Early signs of a moving scam

Moving can mark a fresh beginning, but only if you’re working with a reliable company. Unfortunately, dishonest movers still target customers with unrealistic offers, vague contracts, and last-minute price hikes. The good news is, these scams follow patterns. If you know what to look for, you can spot red flags early and avoid trouble. This detailed Pro Movers Miami guide outlines the most common warning signs of a moving scam. Learn now how to protect your belongings, time, and peace of mind.

1. One quote is much lower than the rest

If one company gives you a much lower quote than others, don’t book right away. Low-ball pricing is a common scam tactic. It attracts customers with a cheap offer, then raises the price once the truck is loaded. You may be told the weight was higher or that extra services are needed.

This tactic often leaves people stuck with their belongings held hostage. Always ask what’s included in the price. A fair quote should be based on an in-person or video survey. If a mover skips this step and still offers a low rate, it’s likely too good to be true.

2. Movers ask for large upfront payments

Reputable residential movers typically don’t demand full payment before the move happens. Most will ask for a small deposit or request payment only after delivery. If a company insists on cash-only payments or a large deposit, that’s a red flag.

Always request an invoice or receipt and confirm payment terms in writing. Ask if the deposit is refundable and under what conditions. If you’re being pressured to pay quickly or in cash, it’s best to find another mover with clear and transparent policies.

3. They skip the in-home or video inspection

Professional movers need to see your belongings before giving an accurate quote. If a company skips this step and offers a fixed price based only on a phone call or short form, that’s a warning sign.

Here’s why this matters and what to ask to avoid moving scams:

• Scammers often give low quotes, then raise prices after seeing the load
• Without a survey, there’s no reliable weight or volume estimate
• A missing walk-through often leads to “unexpected charges” later
• Legitimate movers offer in-home or live video inspections, not guesswork

Always ask how the estimate is calculated and insist on a detailed walkthrough before signing anything.

4. There’s no clear license or insurance info

Every legitimate mover should have proper licensing and active insurance coverage. Interstate moving companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and have a valid USDOT number. You can look this up on the FMCSA website. Local movers should still provide license numbers and proof of insurance.

If a company can’t produce these or avoids your questions, take it as a warning. Working with uninsured or unlicensed movers puts you at risk if damage or loss occurs. Always check documentation before signing a contract or handing over money. If something feels off, trust your instincts.

5. The contract has blank spaces or vague terms

Always read the moving contract carefully. If it includes blank sections or general phrases like “additional fees may apply,” ask for clarification. Scam movers often use vague language to add surprise charges later. A complete contract should list services, prices, pickup and delivery dates, and payment terms.

Don’t sign anything incomplete or rushed. Take photos of each page in case changes are made later. If a mover resists updating the contract or tells you “it’s standard,” consider that a red flag. You should never feel rushed or uncertain about the agreement you’re signing.

6. They don’t provide a written estimate

One of the key signs of a moving scam is the refusal to give a written moving estimate. Verbal quotes can easily be changed, leaving you with unexpected charges later. Reputable movers will document every cost clearly, including labor, fuel, materials, and distance. If a company hesitates to write down the total or asks you to “trust them,” walk away.

A written moving quote protects you and sets clear expectations. To avoid moving scams, always compare written quotes from at least three companies. Make sure each includes a detailed breakdown of services. Never agree to anything that isn’t written and signed.

7. The mover has no real address or office

Another strong sign of a moving scam is the lack of a physical business location. Scam movers often operate under vague company names and use only phone numbers or P.O. boxes. If you can’t verify a real office address, it’s a red flag. Many fake companies disappear after taking deposits or holding items hostage.

Always check the business online, including reviews and registration details. See if they show up on Google Maps or local directories. A real moving company should have a visible presence and respond professionally. Avoid moving scams by choosing a mover you can verify.

8. Their trucks are unmarked or rented

Legitimate moving companies usually have branded trucks with logos and contact information. Scam movers often show up in rented vehicles or unmarked vans, which makes it easier for them to operate without accountability. This is one of the more visual signs of a moving scam.

Unmarked trucks can also signal a last-minute subcontractor you didn’t agree to. When hiring movers, ask if they own their fleet and what kind of vehicle will arrive. If it doesn’t match what you were told, that’s a warning sign. Always check truck markings on moving day before loading begins.

9. There’s no official contract or bill of lading

A signed contract is required by law for all interstate moves. This document—called a bill of lading—details the terms, inventory, and delivery plan. If a mover doesn’t provide one, or gives you paperwork that feels rushed or incomplete, be careful. This is a major moving scam warning sign.

Without a bill of lading, you have little legal protection if items are lost or damaged. Avoid moving scams by reading every line of the contract and confirming that it includes all promised services.

10. Reviews are suspicious or hard to verify

Checking reviews is one of the easiest ways to spot a scam moving company. If a mover has no reviews, only glowing 5-star ratings, or duplicate posts across platforms, be cautious. Fake companies often flood review sites with positive feedback to cover up past problems.

On the other hand, lots of unresolved complaints or consumer alerts are also warning signs. Look for balanced reviews that mention specific details. Check multiple platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. To avoid moving scams, choose moving services with consistent ratings and a clear track record of service.

11. Customer service is poor or inconsistent

Reliable movers stay in touch and answer questions clearly. If you find it hard to reach someone, or if responses seem scripted or vague, be careful. Poor customer service is one of the common signs of a moving scam. You might be dealing with a company that disappears after taking payment or changes details without notice.

If a mover avoids giving straight answers or frequently changes who you speak with, that’s a red flag. To stay safe from moving scams, test responsiveness early. Call, email, and ask questions. A trustworthy company will reply promptly and provide clear, consistent information.

12. They pressure you to book quickly

Scam movers often use urgency to force a quick decision. They may say they’re fully booked, offer a “limited-time deal,” or push you to sign immediately. This tactic prevents you from reading documents or comparing options. Honest companies let you decide on your timeline.

To avoid moving frauds caused by high-pressure tactics, watch for these warning signs:

• “We’re almost fully booked for your date.”
• “This price is only available today.”
• “You must sign the contract right now.”
• “No need to read everything, it’s standard.”

Take your time, ask questions, and compare quotes. A reputable mover will never rush you into a contract.

13. No copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”

Legally, movers must provide this government-issued booklet before your interstate move. If a company fails to do so, it could be operating outside of regulations. This is one of the lesser-known signs of a moving scam, but it matters.

Scammers often skip this step to keep you uninformed. Ask for the booklet early and read through it. Legitimate movers include it automatically as part of their welcome packet or quote. If they don’t, that’s a reason to pause and ask why.

14. No inventory list or itemized breakdown

An accurate inventory is essential for smooth moving and storage. If your mover skips this, you may be in trouble later. A missing list makes it hard to prove if anything goes missing or gets damaged. Reputable movers walk through your space and note what will be moved and stored per regulations. They’ll also list services and costs in writing.

One of the key moving scam warning signs is when this step is skipped or done carelessly. To avoid moving fraud, insist on an inventory with your estimate. It helps protect both you and your belongings during every stage of the move.

15. They avoid naming subcontractors

Some companies use subcontractors, which is legal, but you should know in advance. If the movers arriving on the day of your move are not who you hired, ask questions. Scam companies often hide behind other names or pass jobs to less reputable operators.

Always ask if subcontractors are involved and what their role will be. Get everything in writing. Make sure you’re comfortable with everyone who will handle your items, from start to finish.

16. They won’t provide past customer references

Refusing to share past customer references is one of the clearer signs of a moving scam. Reliable companies are proud of their work and will happily connect you with past clients. If the company hesitates or gives vague answers like “we don’t share that,” it’s a red flag.

Ask for two or three recent references from actual moves, not just reviews online. Speaking with former customers gives you a better picture of how the company operates. If references are unavailable or clearly fake, move on to a more transparent mover.

17. You’re hit with hidden fees after pickup

Many scam movers offer low estimates, then inflate the cost after pickup. These hidden fees may appear suddenly, and you’re pressured to pay before getting your items back. This tactic is illegal but still common.

Here are common extra charges used by scam movers:

• Stairs or long carry fees
• Fuel surcharges
• Packing materials you didn’t approve
• Last-minute labor or overtime charges
• “Storage” fees for delivery delays that they created

To evade moving scams like this, always ask what’s included in writing. Review the contract line by line and get clear confirmation of the final price before moving day.

18. There’s no clear process for damage or loss claims

A professional moving company should explain what happens if your items are damaged or lost. If a mover can’t outline their claims process, that’s one of the more overlooked moving scam warning signs. Many scams involve ignoring damage complaints or denying responsibility entirely.

Ask for their claims policy in writing before the move. Find out how long you have to file a report and what type of moving insurance they offer. A reputable mover will suggest either full-value protection or released-value coverage. If they brush off questions or say “we don’t handle that,” it’s best to walk away.

19. There’s no USDOT number for interstate moves

If you’re moving across state lines, your mover must have a valid USDOT number. This number is issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation and confirms that the mover is authorized and insured. One of the easiest ways to spot a scam moving company is to ask for this number and check it online at the FMCSA website.

If the company says it doesn’t apply to them or avoids the question, that’s a serious red flag. Always confirm that your interstate mover is active in the national system before signing anything.

20. No sign of cancellation or refund policy

Legitimate moving companies provide clear cancellation and refund policies in writing. If your mover avoids the topic or says it will “depend on the situation,” be cautious. Lack of a cancellation policy is one of the signs of a moving scam that can cost you money if plans change.

Ask when and how you can cancel, what penalties apply, and how they process refunds. A trustworthy mover should be able to give you straight answers and put the details in your contract. If those answers never come or sound evasive, it’s best to avoid that company altogether.

Stay alert and move with confidence

Moving doesn’t have to feel uncertain. Simply by learning how to spot rogue movers, you’re already ahead. Most moving companies are honest, but scams still exist, and they follow patterns. When you know what to look for, you can ask smarter questions, compare options carefully, and choose local movers that are fully licensed, responsive, and transparent.

So, take your time, read every document, and trust your instincts if something feels wrong. A well-informed approach helps you avoid moving scams and focus on the exciting parts of your new beginning. When you stay alert, you stay in control.