So, whether you are a student moving home from college or a family of five changing residencies, unethical moving companies and scam artists posing as movers have no conscience regarding their victims.

The Trap

You find a company online, the website looks legitimate, and there are satisfied customer testimonials listed. The company looks good so far. On top of that, you spy a 15 percent discount listed if you book your move before next week! You call the company and plan your move. Just to be sure, you get some more estimates. But you go with your first choice because they blow the others out of the water. You call and confirm the details and you think you're set to go.

On moving day, the hours round the clock and you become increasingly anxious as you wait for your movers to arrive. When they finally do, they request up front fees. They will only accept cash.

Frustrated, you make a call to the company office and the agent explains that the driver is inexperienced. She explains that a reimbursement will be provided by the company after the move is completed. So, reluctantly, you cooperate and the move progresses. Your household goods are transferred to your new residence.

But wait, the movers won't take the last of your possessions off the truck unless you pay them another $500.

"This is absurd, we had a deal," you say, while you eye your new, imported leather couch held hostage on the truck.

"Well that estimate did not include heavy lifting," explains the mover.

You have no choice -- and the frenzy and fear starts to cloud your head as you realize you are being victimized.

BBB gets calls on this scenario all too often. Once the movers have your goods, they demand more money before they will deliver or unload the items. If you've got nothing in writing or signed a contract with confusing terms and conditions, your chance of a refund is slim to none. A consumer recently called BBB Greater MD in a panic while the movers held her grand piano for ransom for $500 -- an amount never discussed in the original cost of the move.

Maryland Movers Conference, a nonprofit, statewide organization working to promote the highest standards for the moving industry in Maryland, explains that if you have paid the mover 110 percent of the non-binding estimate or 100 percent of the binding estimate and the mover fails to deliver your goods, they have violated the federal regulations for the protection of household goods shippers.

BBB's advice -- call the police.

Bottom Line

Rogue movers can be hard to spot. They often give low-ball estimates over the phone or via the Internet without ever visiting your home or seeing the items you want to move. Always obtain estimate costs in writing and read all terms and conditions of the contract. If possible, have an agent visit your house to make an estimate on the total costs. If on moving day a rental truck arrives, rather than a company-owned and marked fleet truck, do not agree to have your items loaded.

Howard Levine, vice president of Ramar Moving Systems Inc., a BBB Accredited Business and MMC Registered Mover located in Frederick, also stresses that if the company's website doesn't list a local address or any information about insurance, consider the red flag raised.

Start planning your move by reviewing BBB business reliability reports at www.bbb.org where you'll find objective information on area carriers and BBB Accredited Businesses. Movers that perform interstate moves must be licensed by the United States Department of Transportation.

Check the agency's website at www.protectyourmove.gov. If you get a bad feeling about the mover's charges or tactics then move on. You always want to get at least three estimates on the move, the best deal may not always be the safest deal. You can also visit MMC's website, www.mdmovers.org, for tips, general information and a list of qualified members of their registered movers program.

Been the victim of a scam -- or nearly one? E-mail us at scamALERT@greatermd.bbb.org and tell us if you think you've identified a suspect company, website, or tactic and we'll investigate. We may even share our findings with other readers here at scamALERT. BBB | Greater MD is a 501 (c) 6, not-for-profit organization serving Baltimore City and 18 counties including Frederick County, MD. For more information visit www.bbb.org.

	Been the victim of a scam — or nearly one? E-mail us at scamALERT@greatermd.bbb.org and tell us if you think you’ve identified a suspect company, website, or tactic and we’ll investigate. We may even share our findings with other readers here at scamALERT. BBB | Greater MD is a 501 (c) 6, not-for-profit organization serving Baltimore City and 18 counties including Frederick County. For more information visit www.bbb.org.
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