Jim WinsettQ: I will be relocating my family this summer. There are Internet stories of moving companies that are not trustworthy and commit fraud. Does the BBB have tips on what to look for when hiring a moving company?
A: Timely question. May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest time of year for Americans changing residencies. It also means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage of unwary consumers. Better Business Bureau joins with the American Moving & Storage Association to provide important tips on how to avoid scams and have a safe, secure move.
In 2014, BBB received more than 1.7 million moving-related inquiries from consumers looking for movers, and also received more than 6,900 complaints against movers in the United States. Complaints concerned damaged or missing items, big price increases over originally quoted estimates, late deliveries and goods being held “hostage” for additional, often disputed, payments.
Consumers can check bbb.org for free BBB Business Reviews on more than 17,000 companies that provide moving-related services, or for interstate moves turn to moving.org to find an AMSA-certified ProMover.
BBB and AMSA are offering the following tips for finding a trustworthy moving company: