Avoid These 7 Common Moving Scams (And How to Spot Them)

Moving can already be stressful—but falling victim to a moving scam can turn your transition into a nightmare. From disappearing deposits to hostage belongings, these shady tactics cost Americans millions of dollars each year and leave families stranded, broke, or both.

Fortunately, knowing what to look for can help you avoid trouble. Whether you’re relocating across the country or hiring local movers in Port Wentworth, GA, this guide will help you identify the most common moving scams—and more importantly, how to protect yourself from them.

The “Lowball Estimate” Scam

What it looks like:

A mover offers a super low estimate—often hundreds less than others—to win your business. But once they show up, they claim you have more items than expected and charge exorbitant fees before releasing your belongings.

How to spot it:

• They offer quotes over the phone or email without an in-person inspection.
• They refuse to provide a written binding estimate.
• The price seems too good to be true compared to other quotes.

How to avoid it:

• Always get multiple written estimates from licensed movers.
• Ask for binding or not-to-exceed estimates, especially for large moves.
• Be wary of movers who don’t ask for inventory details or walkthroughs.

Even trustworthy Savannah moving companies will explain pricing clearly and transparently—if someone’s dodging details, consider it a red flag.

The “Deposit Disappearing Act”

What it looks like:

You pay a large deposit up front, but the mover never shows up—or cancels at the last minute. Your calls go unanswered, and your money is gone.

How to spot it:

• The company demands cash or wire transfers only.
• They require a large deposit (over 25%) just to book a date.
• They have no physical address or license number listed online.

How to avoid it:

• Never pay large deposits—reputable movers typically charge after the job is complete.
• Always use credit cards for added fraud protection.
• Check their DOT number, licensing, and reviews before paying anything.

If you’re working with reliable movers in Port Wentworth, GA, they’ll walk you through their payment process and never pressure you for large sums upfront.

The “Hostage Goods” Scam

What it looks like:

Movers load your belongings, drive to the destination, and then refuse to unload unless you pay unexpected “fees”—often double or triple the quoted price.

How to spot it:

• The contract has vague pricing or missing line items.
• They refuse to explain their tariff or surcharge structure.
• They say things like “We’ll settle up when we get there.”

How to avoid it:

• Insist on a detailed, signed contract before moving day.
• Never trust movers who avoid discussing final costs or added charges.
• Read reviews to see if others had similar hostage experiences.

Federal and state consumer protection laws bind local and licensed Savannah moving companies. They will never hold your property hostage over surprise fees.

The “Rental Truck Switcheroo”

What it looks like:

You hire a company that looks professional online. But on moving day, they show up in an unmarked rental truck, often with day laborers instead of trained movers.

How to spot it:

• Their online presence uses stock photos of branded trucks.
• Their quote or website lists no company name or DOT number.
• They avoid questions about insurance or licensing.

How to avoid it:

• Ask for the name of the truck company before moving day.
• Look for branded trucks, uniforms, and a consistent identity.
• Check if their license is registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).

If you’re hiring movers in Port Wentworth, GA, take a drive by their physical office or request images of their fleet to verify professionalism.

The “Bait and Switch Weight” Scam

What it looks like:

For long-distance moves, movers charge by weight. In this scam, the mover falsely inflates the weight of your shipment to charge more.

How to spot it:

• They don’t weigh the truck in your presence.
• They won’t show weight certificates when asked.
• They give you a final invoice that’s wildly higher than expected.

How to avoid it:

• Demand certified weigh station tickets before and after loading.
• Know your rights: Federal law requires movers to allow you to witness truck weigh-ins.
• Ask for a written estimate that includes estimated weight—and ask how they verify it.

Most Savannah moving companies are upfront about weight and use legal scales for transparency. If yours won’t share details, don’t trust their bill.

The “Name Switch” Scam

What it looks like:

A disreputable company operates under multiple names, using different identities to dodge bad reviews or lawsuits.

How to spot it:

• They answer the phone with a generic greeting like “Movers.”
• You find different company names on Google, social media, or review sites.
• Their DOT number lists another business name entirely.

How to avoid it

• Check their BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating and aliases
• Ask for a copy of their business license and insurance certificate.

Reputable Savannah moving companies proudly stand behind their brand and operate under one clear identity.

The “Last-Minute Cancellation” Scam

it looks like:

You’ve booked your movers weeks in advance, but on moving day, they cancel without warning, leaving you stranded—and desperate enough to accept inflated “emergency rates” from another shady operation.

How to spot it:

• They avoid confirming the move until the last minute.
• They don’t provide a clear point of contact for questions or updates.
• You can’t find consistent customer reviews or references.

How to avoid it:

• Confirm your move at least 72 hours before the date.
• Get everything in writing, including arrival time and crew details.
• Choose movers with backup teams or flexible schedules, especially during peak season.

Top-rated movers in Port Wentworth, GA and surrounding areas typically confirm your move 24–48 hours prior—and they won’t leave you hanging.

Conclusion:

Moving is a big investment—emotionally, physically, and financially. The last thing you need is to get scammed by a dishonest company looking to take advantage of your vulnerability. The good news? You can avoid all seven of these common moving scams by doing your homework, getting multiple quotes, reading contracts thoroughly, and only working with licensed, reputable companies.

Whether you’re moving down the block or across state lines, take the time to vet Savannah moving companies carefully. When in doubt, look for trusted, local professionals like Movers in Port Wentworth, GA, who know the area, care about their reputation, and put customers first.