Moving to a new home should be an exciting experience, but unfortunately, moving scams are a real threat to unsuspecting customers.
At Cross Town Movers of Eugene, Oregon, we’ve been in the moving industry for decades, and we’ve seen it all—from reputable, customer-focused movers to fly-by-night scam operations that take advantage of people looking for an affordable move.
Hiring trustworthy, professional movers is crucial to protecting your belongings and ensuring a stress-free moving experience. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top four ways to identify and avoid moving scams, so you don’t fall victim to fraudulent moving companies.
? Need reliable, professional movers? Call Cross Town Movers at (541) 683-5211 for a free quote today!
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Check Customer Reviews and Business Ratings
One of the easiest ways to spot a moving scam is by researching what past customers have to say. Reputable moving companies prioritize customer service and reliability, and their reviews should reflect that.
How to Spot a Reputable Mover Through Reviews:
✔ Check Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Look for moving companies with consistent 4- or 5-star ratings.
✔ Look for trends in reviews – A single bad review isn’t a red flag, but repeated complaints about damage, overcharging, or delays are.
✔ Check for detailed, verified reviews – Be wary of companies with only vague, overly positive reviews, as these could be fake.
✔ Look for complaints on the BBB website – If a company has multiple unresolved complaints, that’s a major red flag.
What to Avoid:
? Companies with zero online presence – If you can’t find a website, business address, or customer feedback, proceed with caution.
? Multiple name changes – Scam movers often rebrand to escape bad reviews.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Choose a moving company with a proven track record, like Cross Town Movers!
✔ Ask for references from recent customers.
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Understand the True Cost of Moving – Avoid Hidden Fees
Moving companies should provide a free, transparent moving quote that includes all potential fees before you commit. If a mover is hesitant to discuss pricing upfront, it could be a scam.
How to Ensure Pricing Transparency:
✔ Ask for a written estimate – A legitimate moving company will offer a detailed, itemized quote.
✔ Clarify what’s included – Does the quote cover labor, transportation, fuel, and packing materials?
✔ Ask about potential extra charges – Some movers charge additional fees for stairs, long carries, or last-minute scheduling changes.
Common Moving Scams Related to Pricing:
? Lowball estimates – Scam movers may offer a very low price upfront to secure your business, then demand extra money on moving day.
? Large upfront deposits – Legitimate movers do not require large upfront payments before the move.
? Vague pricing details – If a company can’t explain their rates clearly, it’s a red flag.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Get multiple quotes from different companies to compare pricing.
✔ Make sure the company has a written policy on pricing and deposits.
? Call Cross Town Movers at (541) 683-5211 for a no-obligation, transparent quote!
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Verify the Movers Are Professionals – Not Day Laborers
When you hire a moving company, you’re trusting them with your most valuable possessions. Would you trust strangers with no experience to move your furniture and fragile items? Unfortunately, some moving scams involve hiring day laborers instead of trained movers.
What to Ask a Moving Company Before Hiring Them:
✔ Are your movers background-checked and drug-tested?
✔ Do you train your employees in safe moving techniques?
✔ Are your movers covered by insurance in case of an accident?
Signs a Moving Company Is Using Untrained Workers:
? No mention of employee screening or training – Reputable companies invest in training and background checks.
? No company uniforms or branded trucks – If the movers show up in an unmarked truck and casual clothes, that’s a red flag.
? Cash-only payments – A legitimate company accepts credit cards and provides receipts.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Ask for proof of employee screening and training.
✔ Choose a moving company that employs full-time, trained professionals—like Cross Town Movers!
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Confirm the Company’s Legitimacy and Licensing
A legitimate moving company should be licensed, insured, and registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or local regulatory agencies.
How to Verify a Mover’s Legitimacy:
✔ Ask for the company’s USDOT number (for interstate moves) – Check it on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
✔ Verify their insurance coverage – A reputable mover carries liability and cargo insurance.
✔ Check their business address and phone number – A legitimate company should have a physical office and a local business listing.
Common Moving Scams Related to Licensing:
? No USDOT number or business registration – If the company can’t provide proof of licensing, it’s a scam.
? They operate under multiple names – Fraudulent movers change names frequently to escape bad reviews.
? No insurance coverage – Without proper insurance, you have no protection if your items are lost or damaged.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Request proof of licensing and insurance before booking a move.
✔ Only hire a well-established moving company with a local presence—like Cross Town Movers!
? Need a trusted, licensed mover? Call Cross Town Movers at (541) 683-5211 today!
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?
✔ Check online reviews and business ratings.
✔ Verify licensing and insurance.
✔ Get a written quote with all costs included.
❓ Should I pay a moving company upfront?
? No! Reputable movers do not demand large deposits before the move.
❓ How can I avoid last-minute moving scams?
✔ Book with a trusted mover well in advance.
✔ Avoid companies with suspiciously low prices.
✔ Ask detailed questions about pricing, employees, and policies.
❓ What should I do if I suspect a moving scam?
✔ Cancel the service immediately.
✔ Report the company to the BBB and FMCSA.
✔ Choose a reputable moving company like Cross Town Movers instead.
Trust Cross Town Movers for a Safe, Hassle-Free Move!
At Cross Town Movers of Eugene, Oregon, we are committed to providing honest, reliable, and professional moving services. We believe in transparent pricing, highly trained movers, and superior customer service—because moving should be exciting, not stressful!
? Call us today at (541) 683-5211 for a free, no-obligation moving quote!
? Cross Town Movers – Trusted Moving Professionals in Eugene, Oregon!