Online Moving Brokers Continue to Scam Bargain Hunters

Online moving brokers bind consumers to scam moving companies and unlicensed movers

Moving scams have always been serious threats, but online moving brokers have given consumers more reason to beware. Since hiring moving companies through these brokers became common practice, the number of scams have increased considerably. How could it not, with yet another avenue to capitalize on the average consumer's tendency to bite on a low price?

Though the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) only receives a few thousand complaints per year, officials in the moving industry have reason to believe that the actual number of people being scammed by dishonest moving companies reaches tens of thousands annually. A lot of these moving scams involve deals with online brokers.

Over the past few months alone, there have been several reported cases of fraudulent broker activity. In many of these cases, brokers ask consumers for deposits or downpayments on behalf of fictional moving companies that, of course, never show up.

Several brokers, in partnership with movers that share their lack of ethics, present consumers with low or reasonably-priced moving quotes, only to have their partners raise these quotes considerably after their customers' goods have been loaded onto their trucks. If their customers refuse to pay, these movers hold their belongings hostage until they do.

The prevalence of this trend shows that people shouldn't put price and convenience above all their other concerns. Illicit online brokers and unlicensed movers are quick to take advantage of those who do.

In light of these concerns, moving industry officials strongly advise consumers to be on their guard when they are given quotes that are well below the average market price, and to take the necessary steps to ensure that the moving company they hire has a valid license, which proves that it has the authorization of the FMCSA and the local Department of Transportation.

This review was provided by Mover New York, A reputable licensed moving company that operates in New York and New Jersey, and provides various moving services.