In 2024, the BBB received 718 formal complaints against moving companies and scam victims lost a median of $754 each. The most common tactics – fake estimates, hostage loads, no-shows – are all detectable before you ever hand over a deposit. Here are 7 checks, most taking under 2 minutes, that protect you.
Check 1: Verify the USDOT Number (2 minutes)
Every company that moves goods across state lines is required by federal law to register with the FMCSA and carry a USDOT number. Go to fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move and search the company name or their USDOT number.
A legitimate mover will show: Operating Status = Authorized, Common Authority = Active, Insurance on file = Yes. If any of these show as inactive, revoked, or missing – stop. This is an immediate disqualifier.
Note for local moves: Movers who operate only within a single state are not required to have a USDOT number. For intrastate moves, check your state transportation department’s database instead.
Check 2: Search BBB Complaint History (2 minutes)
In 2024, over 100,000 inquiries about movers were made on BBB.org. Here’s how to interpret what you find:
- A or A+ rating: Few or no unresolved complaints – good sign, continue vetting
- B rating: Some complaints but resolved – read the details before deciding
- C or below: Pattern of unresolved disputes – find another mover
- F rating: Serious complaint history – do not hire under any circumstances
Don’t stop at the star rating. Click through and read the actual complaints. Look for patterns: multiple billing disputes signal bait-and-switch pricing. Missing items complaints are a non-negotiable dealbreaker. A company with 12 complaints that resolved them well is better than one with 3 complaints it ignored.
Check 3: Read Reviews the Right Way (3 minutes)
Most people read the average star rating and stop. That’s not enough. Use the 3-filter method:
- Sort by lowest first: Read 1-star reviews before 5-stars. Reveals recurring problems the average hides.
- Search keyword “price”: Filter for reviews mentioning price changes. Surfaces bait-and-switch complaints specifically.
- Check review dates: A cluster of 1-stars in a short window indicates a specific event – bad crew or management change.
For reliability: Google Reviews and BBB are the most trustworthy. Yelp is useful for local movers but has some manipulation. The mover’s own website reviews are marketing – treat them accordingly.
Watch for fake reviews: A company with 200 five-star reviews and a website registered 90 days ago is a red flag. Cross-reference across at least 2 platforms before trusting any rating.
Check 4: Demand a Written Binding Estimate
The lowball estimate is the #1 tool of fraudulent movers. They quote 40–60% below market rate to win your business, then dramatically increase the price on moving day when your belongings are already on their truck.
There are three types of estimates:
- Binding estimate: The price is locked. What you’re quoted is what you pay, regardless of actual weight. Best protection – get this in writing.
- Non-binding estimate: The price can change based on actual weight at delivery. The mover can only collect 110% at delivery – the rest is billed later. Higher risk.
- Not-to-exceed estimate: Won’t go above the quoted price, but can go lower if items weigh less. Best of both – ask for this on long distance moves.
For any move over $1,000, request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate. A mover who refuses to provide one in writing is leaving room to inflate the price later.
Check 5: Verify the Deposit Amount and Payment Method
The no-show scam – where a company takes your deposit then becomes unreachable – accounts for 26% of all moving scams. Deposit size and payment method are the clearest early signals:
- 0–20% deposit: Normal. Most legitimate movers operate here.
- 50%+ upfront: Red flag. This matches the profile of deposit-and-disappear scams.
- Full payment before delivery: Do not pay. Legitimate movers collect after delivery.
For payment method, always use a credit card – it gives you chargeback rights if something goes wrong. Never pay via cash, Zelle, Venmo, or wire transfer for a moving deposit. These payment methods are deliberately chosen by scammers because they offer zero recourse once sent.
Check 6: Read the Contract Before Signing
Moving contracts are where many problems are quietly introduced. Your contract must include:
- Specific pickup and delivery dates – not “approximately”
- Itemized cost breakdown with every fee listed
- Whether the estimate is binding or non-binding – stated explicitly
- Liability coverage details and what’s excluded
- Cancellation policy with exact deadlines and fees
Never sign a contract with blank spaces. Line through every blank field and initial it before signing. Blank spaces in a moving contract can be filled with higher charges after you’ve signed.
A real 2025 BBB complaint: “I got robbed of $6,100 because I did not cancel within 72 hours after booking. Doubled my cost right before the move.” The cancellation clause was in the contract. He signed without reading it.
Check 7: Confirm Insurance Coverage
Standard moving coverage – called released value protection – pays just 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items. A $2,000 laptop that weighs 5 pounds gets you $3.00. That’s not a typo.
There are three coverage levels:
- Released value (basic): $0.60/lb. Free but nearly worthless for anything of value.
- Full value protection: Mover must repair, replace, or pay current market value. Costs 1–3% of declared value. This is what you want for most moves.
- Third-party insurance: Separate policy from an insurance company. Best for high-value items, art, or antiques.
Ask every mover three questions: Do you offer full value protection? What’s excluded from your coverage? Can I see your certificate of insurance? A legitimate mover answers all three without hesitation.
Red Flags – If You See 2 or More, Walk Away
- Quote is 40%+ below other estimates
- No USDOT number for an interstate move
- Phone answered as “movers” not the company name
- No physical address – only a P.O. box
- Demands 50%+ deposit upfront
- Only accepts cash, Zelle, or wire transfer
- Refuses to provide a written binding estimate
- Uses rented unmarked trucks with no company branding
- Website registered within the last 120 days
- BBB rating of C or below
- Contract contains blank spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a moving company is legitimate?
Search their USDOT number at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move. A legitimate interstate mover will show Active authority and insurance on file. Also check BBB.org for complaint history and confirm they have a real physical address.
What is a hostage load moving scam?
A hostage load scam is when a mover loads your belongings then demands significantly more money before delivering them. Protect yourself with a binding estimate in writing. If this happens, contact the FMCSA at 1-888-368-7238 and local law enforcement.
How much deposit should a moving company ask for?
Legitimate movers typically request 10–20% of the total estimate. Be suspicious of any mover demanding more than 25% upfront, or who only accepts cash or Zelle. Always pay with a credit card when possible.
What’s the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate locks in the price regardless of actual weight. A non-binding estimate can change based on weight at delivery. For long distance moves, always request binding or not-to-exceed.