Moving Scam Red Flags
The most reported moving fraud is a very low nonbinding estimate followed by a demand for many times the quote at delivery — sometimes with your goods held hostage. Learn the tells.
Demands a large cash-only deposit before the move.
Refuses or rushes a written, in-person or video survey and quotes only by phone or square footage.
Offers a price far below other estimates with no clear explanation.
Cannot or will not show a valid USDOT number (interstate) or state license (intrastate).
Uses a rented, unmarked truck or a personal vehicle on move day.
Claims to be a 'broker' but presents itself as the actual carrier, or won't name the carrier.
Asks you to sign blank or incomplete paperwork, including a blank Bill of Lading.
Name, address, or USDOT number on the truck or paperwork does not match the paperwork you signed.
Demands full payment in cash before unloading your goods.
Call FMCSA 1-888-368-7238 and the DOT OIG 1-800-424-9071. Report cloned USDOT numbers and ransom demands immediately. Full complaint guide.
Common fraud patterns
- FMCSA and state agencies receive thousands of household-goods moving complaints each year, with 'hostage load' ransom schemes among the most reported.
- The FTC and state Attorneys General repeatedly warn that the most common moving fraud pattern is a very low nonbinding estimate followed by a demand for many times the quote at delivery.
- Cloned or fake USDOT numbers are a known tactic; always verify the number at safer.fmcsa.gov, not just on the truck.
60-second self-check before you pay a deposit
- Does the mover show a valid USDOT (interstate) or state license (intrastate)? Verify it.
- Was there a real in-person or video survey — not a phone-only quote?
- Is the estimate in writing, with binding/nonbinding terms stated?
- Is the deposit modest and payable by traceable method (not cash-only)?
- Are you being asked to sign anything blank? (Never.)
Print our Scam Red-Flag Card and keep it with your moving paperwork.