How to Avoid Long Distance Moving Scams in 2025
The most common moving scams, how to spot them before it's too late, and how to protect yourself and your belongings when hiring a long distance moving company.
Moving scams cost Americans an estimated $6 million annually, according to the FMCSA. The tactics range from inflating your final bill to literally holding your belongings hostage until you pay more than the original quote. Here's how to protect yourself.
The Most Common Moving Scams
1. The Low-Ball Estimate Scam
A mover gives you an unusually low quote to win your business, then significantly raises the price once your belongings are on the truck — or worse, when they arrive at your new home. They may claim your shipment weighed more than estimated or add undisclosed fees.
How to avoid it: Always get a binding or not-to-exceed estimate in writing. Compare multiple quotes — if one is dramatically lower than the others, be very suspicious.
2. The Hostage Scam
The most dangerous scam: movers load your belongings, then demand significantly more money than quoted before they'll unload. Because they have your possessions, many victims feel they have no choice but to pay.
How to avoid it: Only hire FMCSA-licensed movers with verifiable credentials. Never pay more than 10-25% upfront. Always have a binding estimate.
3. The Fake Company Scam
Scam companies often operate under multiple names to avoid bad reviews, or they impersonate legitimate well-known moving companies online. They may even use fake websites and phone numbers that mimic real companies.
How to avoid it: Verify the USDOT number directly at fmcsa.dot.gov. Don't trust Google search results alone — go directly to the FMCSA website.
4. The Broker Surprise
You book with what you think is a moving company, but they're actually a broker who sells your move to another carrier — sometimes one you've never heard of and couldn't vet. The subcontractor shows up with a different truck and crew than you expected.
How to avoid it: Ask upfront if they're a carrier (owns trucks) or a broker (outsources). If a broker, ask which carrier will actually move your belongings and vet that company too.
5. The Blank Bill of Lading
The mover presents you with a blank or incomplete Bill of Lading (the contract) and pressures you to sign immediately. After signing, they fill in inflated prices or additional charges.
How to avoid it: Never sign a blank or incomplete document. Read every line of the Bill of Lading before signing.
How to Verify a Moving Company
- Go to fmcsa.dot.gov and search by company name or USDOT number
- Verify their operating authority is "Active"
- Confirm their insurance is current and on file
- Check their safety rating (Satisfactory is good; Conditional or Unsatisfactory are red flags)
- Review their complaint history on the FMCSA site
Red Flags That Signal a Moving Scam
- No physical business address (PO Box only)
- Unmarked rental trucks instead of branded company vehicles
- Demanding more than 25% deposit upfront
- Refusing to do an in-home survey before quoting
- Quote significantly lower than other companies
- Can't produce a valid USDOT number
- Website with no verifiable address or contact info
- High-pressure tactics to sign immediately
- Name or branding that mimics well-known companies
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
- File a complaint with the FMCSA at protectyourmove.gov
- File a complaint with your state attorney general
- Report to the Better Business Bureau
- Contact local law enforcement if your belongings are being held hostage
- Contact a moving attorney if significant money or property is involved
The Safest Way to Find a Mover
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