BUEHLER COMPANIES  |  MOVING TIPS & RESOURCES

Don’t Get Taken for a Ride: Residential Moving Scams to Watch Out For (And How to Protect Yourself)

Moving is already one of life’s most stressful events. The last thing any family needs is to hand over their furniture, valuables, or deposit to a company that vanishes into thin air — or holds their belongings hostage for extra cash. Unfortunately, moving scams targeting residential customers are more common than most people realize.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), thousands of moving fraud complaints are filed every year. Organizations like MoveRescue.com — a nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of moving fraud — confirm that these scams follow predictable patterns, which means they’re also predictable enough to avoid.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, knowing what scams exist — and the red flags to watch for — can save you thousands of dollars and enormous headaches. Here’s what every residential mover needs to know.

The Most Common Residential Moving Scams

1. The Lowball Estimate Trap

This is perhaps the most widespread residential moving scam. A company quotes you an attractively low estimate over the phone or online — without ever seeing your home or belongings. On moving day, the final bill suddenly balloons, often because the movers claim your items weighed more than estimated or required “special handling.”

According to MoveRescue, legitimate moving companies understand what it takes to move goods and the size of a shipment — they should never rely solely on the customer to provide that information over the phone. If a mover never physically looks at your items — either in person or through a virtual walkthrough — that’s a serious red flag.

Red flags to watch for:

• No in-home or virtual walkthrough before giving an estimate
• Unusually low quotes compared to other companies
• Refusal to provide a written binding estimate
• Pressure to book immediately or “lock in” the price

2. Hostage Goods (a.k.a. The Ransom Scam)

One of the most alarming scams: movers load your belongings onto a truck, then demand significantly more money before they’ll deliver or unload them. These fraudulent operators know you’re in a vulnerable position and exploit it shamelessly. The FMCSA has specific rules protecting consumers from this practice, but rogue operators ignore them.

MoveRescue exists specifically to assist victims caught in these situations. If you find yourself in this scenario, contact MoveRescue immediately at www.moverescue.com for guidance.

Red flags to watch for:

• No USDOT number or operating authority on paperwork
• Demanding a large cash deposit upfront
• Driver or crew who seem unfamiliar with the company they represent
• No official written contract before loading begins

3. The Rogue Broker Scheme

Some websites pose as moving companies but are actually unlicensed brokers. They take your deposit, then sell your job to a random (and often unvetted) carrier. You may end up with a completely different company showing up at your door — one that has no accountability to the original agreement.

MoveRescue advises consumers to work directly with a carrier rather than a broker so you can research the actual entity moving your household goods. A broker will typically identify itself as such in the fine print of your agreement. To verify, request the company’s DOT number and check it on the FMCSA website. If only Broker Authority is listed as active, you are not dealing with an actual carrier.

Red flags to watch for:

• Generic website with no physical address or local presence
• Company name doesn’t match the truck or crew that shows up
• No information about who the actual carrier will be
• Customer service goes silent after a deposit is paid

4. Disappearing Deposit Fraud

In this scam, a fraudulent moving company collects a large upfront deposit — sometimes hundreds or even thousands of dollars — and simply never shows up on moving day. By the time you try to reach them, the phone number is disconnected and the website is gone.

MoveRescue notes that fraudulent companies often cycle through business names while keeping the same phone number. Before booking, search the company’s phone number online to see how many different company names it’s associated with — multiple names under a single number is a major warning sign.

Red flags to watch for:

• Requiring 50% or more deposit upfront
• No physical office or warehouse you can visit
• Poor or non-existent reviews on the BBB, Google, or Yelp
• Multiple business names associated with the same phone number

5. Phantom Insurance and False Valuation Coverage

Some movers claim to be fully insured but provide coverage that is either worthless or nonexistent. According to MoveRescue and FMCSA guidelines, moving companies are legally required to offer customers at least two levels of valuation coverage and have you sign for the one you choose. If a mover never discusses valuation options during the estimate process, that is a red flag of a fraudulent company.

Here’s what you need to know about the two coverage types:

Full Value Protection: This is the default and highest level of protection. The mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods. This should be offered in writing with a clear cost.

Released Value (Basic Coverage): The most basic option, covering only $0.60 per pound per item. This is often woefully inadequate — especially for high-value items.

Red flags to watch for:

• Mover never discusses valuation or insurance options during the estimate
• Only one coverage option is offered (or none at all)
• No written documentation of coverage provided
• Claims of being “fully insured” with no specifics

How to Research a Moving Company Before You Book

The good news: most moving scams can be spotted before you ever sign anything. Here’s a step-by-step research process recommended by MoveRescue.com and the FMCSA.

Check Their Physical Presence

Google the company’s mailing address. A legitimate mover should have an actual physical location — not a personal residence or an unaffiliated office. Search for their website photos: are the trucks, uniforms, and boxes branded with the company’s own logo? Fraudulent sites frequently use generic stock photos with no company branding, or logos that appear digitally inserted.

Search the Phone Number

Run the company’s phone number through a web search and see how many different business names it’s associated with. Scam operators frequently rebrand after accumulating bad reviews while keeping the same contact number. Multiple names tied to a single number is a clear warning sign.

Verify Their Social Media

Check any social media links listed on the company’s website. Broken links, redirects to a different company’s page, or accounts with little to no recent activity are all red flags indicating a potentially fraudulent operation.

Check the BBB and Consumer Reviews

Look up the company on the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org), Google Reviews, Yelp, and Facebook. Pay attention to patterns in negative reviews — complaints about surprise charges, missing items, or failure to show up are serious warning signs.

Verify FMCSA Licensing

All interstate movers must be licensed by the FMCSA. Ask the company for their DOT number, then verify it at https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov. When reviewing the FMCSA carrier report, confirm:

• “Common” authority is listed as ACTIVE
• “Household Goods” is marked YES
• Both BIPD and cargo insurance are on file with the DOT

If only Broker Authority is listed as active, you are dealing with a broker — not a carrier. MoveRescue strongly recommends working directly with a licensed carrier so you can fully vet the company that will be handling your belongings.

Check AMSA Membership

Verify whether the company is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (www.moving.org). AMSA Certified Movers have agreed to a Code of Conduct requiring full disclosure of moving information, written estimates, timely service, and prompt response to claims.

7 Essential Tips to Protect Yourself Before You Move

Based on guidance from MoveRescue and the FMCSA, here are the most important steps every residential mover should take:

1. Always Insist on a Visual Estimate

Never accept a quote from a mover who hasn’t physically seen your belongings — either in person or through a virtual walkthrough. Legitimate movers need to see your items to provide an accurate estimate. A phone-only quote is almost always unreliable and is often the first step in a lowball scam.

2. Get Everything in Writing

Do not sign blank or incomplete paperwork. Your estimate, contract (Bill of Lading), and chosen valuation coverage should all be documented in writing before any items are loaded. Review every document carefully and keep copies.

3. Understand Your Valuation Options

Movers are legally required to offer you at least two levels of protection. Ask specifically about Full Value Protection vs. Released Value coverage. If a mover doesn’t proactively walk you through your options, walk away.

4. Be Cautious with Upfront Deposits

Standard industry practice involves little to no deposit before the move. Be very wary of any company demanding 25–50% or more upfront, particularly if they request cash or wire transfer.

5. Confirm the Company Has Real Locations

Legitimate movers have actual warehouses and offices you can visit. A company with established, verifiable facilities — like Buehler’s four locations with over 506,000 square feet of warehouse space across Denver, Fort Worth, Albuquerque, and Colorado Springs — has real accountability to its community and customers.

6. Verify the Carrier — Not Just the Broker

If you’re working through a third party, find out the name of the actual carrier who will be moving your goods and research them independently on the FMCSA website. MoveRescue recommends always working directly with a licensed carrier.

7. Know Where to Turn for Help

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a fraudulent mover — or if your goods are being held hostage — contact MoveRescue immediately at www.moverescue.com. You can also file a complaint with the FMCSA at www.protectyourmove.gov.

The Buehler Difference: A Century of Doing Things Right

With roots going back to 1912, Buehler Companies has built its reputation on exactly the principles that moving scams exploit: transparency, accountability, and genuine care for the people we serve. As a proud agent of both United Van Lines and Mayflower — two of the nation’s most trusted moving networks — Buehler operates with full national resources while delivering the personalized service of a local company.

For our residential clients, that means free in-home estimates, fully binding written agreements, and licensed, insured crews who treat your belongings with the care they’d give their own. It also means a verifiable history you can check: an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, real warehouse facilities you can visit, and decades of satisfied clients who are happy to serve as references.

When you move with Buehler, you’re not taking a chance on a name you found in a search ad. You’re partnering with a company that has been earning trust — one move at a time — for over 100 years.

Ready to move with confidence? Contact Buehler Companies today at 866-806-6208 or visit buehlercompanies.com for a free estimate. Your peace of mind is our business.

Additional Resources

MoveRescue.com — Free help for moving fraud victims and pre-move educational resources

FMCSA Protect Your Move — Federal moving consumer protection information and complaint filing

FMCSA Carrier Lookup — Verify a mover’s licensing, authority, and insurance

Better Business Bureau — Check company ratings and complaint history

American Moving & Storage Association — Find AMSA-certified movers who adhere to a Code of Conduct

Buehler Companies | Denver • Fort Worth • Albuquerque • Colorado Springs | 866-806-6208 | buehlercompanies.com