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How to avoid becoming a moving scam victim

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How to avoid becoming a moving scam victim

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.

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Man taping a moving box (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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.

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

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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.

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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)

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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

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A mover moving boxes (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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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:

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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

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

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Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

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  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
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  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

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2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

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5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

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1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

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6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

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