Last Updated on January 12, 2026 by Kari-Ann Ryan
Moving to a new home should be an exciting new chapter, not a financial nightmare. Unfortunately, moving scams continue to rise across the United States, especially during peak moving seasons. Every year, thousands of families lose money, belongings, and peace of mind to dishonest movers who use deceptive pricing, fake credentials, and hostage-style tactics.
This guide explains exactly how moving scams work, the warning signs to look for, and how to protect yourself before hiring a moving company.
How Common Are Moving Scams?
Scams that target people during a move are more common than many homeowners realize. The Better Business Bureau receives an average of 13,000 complaints and negative reviews about moving companies each year, with reports increasing during the busy summer moving season. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also records hundreds of consumer complaints annually related to moving fraud.
The financial impact on victims can be severe. Individuals affected by moving scams often report losses ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. In 2024, the median reported loss was $754.
These scams are difficult to recognize because dishonest movers often appear legitimate. They use professional websites, claim years of experience, and publish fake customer reviews. According to the BBB, some scam operators even use stolen or misrepresented FMCSA license numbers. Because these companies often sound friendly and professional on the phone, many homeowners do not realize they are being deceived until after their belongings are loaded onto a truck.
What are red flags to watch for?
1. Low-Ball Estimates
A fraudulent moving company may offer a low-ball estimate over the phone to entice customers. A red flag is when they are unable to provide an in-person estimate. The contract is sent and signed electronically but links in the contract no longer work when problems arise.
Per the BBB, charging more than 110% of the estimate before delivering the homeowner’s possessions is illegal. Extra fees for additional items may only be charged after delivery and unloading. Movers are not allowed to charge more than the quoted price if the estimate is binding.
Estimates must be based on the weight of the goods to be moved, a number that provides accuracy and is easily enforceable. However, moving scammers base estimates on volume (cubic feet), which can be manipulated by those with intent to extract more money than legally permissible.
2. Holding Goods Hostage
Moving scammers arrive late in the day and do not finish loading the truck until nightfall. They inform the customer of additional charges due to the need to handle more goods than anticipated. A replacement contract with higher fees is provided, though it’s illegal to price hike after loading.
Customers who resist the increase in cost are told that their belongings will be unloaded on the curb unless they agree to the new contract and price. The victims reluctantly agree and pay the higher cost. Later, the moving company is hard to reach or simply stops answering calls.
3. Unloading Deceits
Shady moving companies require cash payment before unloading, which cannot be reversed compared to credit card charges. If the customer refuses to pay, the rogue mover flees without providing the services as contracted. Belongings are abandoned on the truck or delivered to a storage facility.
While legitimate movers provide an initial estimate with full value replacement liability protection, scammers only offer released value liability protection covering 60 cents per pound. Victims with sizeable damages receive a trivial amount: $6 for damages to a 10-pound stereo worth $1,000.
How can customers avoid moving scams?
1. Verify Legitimacy
When searching for a reputable mover, utilize multiple resources to verify legitimacy and avoid a crook. Check the BBB and professional mover associations for customer reviews and experiences. Perform online searches with the potential moving company’s name plus the word “scam” or “complaints.”
2. Research Registrations
Individuals moving across state lines should look for a mover registered with the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Visit the DOT website to check the moving company’s registrations. On the mover’s website, look for a local address, licenses, insurance, and other information the state requires.
3. Obtain Multiple Estimates
Obtain at least three in-person or virtual estimates. Despite claiming to operating locally, scam moving companies do not have local employees; this makes it impossible to provide in-person estimates. Also obtain estimates that are based on weight rather than cubic feet.
4. Pay with a Credit Card
Avoid paying a large deposit. Honest movers may require a small down payment and expect payment once the goods are delivered. Do not make payments in cash; if the possessions are not delivered, a cash payment is impossible to trace and cannot prove that the service is paid-for.
5. Review Contracts
Examine the moving contract to ensure it is complete and without blank spaces. A legitimate contract lists all the goods to be moved. Purchase full value replacement liability protection. Though extra insurance costs more, it provides the highest protection should unforeseen damages or losses happen.
Common Moving Scams in Chicago and the Chicagoland Area
| Chicago Scam Pattern | How It Works | Why It Happens in Chicagoland |
|---|---|---|
| Fake “Local” Movers | Companies use Chicago phone numbers, Google profiles, and rented warehouse addresses to appear local, but jobs are subcontracted to unknown or unlicensed movers. | Chicago’s large metro area makes it easy for brokers and out-of-state operators to pretend they have a local presence. |
| Bait-and-Switch Apartment Fees | Movers advertise low base rates, then add surprise charges for stairs, elevators, long carries, parking permits, or alley access after the truck arrives. | High-rise buildings, walk-ups, and tight Chicago streets create opportunities for extra fees after loading begins. |
| Summer Lease-Turnover Scams | Temporary moving companies flood ads and listings during peak months, collect deposits or loads, then disappear. | May through September is Chicago’s busiest moving season, especially for renters and students. |
| Stolen or Duplicated DOT Numbers | Scam movers use another company’s DOT number to appear federally licensed even though they are not. | Illinois is a major logistics state, making DOT number misuse harder to spot without verification. |
| Long-Distance Rerouting | Movers give low interstate quotes, load belongings, then route shipments through out-of-state warehouses and demand thousands more before delivery. | Chicago is a national transportation hub, making it easy to move freight through multiple states. |
Trusted Moving Services from Mid-West Moving & Storage in Chicagoland
Families and businesses across Chicagoland deserve a moving company that operates with transparency, professionalism, and accountability. Mid-West Moving & Storage provides full-service residential and commercial moving backed by licensed crews, insured vehicles, and decades of local experience.
Our background-checked movers handle relocations for single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, offices, senior communities, and long-distance moves. Whether you are moving across Chicago, throughout Illinois, or across state lines, your belongings are handled with care, accuracy, and documented protection from start to finish.
We also provide professional packing and unpacking, short- and long-term storage, and careful furniture and equipment handling so every stage of your move is managed by trained specialists.
Mid-West Moving & Storage is fully licensed and compliant with federal and state regulations
U.S. DOT #294025
Illinois Commerce Commission Certificate #75043
Our reputation is built on ethical pricing, verified credentials, and consistently high customer ratings across Chicagoland.
For a secure, transparent, and professionally managed move, call our Chicago or Elk Grove Village office today to request your free, no-obligation quote and move with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a moving company’s DOT number is real?
You can verify a mover’s DOT number by searching it on the FMCSA’s official website. A legitimate moving company will have an active DOT registration that matches its business name, address, and phone number. If the information does not match, or the number is missing, the company may be operating illegally.
Can I dispute moving charges on a credit card?
Yes. If you paid a mover by credit card and they failed to deliver services as promised, you can file a dispute with your card issuer. This is why it is important to never pay in cash, wire transfer, or peer-to-peer apps, which offer no consumer protection.
What is the difference between binding and non-binding moving estimates?
A binding estimate guarantees the total price based on the listed items and weight. A non-binding estimate can change based on the actual weight of your shipment. However, even with a non-binding estimate, movers cannot charge more than 110 percent of the original quote before delivery.
Why do some movers quote by cubic feet instead of weight?
Scam movers often quote by cubic feet because it allows them to inflate the amount of space your belongings supposedly take up. Federal regulations require interstate moves to be priced by weight, which is more accurate and enforceable. Quoting by volume is a common scam tactic.
Are local movers safer than long-distance movers?
Local movers can be just as safe as long-distance movers if they are properly licensed and insured. However, scammers often pretend to be local companies without having an actual office or staff in the area. Always verify their business address and registration.
What agencies handle complaints about moving scams?
Complaints can be filed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Better Business Bureau, and your state Attorney General’s office. These agencies track patterns of fraud and can take enforcement action.
Why do scam movers change company names so often?
Scammers frequently shut down and reopen under new business names to escape bad reviews and enforcement actions. If a mover has little online history or constantly changing branding, it is a warning sign.
Is holding household goods hostage a federal crime?
Yes. Under federal transportation law, refusing to deliver goods until additional money is paid after loading is considered an illegal hostage load. The FMCSA treats this as consumer fraud and can suspend or revoke a mover’s operating authority.
Founder | CEO
Luis Toledo is a distinguished leader in the residential, commercial and industrial relocation industry, bringing over 45 years of expertise in business operations, strategic growth, and logistics management. As the founder of Mid-West Moving & Storage and Chicago Office Movers, he has successfully led both organizations to complete several hundred relocations across the Midwest and beyond.
Under his leadership, these companies have set industry standards for efficiency, reliability, and customer service in corporate, government, and institutional relocations. Committed to innovation and professional excellence, Luis expanded his executive acumen through the Executive Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Beyond business, Luis drives corporate social responsibility initiatives, partnering with Move for Hunger and other nonprofit organizations to provide moving services and sustainable solutions. He also leads environmental efforts by repurposing furniture and equipment for donation in Nicaragua and Guatemala, reducing waste, and supporting communities in need.
