How to Be on the Lookout for Moving Scams

Credello: If you're moving, that can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. You have a lot to think about, like the average cost of renting a moving truck, where you will get the boxes to pack up your things, and whether you can get some friends or family members to help you. 

While you're in the process of getting ready to make this significant change in your life, you should also know about potential moving scams. Some unscrupulous individuals might try to take advantage of you during this hectic time, and you must guard against that.

We'll discuss how you can avoid some of the most common moving scams right now.

The Company's Reputation

The first thing you should look into when considering hiring a moving company is its reputation. Consider how you found out about them. Did you hear some random person mention them, or did you get a recommendation through a more reputable source?

Look at their website. They should have one since virtually all modern companies do. The site should be easy to navigate and have plenty of professional-quality pictures and videos. It should be easy to interact with and have a list of the company's prices and services that you can find without any difficulty.

Look at the company's Google Business listing as well. They should have one, and it should have lots of positive customer reviews.

If you see negative customer feedback, the website looks clumsily thrown together, or they don't have a website at all, you can consider all of those major red flags.

The Sight-Unseen Moving Cost

If a moving company gives you a price quote without asking you for a detailed description of what they will be moving, that's a bad sign as well. Moving companies usually figure out how much they will charge you based on a detailed breakdown of how much furniture they will be moving, how many boxes, and so forth.

If they quote you a price without quizzing you on what they'll be moving for you or without stopping by your current residence to look for themselves, there's probably something strange going on. Moving companies should give you a quote based on the weight of your belongings and how far you need the company to move them.

Upfront Deposits

The average moving company will charge you nothing upfront. If a company requests any kind of cash deposit or wants you to pay the entire amount before delivery, you should immediately back out and go with a different moving entity.

If you pay upfront, you have no bargaining power. If everything that you have arrives broken, or some of it never shows up, you can't withhold the money because you've paid the company already. You're taking away all of your bargaining power.

Proceed Cautiously With Moving Companies

You can usually find plenty of reputable moving companies in your area, but there are often just as many with poor reputations. If the company you find demands any money upfront, you should refuse and go with someone else. If they give you a flat-rate quote without seeing what you want to be moved or asking about it, that's also a sign that something is wrong.

If you look into a moving company and see that they don't have a website or that their site seems hastily thrown together and is difficult to navigate, that should also put you on your guard. If they have no Google Business listing or you see lots of negative online feedback, you should probably back out and find another option.

If you go into the moving process cautiously and with your eyes wide open, you should do fine. 

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence. Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping, and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
press@credello.com
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: How to Be on the Lookout for Moving Scams