Signs you might be dealing with a fake mover

In ads or on website, displays no physical, local address and no federal Motor Carrier number showing they are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation for state-to-state moves.

Has poor online ratings with the Better Business Bureau.

Has customer reviews on websites, such as Yelp or Google, that are split between angry reviews with lowest possible ratings and glowing reviews with highest possible ratings, with few average scores. This might indicate the company is “seeding” the site with fake reviews to bring its average rating up. Refuses to visit your home to provide a written estimate for an interstate move. Insist your mover visually inspects your belongings. Provides an unusually high or unusually low estimate compared with other estimates. It’s recommended to get estimates in writing from at least three moving companies. Demands upfront deposits.

Asks you to sign blank or incomplete documents. Answers the phone with a generic “movers” or “moving company” instead of the company’s name. Shows up on moving day in a rental truck rather than a company-owned or fleet vehicle.

Arrives at your home on moving day and starts loading your stuff into the truck while saying they will determine the charges after loading. This could be the beginning of a ransom demand or exorbitant charges for tape and packing materials.

Arrives and claims, “You’ve got more stuff than estimated.” If this happens, the Department of Transportation advises that you make sure the mover provides a revised estimate that you both sign. It should list the additional items and/or services, as well as an agreed-upon price. Sources: U.S. Department of Transportation, MoveRescue.com, American Moving and Storage Association