CHARLOTTE, N.C. — May is National Moving Month. According to a survey conducted by One Poll, the average person will move 5 times throughout the course of their life. While moving can be an exciting landmark of new beginnings, it can also be very stressful especially now with moving scams being reported to the Better Business Bureau every year.
Here are 4 red flags of moving scams, according to the BBB
- The moving company’s website lacks basic information: The website should contain the physical address of the company as well as information about the mover’s insurance or registration.
- The movers are using a rented truck: Experts say legitimate moving businesses will have their own truck, marked with the company logo and phone number.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
- The moving company requires a hefty deposit prior to your move date or requires full payment in advance. The BBB warns this could be an indication the business is running a scam. Legitimate moving companies request payment for services rendered.
- You never receive a written contract: Verbal estimates and agreements hold no weight whatsoever. The BBB advises you get everything in writing and you read all of the terms and conditions of the contract.
Tip to avoid becoming a victim of a scam
- Emotional appeal
Any pitch that ratchets up your emotion will inhibit your rational judgment. - Sense of urgency
You MUST act now, or else. - Request for unorthodox payment
Gift cards, prepaid credit cards, wire transfers, etc. - Explanations that don't ring true
If your new “landlord” can’t show you the inside of the house, that could be because they don’t own it. - You won, now pay up
It’s not a prize if you have to pay for it. Taxes, fees, shipping, whatever. - Too good to be true
That’s because it’s not true. Sorry, your long-lost relative didn’t die, leaving you millions. That car you bought online for a third of its Kelly Blue Book value doesn’t really exist. The son of a billionaire diamond broker didn’t “swipe right” on you and fall instantly in love. That work-at-home job paying you hundreds of dollars an hour for stuffing envelopes isn’t real.
Contact Carolyn Bruck at cbruck@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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