Relocating to a new home involves entrusting your most prized possessions to strangers. While many moving companies are legitimate and professional, the industry is unfortunately rife with scammers looking to exploit stressful situations.

This guide outlines the most common scams, warning signs to watch for, and steps to ensure your move is safe and secure.

1. Common Types of Moving Scams

The "Low-Ball" Estimate

This is the most frequent trap. A mover offers a quote that is significantly lower (often by 30-50%) than competitors.

• The Scam: Once they have loaded your goods onto the truck, they hold your items hostage and demand an exorbitant fee (2-3x the original quote) to deliver them, citing "unforeseen" weight, packing materials, or taxes.

The "Hostage" Situation

• The Scam: The mover loads your belongings but refuses to deliver them until you pay extra hidden charges in cash. They may threaten to auction off or dump your goods if you don't comply.

The Phantom Company

• The Scam: These "companies" often have slick websites and stock photos but no physical office or trucks. They might take a large deposit and never show up, or they might be a "broker" who sells your job to the lowest bidder (often an unverified mover) without your knowledge.

Insurance Fraud

• The Scam: The company charges you a premium for "transit insurance" but never actually buys a policy. If your goods are damaged, they deny the claim or stop responding to calls.

2. Red Flags: When to Walk Away

If you notice any of these warning signs, do not hire the company:

• No Physical Address: The company website lists no address, or the address turns out to be a residential home, a PO Box, or a vacant lot when checked on Google Maps.
• Mobile-Only Contact: They only communicate via WhatsApp or a mobile number and lack a landline or official business email.
• No Pre-Move Survey: They refuse to visit your home (or do a video survey) to inspect goods and provide a quote solely over the phone.
• Cash-Only / Large Deposit: They demand a large upfront deposit (more than 20%) or insist on cash payments only.
• Generic Greeting: When you call, they answer with "Movers" or "Moving Company" rather than a specific company name.
• No Written Contract: They are reluctant to provide a formal, itemized contract or ask you to sign blank or incomplete documents.
• Unmarked Vehicles: On moving day, a rental truck or an unbranded vehicle shows up instead of a company fleet truck.

3. How to Verify a Genuine Mover

Before booking, follow these steps to validate the company's legitimacy:

Check Registration & GST

• Ask for their GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) and verify it on the official government GST portal.
• Check if they are registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) or have an ISO certification.

Visit the Office

• If possible, pay a surprise visit to their listed office address. A legitimate mover will have a proper setup with signage, staff, and potentially their own warehouse/trucks.

Read "Real" Reviews

• Don't rely on testimonials on their own website.
• Check third-party platforms like Google Maps, Trustpilot, or MouthShut.
• Tip: Look for how they respond to negative reviews. A complete lack of negative reviews is also suspicious (they may be bought).

Get a Written, Binding Estimate

• Insist on a quote that includes the company letterhead, GST number, and a clause stating that the price is final based on the inventory list.
• Ensure the contract lists the pickup and delivery dates explicitly.

4. How to Protect Your Belongings

Even with a reputable mover, accidents can happen. Here is how to minimize loss:

Create a Detailed Inventory

• Number every box.
• Create a spreadsheet listing the contents of every box.
• Take photos and videos of valuable items (furniture, electronics) before they are packed to prove their condition in case of damage.

Manage Your Own Valuables

NEVER hand over the following items to movers. Keep them in your personal vehicle or carry-on bag:

• Cash, credit cards, and checkbooks.
• Jewelry and small heirlooms.
• Laptops, hard drives, and tablets.
• Critical documents (Passports, Property Deeds, Medical Records, Insurance policies).
• Prescription medications.

Insurance is Non-Negotiable

• Ensure you have Transit Insurance.
• Verify the policy: Ask for the policy document before the move starts. It should be from a recognized general insurance company, not just a "company guarantee" from the mover itself.

Supervise the Process

• Stand by the door as items are loaded.
• Check off items on your inventory list as they go onto the truck.
• Do not let the movers pack "personal" boxes without you seeing what goes inside.

5. What to Do If You Are Scammed

If you find yourself the victim of a moving scam:

1. File a Police Complaint: Immediately file an FIR (First Information Report) at the local police station for fraud, theft, or breach of trust.
2. Consumer Court: File a complaint with the Consumer Forum (National Consumer Helpline).
3. Social Media shaming: Post the details on Twitter/X, Facebook, and Google Reviews to warn others. Tag local police authorities in your posts.
4. Insurance Claim: If it is a case of damage, file a claim immediately within the window specified in your policy (usually 24-72 hours).