How to Verify and Trust Packers and Movers

Hiring packers and movers requires significant trust—you are essentially handing over all your worldly possessions to strangers. While many companies are legitimate and professional, the industry is unfortunately rife with scams, including hidden charges, damaged goods, and "hostage" situations (where goods are held until an extra fee is paid).

Use this step-by-step framework to verify any moving company before you book them.

Phase 1: The "Elimination" Phase (Online Research)

Before you even call them, perform these checks to filter out obvious fraudsters.

1. Verify the GSTin (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number)

Legitimate movers in India must be registered.

• Ask for their GST Number. If they hesitate or say they are "applying for it," walk away.
• Verify it: Go to the official GST portal (services.gst.gov.in) and use the "Search Taxpayer" feature.
• Check the details: Does the business name on the GST portal match the company name? Is the status "Active"?

2. Analyze Reviews (The Right Way)

Don't just look at the star rating; fraudsters buy 5-star reviews.

• Look for the "Middle" Reviews: Ignore 5-star and 1-star reviews initially. Read the 3-star and 2-star reviews. These often contain genuine, nuanced feedback about delays or communication issues.
• Check for Specifics: A real review says, "Rahul and his team arrived 20 minutes late but packed the glassware well." A fake review says, "Best service, very nice, good job."
• Recency: A sudden flood of 5-star reviews in the last month is suspicious.

3. Website & Digital Footprint

• Domain Age: Use a "Whois" lookup tool to see when their website was created. If they claim 10 years of experience but the website was registered 2 months ago, it’s a red flag.
• Generic Photos: Do the photos on their site look like stock images? Professional movers usually feature photos of their actual trucks and staff in uniform.

Phase 2: The "Boots on the Ground" Phase

This is the single most effective way to avoid scams.

1. Visit Their Office Physically

Never skip this step.

• Many scam artists operate solely out of a mobile phone. They may list a fake address on Google Maps.
• Go to the address listed. Do they have a signboard? Do they have their own packing materials and trucks parked nearby? Is it a proper office or just a coworking space/residential address?
• If they try to talk you out of visiting ("We will come to you, sir, don't worry"), be very suspicious.

2. Check the Assets

• Branded Trucks: Reputable companies usually own their trucks, which are painted with their logo. Fly-by-night operators rent open trucks from third parties.
• Uniforms: Professional staff usually wear company uniforms and carry ID cards.

Phase 3: The Quote & Contract

The documentation is where the "hidden charges" trap is usually set.

1. Demand a Pre-Move Survey

• A trustworthy mover will insist on seeing your goods (either physically or via a detailed video call) before giving a final quote.
• Red Flag: If they give you a quote over the phone just by asking "1 BHK or 2 BHK?" without asking for a list of items, they will likely increase the price later.

2. Written vs. Verbal Quotes

• Get it in Writing: Never accept a verbal promise. The quote must be on the company letterhead.
• The "Final" Clause: Ensure the quote says "All-inclusive" or "Fixed Price."
• Hidden Cost Check: Explicitly ask about:
  • Toll taxes and parking charges.
  • Loading/Unloading charges (especially if there is no elevator).
  • Octroi or state entry taxes.
  • Packing material costs (is it unlimited or charged per box?).

3. Understanding Insurance

There are two types of insurance. Know which one you are getting:

• Transit Insurance: Covers damages only if the truck meets with an accident (topples/fire). It does not cover scratches or breakage during handling.
• All-Inclusive Insurance: Covers damages during packing, loading, and unloading.
• Tip: Ask for the insurance policy document. Some scammers charge you a "premium" but never actually buy the policy.

Major Red Flags (Run Away If...)

1. The Lowball Quote: If three companies quote 15,000, 16,000, and 17,000, and a fourth one quotes 8,000—do not hire the fourth one. They will load your goods, drive 5km, and then demand 15,000 more to release them.
2. Mobile-Only Contact: They have no landline and no verifiable address.
3. Cash-Only Demands: They refuse checks, bank transfers, or credit cards.
4. No Paperwork: They arrive without a proper consignment note or contract.

Summary Checklist for Trust

• [ ] Registration Checked: Verified GST number online.
• [ ] Physical Verification: Visited their office and saw branded assets.
• [ ] Survey Done: They conducted a physical or video survey of items.
• [ ] Written Quote: Received a formal quote on letterhead with "No Hidden Charges" clause.
• [ ] Insurance: Clarified coverage type (Transit vs. All-Inclusive).
• [ ] Payment Terms: Agreed to pay a small token advance (10-20%) and the rest after delivery. Avoid paying 100% upfront.