Take it from me: Moving homes is a massive pain. As someone who's done it many times over the last few years, moving is already draining and unpleasant, and the absolute last thing you'll want to worry about is falling victim to scams from moving companies.
You might not have considered the possibility of a moving-related scam -- I certainly didn't -- but they are a very real thing, and in some ways, they are a lot scarier than more traditional scams. Why? Well, a fraudulent moving company won't just make off with your money; they may also put all your belongings at risk.
As recently as 2023, moving scams were on the rise, with 12% more people filing complaints that year than in 2022, according to findings from the Better Business Bureau and Hire-A-Helper. The number declined by 9% in 2024, though data also indicated that victims were losing more money overall, a total of around $32 million.
From inflated price estimates to mishandling items to straight-up failing to show up, moving scams can take a lot of different forms. So to help you avoid them, we've compiled a few key tips to help keep your money, your peace of mind and all your stuff safe during a move.
For more, check out CNET's tips for moving as a first-time renter.
Make sure you get an in-home estimate
One common way shady moving companies try to pull one over on you is by overcharging. And they'll often do that by giving you an estimate for the cost of their services without actually going to your home to take stock of everything. These sorts of estimates are commonly conducted over the phone. Make sure the company you intend to work with conducts an in-home estimate before you proceed with them.
And an itemized list of fees
On a similar note, these companies will also squeeze you for more money after the move by hitting you with a bunch of surprise fees. Usually, this sort of scam, typically referred to as a bait-and-switch, will offer a really good deal for the service up front to entice you, only to reveal additional fees once the move is finished and you're stuck dealing with their terms.
To avoid this, it's best to work with moving companies that will provide you with an itemized list of fees that might be incurred during your move. This will give you a full sense of what the service will cost and help you determine if the company you're working with is honest and reputable.
Be thorough when searching for a moving company
A key way you can avoid trouble is by doing thorough research into whatever company you hope to use for your move. Often, it's a good bet to go with nationally recognized companies that many people have used. In our most recent recommendation list, CNET named National Van Lines the best overall moving company for 2025.
If you're looking for a smaller or more local option -- perhaps to get a more competitive price -- you'll want to do your due diligence first. Check out the reviews for the company: They can alert you to a history of fraudulent behavior and are an overall indicator of quality service.
Also, be thorough before signing the contract
Above all, you'll want to make sure that you take the time to go through your contract and see everything it entitles you to -- and what all the costs are. Moving companies likely to scam you are known for operating off relatively thin contracts that don't give you a lot of guarantees. If you're not sure about the extent of the guarantees you should be receiving from a reputable company, you can start with the information about consumer rights provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
For more information about how to handle your next move smoothly, find out where to get boxes for free and how to make your move more eco-friendly.