Moving Blog

Moving to a new home should be exciting—not stressful. Unfortunately, thousands of people fall victim to bad moving companies every year. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), thousands of complaints are filed annually for issues like hidden fees, damaged goods, and hostage situations where belongings are held until customers pay extra.

This guide will help you spot red flags, verify movers, and protect yourself from

Why You Need to Be Cautious

Thousands of complaints each year — FMCSA and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) report consistent increases in moving-related fraud.

• Scams are evolving — Many bad movers create fake reviews or frequently change their business names to avoid detection.
• The cost of mistakes is high — Lost or damaged items, inflated bills, and emotional stress can derail your entire move. scams.

12 Red Flags of a Bad Moving Company

Look out for these warning signs before signing a contract:

1. Unusually low price estimates (too good to be true).
2. No DOT or MC number — legitimate interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA.
3. No physical address or only a P.O. box.
4. Frequent name changes to escape bad reviews.
5. Large upfront deposits or cash-only payments.
6. Fake or overly perfect online reviews with no specifics.
7. No written estimate or vague pricing breakdowns.
8. No in-home or video survey for your move.
9. Unmarked trucks or an unprofessional appearance on moving day.
10. High-pressure tactics — rushing you to sign quickly.
11. No proof of insurance or license.
12. Holding belongings hostage until extra fees are paid.

How to Verify a Moving Company

Take these steps before hiring any mover:

• Check licensing — Verify their DOT and MC numbers using FMCSA’s SAFER database.
• Review BBB ratings — Look for consistent complaints or unresolved cases.
• Read real reviews — Watch out for suspiciously generic or repetitive language.
• Get at least three written estimates — This helps spot lowball or inflated bids.
• Ask for a detailed contract — Ensure every service and fee is listed.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’re dealing with a fraudulent mover:

1. Document everything — contracts, receipts, photos of trucks and staff.
2. File complaints with FMCSA, BBB, and your state’s consumer protection agency.
3. Seek legal advice if items are being held hostage or damaged.

Finally if you’re going to use a moving broker, make sure you know who’s on the other side of that move!

Why Trust Oakley Relocation

• Fully licensed and insured interstate and intrastate movers.
• BBB A+ rated with decades of experience.
• Trusted North American Van Lines agent with a proven record of safe, on-time moves.
• Transparent estimates — no hidden fees, no surprises.

We believe moving should be stress-free, honest, and reliable.

Protect yourself from bad movers by doing your research, verifying credentials, and watching for red flags. If you’re ready to work with a mover you can trust, contact Oakley Relocation today for a free, no-obligation estimate.

With us, you can rest assured that your interstate move is safe and will arrive safely at your home.