A new warning as many of you get ready to send your kids off to college: With summer being a busy time for moving, reports of people getting scammed are surging all across the Houston area, leaving many residents vulnerable and out-of-pocket.
So far this year, the average victim of a moving scam is out $431. It’s based on the number of scam complaints, according to a new report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Moving scams are rising fastest in Birmingham, Houston and Charlotte.
One type of scam that consumers need to be aware of is the bait and switch estimate. It’s when you’re initially charged one fee over the phone, only to have it increased when the movers actually come to your home. Sometimes, they’ll even hold your belongings hostage until you pay the increased fee on the spot. Unlicensed movers can be anyone. You should check with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to see if your potential movers are licensed.
So, how do you avoid getting scammed? Research your mover and check the company’s reviews. Keep a detailed inventory of all your belongings. Make sure to shop around for multiple quotes.
“Make sure that you have them come to your home in advance and give you an estimate right there on what the cost will be, so that they can survey everything that needs to be moved,” Leah Napoliello with the Houston Better Business Bureau said. “If it’s just over the phone, they really don’t know the whole project and what the cost will be, so make sure that you have them come out.”
You can visit the Better Business Bureau’s website, type in the moving company’s name or phone number, and read all the reviews and complaints for free.