Hiring a moving company is an act of trust. You’re placing your entire household – furniture, heirlooms, memories – in the hands of strangers.
Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes exploited by rogue movers who overcharge, hold belongings hostage, or simply disappear with everything you own.
Moving scams cost Americans millions of dollars every year. But with the right knowledge, you can protect yourself from fraudulent companies and ensure your move goes smoothly.
We’ve been operating legitimately in New York for over 100 years. We know exactly what separates reputable movers from scammers. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check if a moving company is legitimate before you hand over your belongings.
Why Verifying Your Moving Company Matters
The stakes are high when choosing a mover. Rogue moving companies use various tactics to exploit customers. Common scams include demanding excessive deposits, significantly raising prices after loading your belongings, refusing to unload until you pay inflated fees, or simply stealing everything on their truck.
Unlike other service providers, once movers have loaded your possessions onto their truck, you’ve lost all leverage. That’s why verification must happen before moving day.
Step 1: Verify the DOT Number
The single most important step in checking if a moving company is legitimate is verifying their U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number.
What is a DOT Number?
Any moving company transporting household goods across state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and assigned a DOT number. This requirement is federal law. No DOT number registration means the company is operating illegally.
How to Verify a DOT Number:
First, obtain the company’s DOT number. Legitimate movers display this prominently on their website footer, “About Us” page, or estimate paperwork. If a company claims they don’t have or need a DOT number for interstate moves, that’s an immediate red flag – walk away.
Visit the FMCSA’s website at fmcsa.dot.gov and use their “Search for a Registered Mover” tool. Enter the company’s DOT number and check the following:
- Operating Status: Must say “Authorized” or “Active.” Any other status means they’re not legally allowed to operate.
- Company Name Match: Ensure the name in the database exactly matches the company you’re researching. Scammers sometimes use another legitimate company’s DOT number.
- Insurance Information: Verify they carry proper cargo and liability insurance. This information appears in their FMCSA profile.
- Safety Record: The FMCSA database shows inspection results, crashes, and safety violations. While no company is perfect, excessive violations or poor safety scores warrant concern.
Important Note: If you’re moving within a single state (intrastate move), companies may not need a federal DOT number but should be licensed by your state. Check with your state’s public utilities commission or consumer protection office for local mover requirements.
Step 2: Check Better Business Bureau Ratings
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides independent ratings and complaint histories for businesses across the country.
Visit bbb.org and search for the moving company. Look for:
- Accreditation Status: BBB accreditation isn’t required, but it demonstrates a company’s commitment to ethical practices. U.Santini Moving & Storage, for example, maintains BBB accreditation.
- Rating: BBB ratings range from A+ to F. Companies with B+ or higher ratings generally demonstrate good business practices.
- Complaint History: Review the number and nature of complaints filed against the company. More importantly, look at how the company responded. Did they resolve issues professionally, or ignore customer concerns?
- Length of Time in Business: Established companies with long operational histories (like U.Santini’s 100+ years) have proven track records. Be cautious of companies operating less than two years – they may be scammers operating under new names after complaints forced them to rebrand.
If a company has no BBB listing at all or refuses to provide their BBB page when asked, consider it a warning sign.
Step 3: Research Online Reviews
Online reviews provide real customer experiences, but you must read them critically.
Where to Look:
- Check multiple review platforms: Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, and moving-specific sites like moveBuddha or My Good Movers. Don’t rely on a single source – scammers manipulate individual platforms.
What to Look For:
- Consistent Patterns: Do multiple reviewers mention the same positive qualities or similar problems? Patterns matter more than individual reviews.
- Realistic Expectations: No company is perfect. Legitimate movers will have some negative reviews mentioning common industry issues like minor damages or delivery delays. A company with only five-star reviews may be posting fake testimonials.
- Detailed Reviews: Authentic reviews provide specific details about the moving experience. Generic praise like “Great service!” with no specifics could be fabricated.
Red Flags in Reviews:
- Multiple complaints about dramatically increased prices after belongings were loaded, refusal to unload without additional payment, damaged or missing items with no resolution, or the company disappearing after receiving deposits.
If you see patterns of these serious issues, avoid that company regardless of their DOT number or BBB rating.
Step 4: Verify Physical Address and Contact Information
Legitimate moving companies have established business locations.
Visit the company’s website and verify they list a physical street address (not a P.O. box). Use Google Maps Street View to confirm the address shows an actual business facility – ideally a warehouse with moving trucks. If the address leads to a vacant lot, residential home, or mail forwarding service, that’s a major red flag.
Call the company’s phone number during business hours. Professional companies answer with their business name and employ trained staff who can answer questions about their services, licensing, and insurance. If calls go to voicemail repeatedly or someone answers with a vague “Hello” instead of the company name, be suspicious.
For local moves in areas like New York City, check if the company has a legitimate local presence. At U.Santini, our Brooklyn location has served the community for decades – this kind of established local presence indicates legitimacy.
Common Red Flags That Indicate Moving Scams
Beyond the verification steps above, watch for these warning signs:
Large Upfront Deposits
Most legitimate movers require minimal deposits (often none at all) and collect payment upon delivery. Companies demanding 50% or more upfront may take your money and disappear.
Cash-Only Payment
While some companies offer cash discounts, companies that only accept cash leave you no recourse if problems occur. Legitimate companies accept credit cards and checks.
No Written Contract
Professional movers provide detailed contracts called Bills of Lading. This document lists all items, services, costs, and delivery terms. Never allow movers to load your belongings without a signed contract.
Unmarked Trucks
Legitimate moving companies display their business name, contact information, and DOT number on their trucks. Rental trucks or unmarked vehicles suggest an unlicensed operation.
Unrealistically Low Prices
If a quote is dramatically lower than other estimates, it’s probably a scam. Moving is labor-intensive and requires significant equipment – extremely cheap rates aren’t sustainable for legitimate operations.
Name Changes or Multiple Names
Research whether the company has operated under different names. Fraudulent movers often rebrand after accumulating complaints.
No Physical Inventory
Before loading, legitimate movers document your belongings with a detailed inventory. Scammers skip this step because they plan to hold your items hostage or claim damages weren’t their fault.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you’ve already hired a mover and suspect fraud, act quickly.
Before Loading Begins
Cancel the service immediately if red flags appear on moving day. Don’t allow them to load your belongings. You may lose your deposit, but that’s better than losing everything.
After Loading
If movers refuse to unload without additional payment you didn’t agree to, document everything with photos and recordings (where legal). Contact local police and file a report. Reach out to the FMCSA if it’s an interstate move, or your state consumer protection office for local moves.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help prevent others from being victimized.
Professional Associations Matter
Membership in professional organizations demonstrates commitment to industry standards.
Look for affiliations with the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA), state moving associations, or certifications like ProMover from the American Trucking Association. While membership doesn’t guarantee perfect service, it shows the company is established enough to maintain professional relationships and agrees to follow ethical standards.
Insurance and Liability Coverage
Legitimate moving companies carry proper insurance and offer various protection options.
Ask about cargo insurance that covers your belongings during transport and general liability insurance for property damage. For your items, movers typically offer released value protection (basic, usually $0.60 per pound) or full value protection (comprehensive replacement or repair coverage).
If a company can’t provide proof of insurance or claims they “don’t need insurance,” that’s grounds for immediate disqualification.
Trust Your Instincts
Sometimes, legitimacy comes down to gut feeling. If something feels off during your interactions – evasive answers, pressure tactics, unprofessional communication, or general discomfort – listen to that instinct.
Professional movers like U.Santini prioritize clear communication, transparency, and customer comfort throughout the moving process. We answer questions thoroughly, provide all documentation upfront, and never pressure customers into quick decisions.
Protect Your Move
Learning how to check if a moving company is legitimate is time well spent. By verifying DOT numbers, researching reviews, confirming physical locations, and watching for red flags, you dramatically reduce the risk of falling victim to moving scams.
At U.Santini Moving & Storage, we’ve maintained our reputation through 90+ years of honest, professional service. We’re fully licensed, insured, and committed to making every move smooth and secure. If you’re planning a move and want the peace of mind that comes from working with a truly legitimate company, contact us today for a free, no-pressure estimate.
Don’t let moving scammers ruin what should be an exciting new chapter in your life. Take the time to verify your moving company’s legitimacy – your belongings and your peace of mind are worth it.
