Consumer Protection Guide
Moving Company Red Flags: How to Spot a Scam Before It's Too Late
Over 4,000+ hostage complaints were filed with FMCSA in 2025. Don't become the next one.
4,000+
Hostage complaints (2025)
$3,000-$9,000
Average ransom demanded
1 in 5
Online moving reviews are fake
5 Warning Signs of a Moving Scam
Lowball estimate over the phone
Scam movers quote absurdly low prices without seeing your home, then inflate the bill on moving day when your belongings are already on the truck.
How to protect yourself: Get at least 3 in-home or video estimates. If a quote is 40%+ below others, walk away.
No proof of insurance
Legitimate movers carry cargo insurance and liability coverage. Scam operators have nothing — if your furniture is damaged or "lost," you have no recourse.
How to protect yourself: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance. Verify it with the issuing company, not just the mover.
No USDOT number
Interstate movers are required by federal law to register with FMCSA and display a USDOT number. No number means no accountability.
How to protect yourself: Search any USDOT number at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov to verify it is active and matches the company name.
Demands cash or large deposit upfront
Legitimate movers accept credit cards and collect payment on delivery. Scam movers demand cash or wire transfers upfront, then disappear or hold your items hostage.
How to protect yourself: Never pay more than a small deposit (10-20%) before moving day. Use a credit card for chargeback protection.
No physical address or branded trucks
If the "company" operates out of a P.O. Box with unmarked rental trucks, there is no business to sue if something goes wrong.
How to protect yourself: Verify the address on Google Maps. Look for branded trucks, a warehouse, and real employee photos.
How Escrow Protection Works
Escrow eliminates the #1 moving scam tactic: holding your belongings hostage for more money. When the mover knows they only get paid after you confirm delivery, the incentive to scam disappears.
You book and pay into escrow
Your payment goes into a neutral escrow account — not the mover's bank account.
The mover completes the job
Your belongings are picked up, transported, and delivered to your new home.
You confirm delivery
You inspect your items and confirm everything arrived. Only then does the mover get paid.
Dispute resolution if needed
If items are damaged or missing, the escrow hold gives you leverage to resolve the issue before any money changes hands.
Verify Any Mover in 30 Seconds
Before you hand over your house keys, verify the mover is real and licensed.
FMCSA Lookup (Federal)
Search by company name or USDOT number to check license status, insurance, and complaint history.
Go to FMCSA Company SnapshotOur Verified Movers
Every mover on our platform has a verified USDOT number, active insurance, and escrow-protected bookings.
Browse Verified MoversBook an Escrow-Protected Move
Your money stays in escrow until your belongings arrive safe. Zero risk.
Find Verified Movers