If we asked you your worst fear about moving to a new home, you might say that you fear the movers breaking something of value, or that something might get lost in the transition. However, one thing that many may not consider is that the company you hired could be a scam company that will either hold all your belongings hostage until you fork over a hefty wad of cash, or even worse, will sell all your possessions. Unfortunately, moving fraud has been on the rise in the last 10 years or so with the number of internet vendor sites that can fake credentials and testimonials on their sites. And quite frankly, they give quality moving companies like Yarnall a bad name! So how do you avoid becoming a victim of moving fraud? Here are 5 tips:

Ask For Recommendations from Friends and Family

A reputable moving company will not have a problem generating positive feedback from satisfied customers, and some of these customers might even be people you know personally. You can also research a moving company thoroughly online, but keep in mind that web pages are relatively easy to put up and take down and online credentials are just words. Talking to a friend, family member or someone you trust is the best way to get the names of reputable moving companies.

Investigate

There are some good ways you can obtain helpful information on moving companies. One way is to check on complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the American Moving and Storage Association. While even good, reputable moving companies can have a few complaints, too many signal something is categorically wrong with the operation.

Get At Least Three Estimates

It’s important to shop around and get at least three estimates in writing. Take caution in simply accepting the lowest bid, it can be a red flag if one of your three bids is much lower than the others. The cheapest value is not always the most favorable, and a fraudulent moving company can lure unsuspecting customers in with cheap prices.

Look at the Trucks

How a moving company maintains its trucks says a lot about the business and how the company will treat your possessions. A reputable moving company takes care of their trucks and understands that their condition reflects the moving company that owns them. At Yarnall, we make sure our trucks are kept in good condition and are thoroughly cleaned before and after every move. Before you hire a moving company, make sure their trucks are clean and well kept!

Avoid Upfront Charges

Reputable movers typically do not require that you pay for the move upfront unless you are paying with a credit card. If a moving company requires that you pay for services upfront, that’s a very big red flag. If you find one that is requesting this, keep shopping!

Moving? We can help.

We pride ourselves on having a loyal, dedicated team of movers. On average, our moving team has been with Yarnall Moving & Storage Solutions for more than 17 years. And over the decades, we have changed with the times and expanded to offer needed services. As problem-solvers, we help customers overcome their unique moving and storage challenges. We’re here to help every step of the way. Learn how.

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