National Moving Month: Don’t Let Scammers Hijack Your Interstate Move
May marks National Moving Month — the start of the busiest season for Americans relocating to new homes and new states. While moving is an exciting milestone, it also comes with risks that many consumers don’t anticipate. Interstate moves can attract bad actors looking to take advantage of tight timelines, large payments, and the emotional stress that often accompanies relocation. Understanding the most common scams — and how to protect yourself — can make the difference between a smooth move and a costly mistake.
What types of moving-related scams are most common?
While many moving companies operate honestly, there are recurring scams that continue to impact consumers:
- Large upfront payments — One red flag is a mover demanding a large cash deposit — or even full payment — before your belongings are loaded. In some cases, once the payment is made, the company may fail to show up, delay your move indefinitely, or disappear altogether. Legitimate interstate movers are restricted in how much they can collect upfront, so excessive prepayment demands should raise immediate concern.
- Price changes after loading goods (bait-and-switch schemes) — This tactic starts with an attractively low estimate designed to secure your business. But once your household goods are loaded onto the truck, the mover dramatically increases the price. At that point, many consumers feel stuck — pay the higher cost or risk losing access to their belongings. This is one of the most common and financially damaging scams in interstate moving.
- Hostage loads — In this situation, a mover refuses to deliver your belongings unless you pay unexpected additional fees. Because your possessions are already in transit, your bargaining power feels limited. This coercive tactic can put consumers in a stressful and often expensive position.
- Unlicensed or unauthorized movers — Some companies appear legitimate online but are not properly registered to perform interstate moves. Without federal authorization, these movers operate outside regulatory oversight, leaving consumers with fewer protections and little recourse if problems arise.
What should consumers do before hiring a mover or broker?
The most important step you can take is to verify that the mover or broker is properly registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Note that while registration is required, consumers should also check the NCCDB for a company’s complaint history, as even “verified” movers can have poor track records. This federal database confirms whether a company is authorized to conduct interstate moves.
If you cannot find the company listed — or if their information doesn’t match what they’ve provided — this is a red flag. Taking a few minutes to verify credentials upfront can prevent significant financial loss and stress later on.
Beyond confirming a mover or broker’s credentials and operating authority with FMCSA, it’s wise to:
- Check the National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) Complaint Search Database
- Get multiple written estimates
- Avoid large upfront payments
- Read reviews across multiple platforms
- Ask detailed questions about pricing and delivery timelines
How to Report Violations and Take Action
An interstate move is a major life event, and choosing the right mover is critical to helping ensure everything goes smoothly. By staying informed about common scams, verifying credentials, and knowing where to turn for help, you can protect yourself and your belongings every step of the way. A little diligence upfront can save you time, money, and frustration — so you can focus on settling into your new home instead of dealing with moving-day surprises.
If something goes wrong during your move, consumers can visit www.ProtectYourMove.gov for free educational resources about consumer rights to:
- File a formal complaint in the NCCDB to help the FMCSA identify and take action against predatory movers.
- Find clear guidance on the steps to take if you are dealing with delayed shipments or unexpected charges.
- Access the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, which movers are legally required to provide.
