Don't Shop Online For Moving Companies
Online moving brokers promise to get you the cheapest price, but in many cases, experts say, these brokers steer you to movers who are unlicensed, incompetent, or simply con artists.
"Rogue movers or scam movers, who are really criminals who pose as movers and try to get a hold of your shipment to take advantage of you financially, are using the Internet as their primary means for luring victims in these days," warns David Sparkman, Vice President of Communications for the American Moving and Storage Association.
"One of the things that we strongly recommend against is getting an estimate over the Internet," Sparkman says. "We recommend that you insist that the mover send in a trained, experienced estimator to your home, who will look over what you have and give you an accurate estimate."
Hook up with one of the bad apples in the moving business and here's what can happen: When the driver shows up with your household goods he tells you that the actual charge is much more than the estimate you were given - sometimes three or four times higher. He'll demand to be paid in cash on the spot before he'll unload the truck. If you refuse, "you may never see your stuff again," Sparkman says.
There are plenty of good movers. You just need to take the time to make sure you're dealing with a reputable company. The American Moving and Storage Association Web site (www.moving.org) is a good place to start.
For More Information:
Steer Clear of Online Moving Brokers -- www.consumerreports.org
Do Your Homework to Avoid Moving Scams -- www.newsday.com