Relocation, albeit stressful, can also be fun, but only if you choose the right moving company. Like all the businesses in the world, moving companies also have scammers, and it is crucial to spot them when hiring one. They can turn the fun of the service into a complete nightmare, and you will end up paying heavily despite agreeing on a price lower than everyone else.
Why Should You Always Hire a Professional Mover
Let’s be honest; there is a reason why quality movers charge higher than the average ones. Moving is a hectic process for both the client and the moving company, and professional movers look into each detail before moving. Their price is always worth the service they provide, and in some cases, lower.
On top of that, they also ensure the following protocols:
- The ultimate safety of your items
- Transparency about everything
- Adherence to local and state laws
- Licensing and insurance
Why You Should Always Avoid Scam Movers
In contrast, scam movers are the polar opposite. They lure you in with their too-good-to-be-true price and manipulate you into making you think they are the best movers you can get, although it is quite the contrary. When it comes to delivering results, they vanish into thin air.
Dealing With Scammers – 12 Red Flags To Avoid (At All Costs)
Fortunately for us, these scammers follow similar patterns when scamming. They leave a trail of their activities behind, and analyzing them correctly serves as our guiding point. These steps are mentioned as follows:
- Unrealistically low estimates
- Demanding cash upfront
- Lack of licensing and insurance
- No physical address or office
- Vague or unclear contracts
- Refusal to do in-home estimates
- Pressure tactics and high-pressure sales
- Changing company name frequently
- Poor online reviews or no reviews
- Unprofessional behavior or lack of uniformity
- Asking for a blank or incomplete contract
- Avoiding direct questions or being evasive
A Too-Good-To-Be-True Price – The Initial Trap
Scam movers often reel you in with unbelievably low quotes. If a price seems too good to be true, it is too good to be true. This “bargain” is often a lure, and they use it to secure your business, only to hit you with hidden fees or inflated costs later on, making the final price much higher than you anticipated.
Demanding Cash Upfront – A Major Warning Sign
Legitimate moving companies rarely demand full payment in cash before the move and often ask you to check your stuff before paying. On the other hand, scammers often pressure clients to make large cash deposits upfront.
This is a huge red flag. Once they have your cash, they have little incentive to provide quality service or even complete the move as agreed. Reputable movers usually accept various payment methods and bill after delivery.
Lack of Licensing and Insurance – Illegal and Risky
Professional movers must have proper licensing and insurance to operate legally. Scam companies often skip this crucial step. Always verify their licensing and insurance credentials. Moving with an unlicensed and uninsured company puts you at immense risk if your belongings are damaged or lost or if accidents occur during the move.
No Physical Address or Office – Ghost Companies
Be wary of moving companies that don’t have a verifiable physical address or office. Scam operations often operate online or from temporary locations. A legitimate company will have a real office space. The lack of a physical presence makes it difficult to track them down if problems arise or to hold them accountable.
Vague or Unclear Contracts – Hidden Traps
Scam movers often use vague or incomplete contracts. They avoid specific details about services, costs, and liabilities. A legitimate contract should clearly outline everything, including inventory, pricing, insurance, and delivery terms. Unclear contracts are designed to allow scammers to exploit loopholes and add unexpected charges.
Refusal to do In-Home Estimates – Guesswork and Inflation
Reputable movers usually offer or insist on in-home estimates to accurately assess the move’s complexity and provide a precise quote. Scam companies often avoid in-home visits, giving estimates over the phone or online. This allows them to provide a low initial quote and then inflate the price later, claiming unforeseen issues.
Pressure Tactics and High-Pressure Sales – Rushing You In
Scammers often use high-pressure sales tactics, urging you to book immediately and making you feel rushed. They might claim limited availability or special deals that expire quickly. Legitimate movers provide quotes and allow you time to consider and compare without pressuring you into an instant decision.
Changing Company Name Frequently – Hiding Bad Reputation
Be cautious if a moving company frequently changes its name. Scam operations often rebrand to escape negative reviews and complaints associated with their previous names. Check the company’s history and be wary of very new companies with no established track record or online presence under previous names.
Poor Online Reviews or No Reviews – Lack of Credibility
Poor online reviews or no reviews are another thing to look for While some negative reviews are normal, consistently poor reviews or a complete lack of online reviews are red flags. Legitimate companies usually have a significant online presence with both positive and negative reviews.
Unprofessional Behavior or Lack of Uniformity – Amateur Level at Its Peak
Pay attention to the movers’ professionalism. Scam movers might exhibit unprofessional behavior, lack uniforms, or use unmarked vehicles. Reputable companies ensure their staff are professional and uniform and use clearly marked trucks, reflecting their established business.
Asking for a Blank or Incomplete Contract – A Clear Invitation to Fraud
Never sign a blank or incomplete contract. Scam movers might ask you to sign a document with missing details. This gives them the freedom to alter terms and add charges later without your consent. A legitimate contract should be fully filled out and transparent before you sign.
Avoiding Direct Questions or Being Evasive – They Are Hiding Something
If a moving company representative avoids answering your direct questions, is evasive, or gives vague responses, it’s a warning sign. Legitimate movers are transparent and willing to answer all your questions clearly and directly. Evasiveness often indicates they are hiding something or are not operating honestly.
Let’s Start Moving – Your Trusted Moving Services In Ontario
Don’t want to get scammed while also not breaking your bank? You have reached the right place. Let’s Start Moving has been known to satisfy every customer who avails of our services, and we also provide the most affordable option.
If you want a logistics company to move your goods, look no further. Call us at +1 613-770-9139, email at Letsstartmovingcanada@gmail.com, or fill out the form to get a quote at. Happy moving!
