10 ways to avoid moving scams |
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"Companies that are just charging you cash, there's no transaction recorded," O'Gorman says. "They could run
off with your stuff and pretend nothing happened."
6. Ask about the claims process
Even reputable movers occasionally drop vases and scratch tables. The difference between a good mover and a bad mover when this
happens is that a good mover has a solid claims process to make sure you recoup damages.
You should learn about the claims process before signing the contract. Does the company have its own claims agent?
Do they source it out through a third party? Do you have to go directly to the insurance company that you're buying your valuation
through?
"If it's a reputable company, it would have an internal quality control department and a contact to help you with
your claim," O'Gorman says.
7. Do the movers conduct drug tests and background checks?
You're allowing these people into your home and they will be responsible
for the safety of your possessions. Not to mention, they will have
access to your loved ones. Learning if a potential mover has conducted
thorough background checks and drug testing is absolutely necessary,
says Zuni Corkerton, president for RefCheck Information Services
Inc.
But Corkerton says many consumers accept a company's word at face value. She recommends requesting verification
that the moving company has conducted a background check.
"Oftentimes, they will openly check misdemeanors in the past seven years, but not for felonies," Corkerton says.
"With today's technology, you can get a pretty good insight into a person's background."
8. Be cautious of Internet movers
If you were to Google "movers" or "cheap move," your screen would
be filled with special moving deals from companies that have legitimate-sounding
company names. But Clayton says if a deal sounds too good to be
true, it probably is.
"Unfortunately, the Internet is making it easy for scam artists to prey on consumers," Clayton says.
Veteran moving consumers are not the ones who are falling victim, Bonham says.
"It's people who haven't moved as much in their life
and they don't know what to look for," she says. "We as a society
are so used to just going on the Internet and finding something.
You don't think about the fact that this truck's going to have all
of your worldly possessions in it. You need to make sure you can
trust somebody who's driving off with this."
9. Look at the actual trucks used
When you're shopping, take a look at the trucks. Do they look clean and well kept? The condition of the truck is a good indication
of how your furniture will be treated.
When it's moving time and your hired mover shows up with a rental truck, it behooves you to cancel the agreement
right there and demand your deposit back.
10. Pay little upfront
Some companies require a down payment or deposit as high as 25 percent
of the total move. But reputable companies do not require you to
pay everything upfront. Nevertheless, with any deposit, consumers
should make sure it is refundable because the closing could always
fall through.
"I'd be very wary of a local move situation that expects a (hefty) payment up front," O'Gorman says.
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