Moving scams: red flags and what honest movers do

Most movers are honest. But moving scams, like a low quote followed by a much higher bill and your belongings held until you pay, happen often enough that the federal government runs a site to help people avoid them. Here's how to tell the difference.

Red flag	What an honest mover does
Gives a price over the phone or online without seeing your things	Does an in-person or video walk-through before giving a written estimate.
Asks for a large cash deposit before the move	Usually takes payment at delivery, or a small deposit by card.
Has no USDOT number, or a different name from its registration	Shows its USDOT number on its website and paperwork (required for interstate moves).
Doesn't give you the "Your Rights and Responsibilities" booklet on an interstate move	Gives you the booklet, as federal rules require.
Asks you to sign a blank or incomplete contract	Fills in every line, including price, dates and services, before you sign.
Shows up in a rental truck with no company name	Arrives in a marked truck, or explains why not.
Demands more money before unloading	Follows its written estimate and the rules for collecting payment at delivery.
Has many complaints, or a new name with no history	Has a track record you can check, and a physical address.

General information, not legal advice. For interstate moves, see FMCSA's ProtectYourMove.gov. For moves within a state, check with your state's consumer protection office or transportation agency. We aren't a mover or broker and don't recommend companies.

Five steps to protect yourself

1
Check the mover on ProtectYourMove.gov (interstate) or your state agency (local).
2
Get at least three written estimates.
3
Pay by card, not cash.
4
Read every document before signing.
5
Report problems to FMCSA or your state consumer protection office.

Read your rights on an interstate move and protecting your belongings, or compare costs with the moving cost calculator.