Moving Scam
July 8 2010- Moving scams are becoming more and more common with the easy availability of company name, logo, listing, Internet and all. One of reasons of moving scam and why moving industry has become legislate is the closing of the U.S. Interstate Commerce Commission. After this the anonymity of moving companies on Internet leads to the moving company scams. The best way to avoid mover scam is to know about different movers scam.
At present it is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which looks after the moving companies. FMCSA is the part of the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) and has nine investigators. These investigators handles the moving scams and thousands of complaints each year. Th so small number tells that many moving scams and complaints will be just overlooked. Moreover in 1995 when the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was dissolved by the congress, the FMCSA was deprived from the authority to step in on consumer's behalf who have been ditched by the moving companies. This has directly affected the consumer as FMCSA cannot help you even if they want.
How the Moving Scam Works
Most of the moving companies get information about their clients from the Internet where you submit your moving information to get the quotes. These moving companies then contact you to provide the moving services. At first everything seems to be perfect but with time things started to show another face. Hidden charges, time of delivery, no delivery etc come to show as a part of moving scam.
Major Moving Scams
Check if it is a Cubic Footage or Weight
Most of the moving scams begin when the moving company quote you by cubic footage rather than weight. You must know that as of August 2005, interstate moves that are based on cubic footage are illegal. Why most of the moving companies that come under moving scam quote by cubic footage because if they charge you by weight then they will have to show the proof of the belongining's weight without any charge.
Ask for the Actual Price
In most of the moving scam, moving companies hide the actual moving charges. They tell the complete charges once their truck is loaded with your belongings and now if you wont pay them they threat you that owing to the moving contract they will sell your belongings to get their money.
Time Taken to Deliver the Belongings
Another moving scam that is common is the actual time taken by the moving companies to deliver time than promised. Because of the un-neccessary delay you actually suffer a lot as you don't have anything at your new home although you have everything but that is with the moving company. If the delay if for the longer period of time then you might have to get the new things for your that you need immediately. Some of the moving companies who are into fraudulent activities do not even deliver your belongings.
Tips to Avoid Moving Scams
- While selecting the moving company never rely on Internet alone. Try to find moving company that is known to your family or friend. Real estate agents are the best source of getting the genuine moving company as they now the housing industry in detail.
- In order to avoid moving scam investigate the moving company in detail. Check if any complaint has been filed against them. If yes then do not take their services. You can search the net, forums and websites that can provide you with this information. MovingScam.com is one such website that has the black list of moving companies dealing in one or other kind of moving scam.
- Before selecting the moving company get at least 3 estimates. Through this you can do the comparison in a better way.
- To avoid moving scam read the contract very carefully before signing it. If you are in doubt then clear that with your hired moving company in order to avoid a movers scam.
- Also the moving company contract should spell out everything and there should not be any hidden charges. This include gratuity, drivers fee, packing and other charges.
- Learn about the claim process before signing the contract. You must know the claim procedure, its provision in the claim etc. Know if the company has its own claim agent or if it is outsourced to the third party.
- Check the condition of truck.
