estimate. This gives you a realistic price range for your specific move and makes it easy to spot an outlier — either a lowball scam quote or an inflated one.
Bottom Line
The cheapest quote is not automatically the best one, and the most professional-looking website doesn’t guarantee a legitimate company. Verify the USDOT number, insist on an in-home or video survey, get everything in writing, and treat any pressure to decide immediately or pay a large deposit upfront as a reason to look elsewhere.
Ready to compare movers? [Get quotes from vetted, licensed moving companies] before you book.
