Moving fraud is real and costly. These ten red flags should put you on alert.

The red flags

  1. A quote far below the others — lowball bids often become inflated final bills.
  2. A large up-front deposit, especially demanded in cash.
  3. No in-home or video survey before a firm price.
  4. No USDOT or MC number, or one that does not match the company.
  5. A blank or incomplete Bill of Lading presented for signature.
  6. A name change history — a sign of a possible chameleon carrier dodging a bad record.
  7. No written estimate, only verbal assurances.
  8. Generic phone greetings and no physical business address.
  9. Pressure to book immediately before you can verify anything.
  10. Demands for full payment before unloading — a setup for a hostage load.

How to respond

  • Before booking: verify the USDOT/MC number on FMCSA's SAFER system and read the complaint history. Walk away from anything that fails the checks.
  • If goods are held hostage: you are entitled to delivery on a non-binding move once you pay 110% of the estimate; the rest is billed separately. Document everything.
  • File complaints: report rogue movers to the FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database and your state authorities.

Protect yourself in advance

Get three written estimates, keep every document, and never sign a blank form. The paperwork that feels tedious is exactly what protects you if a mover turns out to be a scam.

Most fraud is avoidable with a few verification steps. When several red flags appear together, trust them and choose a different company.