Moving Company Frauds: How to Recognize Red Flags

Moving to a new home is already stressful—don’t let moving company frauds turn it into a financial nightmare. Unfortunately, these scams are on the rise, and unsuspecting families are losing thousands of dollars or having their belongings held hostage by rogue movers. The good news? You can protect yourself. Let Columbine Moving & Storage CO show you how to recognize moving company red flags, avoid common traps, and make safe choices when hiring professionals.

Moving Scams Around The Corner

Across the U.S., moving company scams have spiked, especially through online classifieds and unverified digital platforms. People are lured in by low prices and smooth talkers, only to discover that they’re dealing with a scam. Trusting the wrong company can result in damaged property, lost deposits, or worse—your belongings being used as leverage in a hostage load scam. Read on to learn the warning signs, how to verify a legitimate mover, and what to do if you’ve already been scammed.

What Are the Most Common Types of Moving Scams?

The hostage load scam is one of the most devastating forms of moving company frauds. Rogue movers give you a cheap quote, load your belongings onto the truck, and then refuse to deliver them unless you pay hundreds or even thousands more. If you don’t pay up, they’ll haul your items to a storage facility and pile on storage fees until you comply. Bait-and-switch estimates occur when a company gives you a lowball quote, often based only on a phone call or an email. Once moving day arrives, the price skyrockets because “you added more items,” or “the load was heavier than expected.” Fake licensing or nonexistent insurance is another frequent tactic. These companies may flash fake credentials online but aren’t registered with any regulatory body. If anything goes wrong, you have no protection.

These types of moving company scams are especially rampant on unregulated platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, where anyone can pose as a professional mover.

What Are the Key Red Flags to Watch For?

To protect yourself from moving company red flags, stay alert to the following warning signs:

• No physical address or office: If the company’s website doesn’t list a real, verifiable address—or worse, the address leads to an empty lot or unrelated business—run the other way.
• Vague or incomplete estimates: Be wary of companies that give estimates over the phone without seeing your items. Rogue movers usually represent themselves like this: They ask for a list of your belongings and give you a low-ball estimate. Once everything is on the truck, they’ll say you added items and hold your goods hostage until you pay the inflated price.
• Unmarked trucks or temporary workers: Professional movers use branded trucks and trained employees. If a rental truck or unknown subcontractors show up, that’s a major red flag.
• No written contract or bill of lading: Federal law requires a written contract. If you’re only handed a scribbled receipt or nothing at all, the company is likely shady.
• Large upfront deposits required: Trustworthy movers may ask for a small deposit, but never full payment in advance. Large upfront payments are a hallmark of fraud.
• Poor or fake reviews: If reviews seem too generic or overly positive, and especially if all reviews appeared recently, that’s a sign they’re not real.
• Reluctance to share licensing or insurance info: If a mover dodges questions about their DOT number, moving insurance, or legal status, don’t proceed.

Even one of these red flags is reason enough to move on.

How Can You Verify a Legitimate Moving Company?

Spotting moving company frauds is easier when you know how to confirm legitimacy. Start by checking the company’s DOT number for interstate moves on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. This ensures the company is registered and monitored.

Look for Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation or membership in reputable moving associations like the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). While not foolproof, these affiliations show a baseline of credibility.

Read reviews on multiple platforms—Google, Yelp, and BBB reviews give a broader picture. Don’t trust just one source. Ask for and verify proof of insurance and licensing. Don’t just take their word for it—real companies are happy to provide documentation. Make sure they perform an in-person or virtual walkthrough before quoting you a price. This is not just a best practice—it’s also a federal requirement if they are within 50 miles of your residence. Finally, get everything in writing: estimates, delivery dates, cancellation terms, and responsibilities. This way, you’ll avoid moving scams and ensure a stress-free move.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Fraud?

If you suspect you’re dealing with a scam, take action immediately. Stop all communication and do not hand over any more money. If you’ve already paid a deposit by credit card, contact your bank or card provider to report fraud and request a chargeback.

File a formal complaint with the FMCSA, the Better Business Bureau, or your state’s Attorney General’s office. These agencies track complaints and can potentially take action against the company. Report the incident to organizations like MoveRescue and ConsumerAffairs, which help victims and raise awareness. If you’ve been scammed, don’t stay silent. Share your experience (truthfully and without defamatory language) in online forums or review sites to warn others. Your story could help prevent someone else from falling into the same trap.

Conclusion: Trust and Transparency Matter

In today’s world, staying vigilant is your best protection against moving company frauds. If something feels off, it probably is. Ask questions, demand proof, and don’t be afraid to walk away. Moving is already a major life transition. The last thing you need is to deal with a fraudulent mover on top of it. Take your time, do your research, and prioritize companies that value transparency and professionalism. When in doubt, reach out to fully licensed, reputable movers in Aspen and other CO cities. Your belongings—and your peace of mind—are worth it.