AVOID MOVING SCAMS

From our friends at AARP,some tips to avoid being scammed by movers:

Don’t Bite On Low-ball Bids.

Rouge movers will try to trap you with unrealistically cheap prices.After putting your stuff in the truck, they hold your stuff demanding thousands more. These movers are known as Hostage Load movers who tend to advertise on Craig’s List or roadside signs.To avoid them check on the moving.org  (Industry Site) or protectyourmove.gov (Government Site.) website that will show licenses and complaints. Also, you can get a legitimate lower price by moving mid week or mid month in fall or winter. Note that costs are highest at month end in the summer.

Look for Scammer Clues

First, rule out any mover who bids site unseen. Second,avoid movers movers who answer the phone with “movers” rather than a company name. Third, rule out a company with no physical address or license information on their web site.Fourth, any company that asks for up front cash payments up say they’ll tell you the charges after they load your stuff. Finally, be alert if their truck has no company name on it.

Prevent ID Theft

When showing your house put all documents(taxes, passports, wills, birth certificates in a locked box. During the move,keep these items with you. Make sure any transported computers have strong passwords.

Know the Moving Paperwork

Retain a copy of everything they give you and anything you signed. Some items are a Bill of Lading which is your receipt from the over for your goods. Then there is the Order for Service which shows very important stuff like a description of the move, pick up and delivery dates, and an inventory which shows all your items and their condition.

Couple of Other Useful Items

Estimate There are two types, binding and non binding. With a non-binding estimate the mover can raise the price by 10%. Insurance Movers don’t typically provide enough or even any but before you buy, check your homeowners policy for coverage.The mover should supply you with two government booklets:Your Rights and Responsibility When You Move and Ready to Move.

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