Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful experience. As you prepare for this significant life change, it’s crucial to be aware of potential pitfalls, particularly when it comes to choosing a moving company.

Unfortunately, moving scams are more common than you might think, and they can turn your exciting relocation into a nightmare. Understanding the risks and taking precautions can protect yourself and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

The alarming reality of moving scams

Moving scams remain a significant problem, particularly during the peak moving season from May to August. In 2023, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) received 5,918 complaints against moving companies. Consumers who fell victim to moving scams and reported them to BBB Scam Tracker in 2023 lost a median of $350.

A mover lifting a moving box (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS

6 types of moving scams

Scammers have developed various tactics to take advantage of unsuspecting movers. Being aware of these common scams can help you stay vigilant and protect yourself:

1) Stolen belongings: Movers disappear with your property after loading the truck.

2) False quote: Movers demand more money on moving day, claiming unexpected circumstances.

3) Non-refundable deposit: Scammers take a deposit and never show up.

4) No-shows: Movers fail to appear after taking a large up-front payment.

5) Last-minute changes and charges: Unexpected fees for additional labor or supplies

6) Hostage load: Movers demand more money after loading your belongings, refusing to unload until paid.

A mover loading a moving truck (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO NEVER GET LOCKED OUT OF YOUR HOUSE EVER AGAIN

Warning signs of a moving scam

Recognizing red flags early can save you from falling victim to a moving scam. Here are some key warning signs to watch out for:

• There is no physical address on the website
• No U.S. DOT number. A U.S. DOT number is a unique identifier assigned by the Department of Transportation to commercial vehicles and moving companies. It helps track safety records and ensures the company is registered and follows regulations. If a moving company doesn’t have a U.S. DOT number, it could be a sign that they are not legitimate or properly regulated, which is a red flag for a potential scam.
• Estimates are given over the phone instead of in person or via video walk-through.
• Movers arrive in rented trucks instead of company-branded vehicles.
• Requests to sign blank or incomplete forms

KURT’S PICKS: EARLY LABOR DAY DEALS

A mover moving boxes (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW YOUR HOUSE CAN KEEP YOU HEALTHY: 5 COOL NEW INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

How to protect yourself

Taking proactive steps to safeguard your move is essential. Here are some strategies to help you avoid becoming a victim of a moving scam:

Research thoroughly: Use resources like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) database, ATA MSC’s ProMover directory and BBB profiles

Get multiple in-home estimates: Obtain at least three estimates and be wary of significantly lower quotes

Keep a paper trail: Get everything in writing, including estimates, inventory, order of service and the bill of lading

Inventory your belongings: Make a detailed list and take time-stamped photos or videos

Use a credit card for payment: Avoid cash, gift cards or cash transfer apps

Supervise the move: Be present during loading and unloading or have a trusted representative

Use tracking devices: Consider using Apple AirTags or similar Bluetooth trackers to monitor your property during the move

Understand your rights: Review the FMCSA’s booklet on estimates, invoices and liability for loss or damage.

Verify the company: Ensure they have a physical address, U.S. DOT number and proper licensing.

Be cautious of large up-front payments: While deposits are standard, be wary of requests for large sums before moving day.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

A mover taping a moving box (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

If you’ve been scammed

You may still fall victim to a moving scam despite your best efforts. If this happens, it’s important to act quickly and know your options for recourse:

1) File a complaint with the FMCSA online or via their hotline (888-368-7238)

2) Report to the U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General online or via hotline (800-424-9071)

3) Submit a report to the BBB’s Scam Tracker

4) Notify your state’s attorney general or consumer protection office

5) Contact local police if items or money have been stolen

A couple carrying moving boxes (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Moving can be a stressful experience, and the threat of scams adds an extra layer of concern. However, staying informed and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to moving fraud. Following the guidelines outlined in this article and maintaining a cautious approach can ensure a smoother, safer moving experience. Remember, investing time in selecting a reputable mover is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your belongings during this significant life transition.

What additional precautions or resources do you think are necessary to further protect people from moving scams? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” the company says in an unnamed statement posted to its official channel in the Telegram app on Sunday. French officials have confirmed to multiple outlets that Durov was arrested as part of a police investigation into criminal activity taking place on the social network.

While not encrypted by default, Telegram’s largely hands-off approach to moderation means that the app is seen by many as a private, censorship-free alternative to other social networks. “Almost a billion users globally use Telegram as means of communication and as a source of vital information,” reads the company’s statement. “We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation.”

Telegram has also been a critical source of information for the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, the latter of which appears to be quite interested in what happens to Durov. The Russian Embassy in Paris says that the French government has so far not granted it access to Durov, who was born in Russia and holds citizenship in both France and the United Arab Emirates, where Telegram is headquartered.

In a rare interview with Tucker Carlson in April, Durov said Telegram’s goal is to be a “neutral” platform and resist requests from governments to moderate. He said he mostly avoids traveling to “big, geopolitical” countries where there’s “too much attention” on the company. “I travel to places where I have confidence that those places are consistent with what we do and our values.”

Formula 1 broadcast footage from the Dutch Grand Prix qualifiers at Circuit Zandvoort this weekend that was captured by a gyro camera system mounted above the helmet of the weekend’s race winner, Lando Norris.

The camera, which F1 has been testing since 2022, was conceived with an eye particularly toward accentuating exaggerated angles of banked turns at Zandvoort, but despite using it there last year, F1 wasn’t able to broadcast it, according to AutoSport.

Dino Leone, Formula 1’s head of onboard camera operations, explained in a recent video that the camera allows for on-the-fly adjustments to increase or decrease the gyroscopic effect. Formula 1 used the camera in some 2023 races, such as in Brazil and Japan, and plans to use it more often this year.