It’s the time of year when many people plan to relocate, whether for a new job or a fresh start in a new city. In Canada, residents of big cities often move to smaller towns or rural areas in search of more affordable housing, while others move to take advantage of new job opportunities.
According to Statistics Canada, the average cost of long-distance travel within Canada is about $5,000. And for those who are moving from another country, the cost can be even higher. With so much money on the line, it’s no wonder that scammers are targeting unsuspecting victims with moving scams.
Moving scams take many different forms, but they all have one thing in common: the goal is to steal your money. Here are some of the most common moving scams and how to avoid them:
The eBay Scam
This scam starts with an email or message from someone claiming to be selling a moving van or truck on eBay. The seller often says they are moving and no longer need the vehicle. They will ask you to wire them the money for the vehicle and then promise to ship it to you.
Of course, the vehicle never arrives, and you are out the money you wired to the scammer. To avoid this scam, only buy vehicles from reputable dealerships or private sellers that you can meet in person. Don’t wire money to someone you don’t know; be sure to get all promises in writing before sending any money.
The Fake Movers Scam
In this scam, someone will call or email you claiming to be one of the professional moving companies. Legitimate movers will give you a low estimate for your move, often without seeing your home or knowing what you need to move. Once these fake moving services have your money, they disappear completely or show up on Moving Day with a rental truck and a few strong men.
These so-called “movers” will load up your belongings haphazardly, damaging some of them. They will then hold your belongings hostage until you pay them an exorbitant fee to release them. To avoid this scam, only work with licensed and insured professional movers. Be sure to get a moving estimate in writing before you commit to interstate movers, and read reviews online from past customers to see what other customers have said about their experience with this reputable moving company.
The Deposit Scam
In this moving fraud, a moving company will give you an estimate that seems too good to be true. They may even promise to match or beat the price of another company. Once you’ve signed the contract and paid a deposit, they will start to add on hidden fees.
These fees can include charges for fuel, insurance, and even the use of moving blankets. The final cost of your move will be much higher than originally quoted, and you may have to pay in cash only – no credit cards allowed.
To avoid this scam, be sure to get all charges in writing before you sign a contract. Read the contract carefully, especially the fine print, before you sign it, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear about the final price.
The Fake Promotions Scam
In this scam, someone will contact you, claiming to represent a moving company. They will offer you a “special promotion” or “discount” on your move, often involving a free or deeply discounted estimate. Once you’ve accepted the offer, they will send someone to do an estimate – but the moving company does not employ this person.
Instead, they are working for a third-party company that will charge you an exorbitant fee for their services. To avoid this scam, only work with moving companies that you research and contact yourself. Be sure to get all offers and promotions in writing before you agree to anything.
The Storage Unit Scam
In this scam, a moving company will load your belongings onto a truck and then claim that they need to store them in a storage unit overnight. They will say that the storage unit is free, but you will be responsible for paying the fee to move your belongings out of storage and to your new home. Of course, this fee is often much higher than the cost of renting a storage unit yourself.
To avoid this scam, only work with moving companies with storage facilities. Be sure to get all charges in writing before you agree to anything.
The Packing Scam
In this scam, a moving company will offer to pack up your belongings for you – for an extra fee. They will give you a low estimate for the cost of packing, but once they start packing your things, they will add hidden fees. These fees can include charges for fuel, insurance, and even the use of moving blankets.
The final cost of your move will be much higher than originally quoted, and you may have to pay in cash only – no credit cards allowed.
To avoid this scam, get all charges in writing before you agree to anything. Read the contract carefully before you sign it, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear.
The Incomplete Job Scam
In this scam, a moving company will quote you a low price for their services, and they may even promise to match or beat another company’s price. Once you’ve signed the contract and paid a deposit, they will start to add on hidden fees.
These fees can include charges for fuel, insurance, and even the use of moving blankets. The final cost of your move will be much higher than originally quoted, and you may have to pay in cash only – no credit cards allowed.
To avoid this scam, be sure to get all fees in writing before you sign a contract. Read the contract carefully before you sign it, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear.
Before signing contracts with moving companies, it’s important to be aware of the many scams.
Here are some tips on how to avoid being ripped off by fraudulent movers.
Do your research.
When looking for a moving company, it’s important to do your research and not just go with the first one you find. Get quotes from multiple companies and read reviews online. Be sure to check out the Better Business Bureau website to see if there are any complaints against the company you’re considering.
Get everything in writing.
Once you’ve chosen a moving company, get everything in writing. This includes the move’s price, the date, and a detailed inventory of your belongings. The company should also provide you with a copy of their insurance policy. In Canada, all moving companies are required by law to have insurance in case of damage or loss.
Beware of red flags.
Some red flags can indicate a moving scam. For example, if the company refuses to give you a written estimate or quote, that’s a bad sign. Also, be wary of any company that asks for a large deposit upfront or demands cash only. If the company is pressuring you to sign a contract quickly, that’s another cause for concern.
Watch out for hidden fees.
Some moving companies will try to add hidden fees once the move is underway. Be sure to read your contract carefully and ask about any fees not included in the initial quote. For example, some companies will charge extra for stairs, long carry, or fuel surcharges.
Know your rights.
It’s important to know your rights as a consumer when dealing with any business. In Canada, the law protects consumers from being ripped off by businesses. For example, businesses cannot make false or misleading claims about their products or services under the Consumer Protection Act.
Be present when the moving company arrives.
On the day of the move, be sure to be present to supervise the loading and unloading of your belongings. This will help ensure that nothing gets lost or damaged. If possible, take photos or videos of your belongings as they are packed up and keep a list of all the items being moved.
Check for damage.
Once your belongings have been unloaded, take the time to check for any damage. If you find anything that’s broken or missing, be sure to document it and notify the moving company right away. You should also keep all receipts and documentation related to the move in case you need to file a claim later.
Following these tips will help you avoid being scammed by fraudulent moving companies. Remember to do your research, get everything in writing, and be present on moving day to supervise the move. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the Canadian Consumer Protection Agency for more information.
Hire Reputable Moving Companies You Can Trust
When it comes to your belongings, you should only entrust them to a moving company that you can trust. We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service at Quick and Easy Moving. We are fully licensed and insured to do business in Canada and have a long track record of happy customers. Contact us today for a free quote, and let us show you what we can do.