Attorney General Mayes Warns Consumers of Possible Moving Scams as Peak Moving Season Arrives

PHOENIX – When the school year comes to an end, many Arizonans choose to move during the summer months. Whether a student is graduating from college or a family is relocating across town or out of state, Attorney General Kris Mayes is urging Arizonans to be vigilant about moving scams.

Moving can be a stressful and expensive experience even when everything goes as planned. But it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you fall victim to a dishonest moving company. Moving scams can include false advertising, undisclosed fees, lowball price estimates, and possessions being held hostage until consumers pay inflated, unexpected charges.

"I will go after any company that threatens to keep your belongings in an attempt to extort more of your hard-earned money" said Attorney General Mayes.  "Movers should be on notice that my office is watching, and we will hold bad actors accountable. No Arizona family should have to fight to get their own possessions back. If you've been victimized by a moving scam, my office wants to hear from you."

Common moving scams:

• No show: Consumers receive a quote and pay a deposit, but the movers never show up.
• Extra Fees After Loading the Moving Truck:  The moving company provides a quote based on expected weight in pounds. After loading the truck, they inform the consumer that the load is over the expected weight and an additional fee must be paid. The additional fee is usually more expensive per pound, sometimes as much as double the original estimate.
• Hostage Loads: Some movers will quote a low price, load all of a consumer’s household goods, drive the moving truck to the destination and then refuse to unload the goods until the consumer pays a higher price often claiming the load exceeded the estimated expected weight. These “hostage loads” are illegal and put consumers in an impossible position of either paying a scammer or risking the loss of their possessions.
• Stolen items: One of the most disruptive and difficult-to-anticipate moving scams is when everything appears to be going well. The movers provide an estimate, arrive on time, and load your belongings on a truck. However, when the truck fails to arrive at its destination, your belongings are gone.

Attorney General Mayes encourages consumers to follow these tips to reduce the chances of being scammed during a move:

• Thoroughly research moving companies before signing a contract. Check the company’s complaint history and reputation with organizations such as the BBB and read online reviews.  Beware of websites that are sponsored by the fraudsters or an association of movers that lure consumers with fake positive reviews.
• Get moving quotes in writing.  Before moving, obtain at least three written estimates.  Interstate (out of state) movers may price the load according to distance and weight which may be a red flag.  Intrastate (in state) moves are usually based on hourly charges. Search for a moving company that asks for the measurements of your furniture and will guarantee the price as the total amount due at destination and not an estimate based upon actual weight.
• Check the mover’s federal registration for interstate moves. Interstate movers are required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a U.S. DOT number. You can confirm your mover is registered by checking the FMCSA’s website or calling the FMCSA at (202) 385-2423. Arizona has no registration or professional licensing requirements for movers.
• Seek help immediately if a mover attempts to hold your goods “hostage” for additional payment. Contact your local law enforcement agency or the Arizona Department of Public Safety at 602-223-2212 or 602-223-5000, or by email at [email protected]. Under Arizona law, during an in-state move, it is illegal for a moving company to refuse to deliver or unload goods once you pay the “total estimated price” in the signed contract. A.R.S. §§ 44-1611 to 44‑1616. Peace officers can direct a mover to deliver and unload goods being held illegally during in-state moves. A.R.S. § 44-1614(c). 
• Beware of extremely low estimates. Dishonest moving companies will often give you a low estimate over the phone or in online postings to get your business and then demand far more after your goods have been loaded onto their truck.  If the estimate sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Ask about all possible charges or additional fees. Moving companies may charge additional fees for travel time, packing materials, stairs, or gas, and/or have minimum charges.  Make sure you receive a detailed up-front written estimate.
• Make sure you have proper insurance. Most moving insurance is based upon weight and not the value of your goods, so your expensive, lightweight items may not have enough basic coverage if damaged during your move. Read the insurance coverage and ask questions before signing any contract. Prior to your move, you may also want to check with your homeowner’s or renter’s policy or consider purchasing supplemental moving insurance.
• Do not pay cash or a large deposit before the move and do not pay by cryptocurrency.  Some movers will require a small deposit when the contract is signed, but beware of movers requiring a large up-front deposit, cash, payment by cryptocurrency or full payment beforehand. Using a credit card provides some protection if there is a dispute. 
• Move valuable items separately. If you have valuable items like cash, electronics, or jewelry, important medical items like medications or inhalers, or confidential items like bank statements, you should move those items yourself. Do not leave these items out during your move. 
• Thoroughly review any contract before signing and read the fine print.  Do not sign blank or incomplete documents. Make sure you get copies of everything you sign and keep them in a place you will be able to find them. Untrustworthy movers can insert unapproved terms or fees into blank spaces on documents.
• Be present during the move. Be there to ask questions, give directions, and ensure that nothing is left behind. 

If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney General’s website. If you need a complaint form sent to you, you can contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.  For interstate moves, you may also file complaints with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.