Picture this: You’ve packed up your life, said goodbye to your old place, and your moving truck has just vanished. No texts, no calls, no couch. Congratulations — you’ve just been scammed.
Sound dramatic? Sadly, this happens way more often than it should.
To make sure you don’t end up on a Reddit thread titled “Worst Moving Experience Ever,” here are the top 7 moving scams to watch for and tips on how to avoid them.
1. The “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Quote
The scam:
A moving company gives you an ultra-low estimate over the phone (like, suspiciously low). On moving day? They jack up the price 3x and hold your stuff hostage until you pay.
Avoid it:
Always get an in-home or detailed virtual estimate. Real companies like Spokane Moving Services are transparent with pricing and won’t pull the old bait-and-switch.
2. No On-Site Visit, Ever
The scam:
They refuse to visit your home or even do a proper inventory. That’s like hiring a tailor without letting them measure you. Spoiler: you’re going to get screwed.
Avoid it:
If they won’t assess your move properly, walk away. Reputable movers like Spokane Moving Services want to know exactly what they’re moving — it saves both sides a headache.
3. Sketchy Deposit Demands
The scam:
They ask for a huge deposit upfront — cash only. Then they disappear faster than your motivation to unpack.
Avoid it:
Most legitimate movers do charge a deposit, but they also offer different secure payment options, including bank transfer. If someone wants the total or half the total by cash before touching a box, you should be running, not moving.
4. Unmarked or Rental Trucks
The scam:
Your "moving company" shows up in a rental truck with zero branding. No logo, no uniforms, no accountability.
Avoid it:
You want a crew that looks professional, not like they just robbed a U-Haul. Spokane Moving Services rolls up with clean trucks, branded gear, and movers who actually work for them.
5. Held Hostage: “Pay More or No Delivery”
The scam:
Your belongings are loaded... and then the company demands more money or they won’t deliver. It's called a hostage move, and it's illegal — but it still happens.
Avoid it:
Check reviews. Read contracts. Work only with licensed movers with a local reputation, like Spokane Moving Services.
6. The Name Game
The scam:
Some shady movers operate under multiple names to dodge bad reviews and lawsuits. New name, same scammy tricks.
Avoid it:
Check DOT/MC numbers (they should be on the site and documents). A legit business isn’t hiding. It has one name, one reputation — and it's solid.
7. No Contract, No Clue
The scam:
They say things like “we don’t really do contracts” or give you a super vague agreement with zero fine print.
Avoid it:
If it’s not on paper, it doesn’t exist. Good movers give you detailed terms, timelines, and breakdowns. They make everything clear, so you’re never left guessing.
Final Thoughts: Trust, But Verify
Moving is already stressful — don’t add “possible felony extortion” to your to-do list. If you're in or around Spokane, WA, go with movers who are licensed, reviewed, and actually give a damn. Consider Spokane Moving Services. No tricks, no traps — just straight-up reliable help from locals who move like pros (because they are).