Unfortunately, moving scams have been increasing year over year. In 2024, the total financial toll of moving scams was $32.2 million 2024. Considering the average American moves at least eight times during their life, there are a lot of opportunities for people to fall prey to scammers. Recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched a consumer protection program called Operation Protect Your Move, where they deployed investigators across the country to address the increase in complaints against movers.
For those who live in NYC, that total number of moves might be even higher, considering many leases are only a year long. While you have higher chances of getting scammed when making interstate moves, there’s still a possibility that you could hire a bad local NYC moving company. In order to protect yourself, make sure to follow the steps below.
Research NYC Movers Thoroughly
Don’t hire the first NYC moving company that pops up in the search results. Look into at least 5-6 and perform some due diligence before you reach out directly. You can do a lot of your research online by doing the following:
- Check online reviews on trusted sites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. For Yelp and Google, make sure to read non-5-star reviews and see if there’s a particular complaint that keeps popping up.
- Verify licenses and accreditation by searching the NYC moving company’s Department of Transportation number. All movers are required to register with the Department of Transportation in order to work professionally and must display the DOT number on their site. Copy and paste the number on the FMCSA site and see if the number is valid and if there are any lodged accidents or complaints.
- Check for testimonials on their website. Sure, less-than-trustworthy NYC movers can simply make these up, but if they have no testimonials with 5-star reviews on sites, it might signal that the movers are ‘rebranding’ themselves to get around negative reviews.
- Reach out to friends and family members who might have moved recently for their suggestions. There’s nothing better than word-of-mouth because you’re getting information from a third-party source who has zero vested interest in the moving company.
Get Multiple Quotes from Moving Companies
There’s a reason you want to start the moving process early. It’s because you don’t want to be rushed and pressured into hiring a moving company without getting quotes from at least a couple of others. That way, you can compare all the offers, not just to find the most reasonably priced one, but also to see if any set off red flags.
Average NYC Moving Costs vs. Scam Pricing
| Apartment Size | Average Honest Price Range | Typical Scam “Lowball” Quote | Final Scam Price After “Extras” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $400 – $800 | $200 – $300 | $800 – $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $600 – $1,200 | $300 – $500 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,000 – $2,000 | $500 – $700 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,000 – $4,000 | $800 – $1,200 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
While moving costs aren’t necessarily standardized, most reliable NYC movers tend to offer similar prices, with probably a $10-$20 difference in cost. If one of the quotes is wildly cheaper, there’s a good chance that the moving company is trying to scam you by not listing out every line item. These kinds of bait-and-switch tactics are common. The scammers will give you a low-ball quote in the beginning and then will double or triple the cost once they have all of your stuff on their truck. Remember, it is illegal to hold your household goods hostage, so make sure to reach out to the proper authorities to avoid paying any additional money that you didn’t agree to.
When looking over the quotes, make sure to ask about any extra charges they might include, such as stair fees and long carry charges if they apply to your situation. Reputable NYC moving companies will spell out all of these charges and will include them in the line-item quote. You do, of course, have to mention these to any moving company, so they know when writing up your quote to include these extra fees. If you have any questions about a charge, the movers should be able to answer them without any issues. Should they get confrontational or not have a good explanation for the line item, you’re most likely dealing with a scammer.
Read Over the Estimate Carefully
If everything seems good so far, the next step is to read over the estimate. Now, an estimate and a quote are two different things. A quote is what the company gives you initially without seeing your moving situation, so it might not reflect everything. An estimate, on the other hand, is based on an actual or virtual inspection of everything you own. If the movers don’t do some kind of visit to inspect your things, consider that a major red flag. After all, how will they be able to provide an accurate estimate without seeing the work?
Some scammers might make the effort to visit, but won’t offer a written estimate. Remember, all professional NYC movers will provide a written estimate so that you can look it over and confirm the cost of your NYC move. If you don’t receive one, it’s definitely a sign the company plans on charging you more than they discussed over the phone or email.
Also, there are different types of estimates: binding and non-binding. While both are common practices in the moving industry, non-binding estimates can be tricky. As the name suggests, the price quoted on these estimates is not set in stone and will change depending on the final weight of the move. That means scamming companies can low-ball you on the estimate and charge you at least 10 percent more upon delivery. Unfortunately, this is technically legal, and the FMCSA says that customers will have to pay for charges due on the total shipment and that the movers can bill you the remaining charges after 30 days from delivery.
Ask Questions
There is no such thing as a stupid question, so don’t hold back! A good moving company will welcome any and all questions and answer them with professionalism and knowledge. Some common questions you should ask include:
- What kind of estimate do you offer?
- Can you provide customer referrals?
- Are there extra charges you should be aware of?
- What is your rescheduling/cancellation policy?
- Do you have a DOT number?
- Are you a carrier and not a broker?
- What kind of coverage do you offer?
- What services do you offer, and do you have the appropriate tools?
- How do you calculate your rate?
- How do you handle loss and damage claims?
- Do you offer any deals or promotions?
Listen carefully to how they answer your questions and their attitude. If they try to weasel their way out of a clear answer or if they get agitated and cranky, chances are you’re dealing with a fraudulent NYC moving company.
Protect Yourself Against Moving Scams
While it will take a lot more legwork, it’s important to do your due diligence before signing a contract with any NYC moving company. Of course, if you hire NYC Great Movers, we can guarantee that you’ll be getting qualified movers at an affordable rate. So give us a call and we’ll work with you to create a custom moving plan to fit your needs and budget.
FAQ
What happens if I fall victim to a moving scam?
First, get all of the documentation that you received from the moving company, including all contracts, emails, estimates, etc. Reach out to the FMCSA to report them as well as the Better Business Bureau. If they are holding your belongings hostage, contact law enforcement.
Will movers ask for a large upfront deposit?
No! This is a surefire sign of a scam. Most moving companies will ask for a small upfront deposit to hold your moving day. If they ask you for the entire payment or 50%, choose another company.
Should I pay for a certificate of insurance?
It depends on the company. Some moving companies will charge you a small fee for them to provide a certificate of insurance for your building. Others might not. Ask about it beforehand so you’re not surprised by the costs.
