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| Protect Yourself From Moving Fraud Moving can be stressful, even under the best of circumstances. Know how to avoid one of the most stressful situations that can arise; protect yourself from dishonest, “rogue” movers. Most moving companies are legitimate businesses that do quality work. In recent years, a growing number of complaints have been filed against movers and many of those complaints spring from the fraudulent practices of a small percentage of dishonest movers known as "rogue" movers The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), of the U .S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has initiated a partnership with other Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies, consumer groups, and the moving industry to make sure you have the information you need to “Protect Your Memories, Your Money, Your Move” from fraud. |
| Here’s an important "to do" list to help you select the right mover: #1) Get a written estimate from several movers. The estimate should be based on an actual inspection of your household goods. #2) Make sure the mover is registered with the proper authority and request a certificate of insurance. For moves from one state to another, an MC (Motor Carrier) & a DOT number is required by FMCSA. You can double check a mover's registration on www.protecyourmove.gov. For moves within Rhode Island you can check a registered mover at http://www.ripuc.org/utilityinfo/motorcarriers.html or local consumer affairs agency or your State Attorney General. #3) Do your homework. Read "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" a booklet from the Federal Government that your mover is required to give you if you are moving from one State to another. This booklet also has information you'll need if your goods are lost or damaged during the move. You can also access the booklet online, at www.protectyourmove.gov. #4) Check the mover's complaint history. Contact your local Better Business Bureau www.bbb.org and consumer protection agencies. #5) Remember your priorities when choosing a mover. If you hire a mover based solely on the cheapest price, you may be sacrificing other things that are actually more important, such as getting your possessions moved and delivered on time. And remember, movers are required by law to deliver your goods for no more than ten percent above the price of a non-binding estimate. This is known as the 110 percent rule. #6) Talk to friends, family members and co-workers. People that have had good experiences with a reputable moving company or even bad experiences with an not so reputable moving company will be happy to share their experiences. |
| Questions? Q. How do I learn more about choosing a mover? A. Go to www.protectyourmove.gov for more information and resources on choosing a mover. Q. What if I think a rogue mover has taken advantage of me? A. Log on to www.protectyourmove.gov, or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238) to file a complaint; your report could become part of a Federal investigation against the company. But remember, you should file a complaint directly with the mover before doing so with FMCSA. Q. What is the difference between an intrastate move and an interstate move? A. An intrastate move is one in which goods are transported from one point to another within the same state; (i.e., no state borders are crossed). State and local authorities have jurisdiction over intrastate and local moves. An interstate move is one in which goods are transported from one state to another. FMCSA has jurisdiction over interstate moves. Q. How do I insure my property when I hire a mover? A. There are two options: valuation coverage and depreciated coverage. When you sign your bill of lading, the mover automatically provides valuation coverage, which assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per item for both intrastate and interstate moves. Some movers may also offer to procure for you separate liability coverage from a third party insurance company. If you purchase this coverage through your mover, the mover is required to issue a policy or written record of the purchase. Q. In addition to FMCSA, are there other authorities I should contact to report a rogue mover? A. Yes. State Attorneys General and Consumer Affairs agencies are responsible for pursuing suspected moving fraud. |
| Red Flags For Spotting Rogue Movers Your best defense is to recognize a rogue mover before they have your goods. Here are the “red flags” to look out for: ■ The mover advertises "flat rate or low rate moves". These prices often sound too good to be true. They usually are. ■ The mover is only listed on internet websites. ■ The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move. ■ The company’s web site has no local address and no information about their registration or insurance. ■ The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance or fails to provide you with a certificate of insurance. ■ When you call the mover, the telephone is answered with a generic “Movers” or “Moving company,” rather than the company’s name. ■ Offices and warehouse are in poor condition or non-existent. ■ On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company owned or marked fleet truck. |
| Doing Your Part The federal government, state and local law enforcement agencies, and the legitimate moving industry have joined forces to combat moving fraud, but you have an important role to play as well. If you’re planning to move, it’s important to learn as much as you can about your rights and responsibilities. The best source of information is on the FMCSA Web site at:www.protectyourmove.gov You can also use this site to link to other government, law enforcement and moving industry information sources. This is very important if you’re looking for more detailed state and local information, including how to file a complaint. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 1-800-832-5660 • TTY: 1-800-877-8339 |
Know your rights and responsibilities. Protect Your Memories. Your Money. Your Move. |