The games some moving services play Scammers have proliferated on the Internet over the years, not thanks to the easy access that this virtual phenomenon provides to both victims and scammers. In a world of absolute freedom to post anything online, scammers have doubled down on their business with the almost perfect precision of a winner; in fact, winning has never been so easy. Where anyone can create multiple identities at once, obtain false personal and professional details, addresses and contact numbers, the Internet is indeed a fast lane where the ignorant often end up with the shortest stick.
Moving services are no exception. They have on their list, a growing list of complaints ranging from the simplest scam perpetrated online to the most outrageous scam started online and perfected in real time.
Here are 3 profiles of a scam perpetrated by some moving companies. You can protect yourself by making sure you only deal with the most credible moving company; When in Florida, you can check out a list of Florida residential moving companies – only moving services with a proven track record are listed.
Seeing double. To avoid this scam, make sure you have advance notice when the mover is delivering your belongings to the new address and arrange for someone, if they are not available, to receive them. You should also ask for an explanation about the word “undeliverable.” Confusion stems from the use of this word and often serves as a launching pad for a scam. When items are deemed “undeliverable,” a moving company may store them; You can only claim your items upon payment of storage fees, fines, or service charges.
But where is the scam? Some of these movers also set up storage facilities, so when your belongings are classified as “undeliverable,” they go directly to the storage facility, which is also owned by the mover. This robs you of choice and perpetuates a scam on unwitting victims, like you.
the mistaken identity. You can start with an innocent looking moving company website: professionally designed layouts, interesting content and links – anything but the truth. You could be dealing with a broker, not the owner of the moving company. Watch your steps!
This is one of the risks you take when dealing with an online moving storage company: you’ll never know who you’re talking to. For this reason, it is often advisable to follow up in real time, by calling their office telephone numbers. or pay them a personal visit. Online transactions are recommended with more established companies that have a proven track record, those that have gathered “moss” so to speak. For new businesses, it is always advisable to seek references first.
The scam comes into the picture when a moving broker pretends to be the owner of the moving company, often with the help of a well thought out website for the purpose. He charges more, since he is actually operating as an intermediary. Worse yet, he often collects money up front from his unsuspecting client, referring him to an affiliate at discounted rates while keeping the biggest percentage.
The missing link.
Brokering per se is not illegal; in fact, brokers can save you time, money, and effort by “walking the walk” for you, while you focus on the more important issues that need your attention. What tarnishes the image of movers continues to be the inherent greed apparent in some men, which collapses the public’s trust in everyone else.
As an intermediary between the moving client and the moving service company, the main task of a moving broker is to find a good moving company for a client in need and vice versa. In the latter, the mover may already have a network of affiliated movers that he can easily access or send potential customers to for bids.
In this setup, a moving broker earns a double income: they collect a broker fee from the moving client and also receive a commission from the moving company for their leads. The problem arises when the moving broker doesn’t make the right connection: delivery problems such as delays, loss or damage to items can arise while the broker heads to the bank.
The kidnapper. This is a broad daylight highway robbery, which begins with an unassuming moving and storage quote.
As the customer compares purchases between moving companies by asking them for free quotes, a low budget quote can bring her down and send her off to sign the papers. During loading time, she is horrified to discover that the moving company is charging her more. When you refuse to pay, your assets will be locked up until you get the money together.
STOP PLAYING THE ROLE OF VICTIM.
To avoid scams, find contractors from local movers in your area. Transacting locally is safer because your family or friends may have already been served by some moving companies in your area and may be able to offer you an account firsthand. It would also be easier for you to track down the official place of business, in case there are any problems related to your moving agreement. It is common sense that you require an explanation of any gray areas in your contract, before you affix your signature and make it a binding transaction. Yes, READ before signing.
Always be alert. Observed. Don’t rush, sometimes it’s better to hope than to regret.
