Beware of 'Moving Company' Scams

Lately there have been a number of less than honorable people creating "businesses" that literally take you for a ride.

One of the latest scams has come from bogus moving companies. Well, maybe bogus is too strong a word because some really do offer to move you. However, there may be some unexpected fees.

These companies start out by giving you some very low prices by phone or on the Internet.

Once they pack up your stuff and have it on thier trucks, they may ask for additional money that was not agreed upon up front. They will hold your possessions hostage until you pay up.

Nationally or locally known moving companies are the best to use, but there are some red flag warnings to watch for with others.

Red Flag Warnings:

• The movers do not give an on-site estimate.
• When calling the company the person does not give a greeting from a business. The person answering the phone may just say "hello" or "Moving Company."
• They do not put your estimate in writing.
• The moving company demands a large cash deposit before the move.
• The moving company's website does not have a local address and no information about licensing or insurance.
• The office or warehouse is nonexisiting.