The moving industry has one of the highest rates of consumer fraud of any service sector. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) receives thousands of moving fraud complaints every year. Understanding how the scams work is the most reliable way to avoid them.
The Classic Hostage Load Scam
The most common moving scam follows a predictable script: (1) a company gives you an unusually low estimate, (2) they pick up your belongings, (3) they call you before delivery demanding significantly more money, claiming the shipment was heavier than estimated or that additional fees apply, (4) they hold your belongings until you pay. This is a hostage load. It's illegal under FMCSA regulations but happens constantly.
The Rogue Broker Scam
Moving brokers are legally permitted to sell your move to another carrier. The problem: they sometimes sell your job to carriers who weren't told your actual inventory, who don't have the capacity to handle your move, or who aren't properly licensed. When the carrier shows up on pickup day and the situation doesn't match what they were sold, the price goes up — or they don't show up at all.
Always ask whether you're booking with a broker or a direct carrier.
Red Flags Before You Book
- No physical address — a legitimate moving company has a real office you can verify
- No USDOT number — every licensed carrier is required to have one. Look it up at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Requires a large deposit — reputable movers don't ask for more than 20–25% upfront
- Only accepts cash — this removes your ability to dispute charges
- Generic company name — scam companies often use generic names to avoid being tracked across reviews
- The estimate is given over the phone without an inventory — any estimate given without knowing what you're moving is not a real estimate
- Very positive reviews, all recent, all similar tone — fake review patterns are often visible if you look
Red Flags on Pickup Day
- The truck that arrives is unmarked or has a different company name than you booked
- The crew pressures you to sign a blank or incomplete bill of lading
- The price changes before anything is loaded, with vague explanations
- The crew asks for cash payment or a large additional deposit
What to Do if You Suspect a Scam
If your belongings have been picked up and you receive a demand for additional payment, do not pay until you get a written explanation of the additional charges. File a complaint with FMCSA at protectyourmove.gov. Contact your state attorney general's consumer protection office. If the company refuses to deliver your goods, you may need to seek legal assistance — FMCSA regulations give you specific rights in this situation.