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Moving Scams and How to Avoid Them - Claire Hose, MoveMinder

Moving Scams and How to Avoid Them

A few weeks ago I heard about a moving scam where, having booked a perfectly respectable removal company, the mover in question was met, 4 hours earlier than agreed, by a couple of scruffs with a van offering to move the contents of his home for a ridiculously cheap price. Luckily for this guy, he didn’t fall for it, but for the people who do, they find themselves at their new home with all their worldy belongings on the rogue van whilst aforementioned scruff demands a ridiculous sum, in cash, before unloading. You’re over a barrel, everything you own is being held hostage. There’s really not much you can do but pay.

How the scammers knew about the move is a whole other story and something that the decent removal company’s management team are looking into, I’m sure. I’ve only worked with reputable companies who come highly recommended so rarely hear nightmare stories like these. But while scams like this may be uncommon, there are a few things to look out for to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into and how much it will cost.

Removal Company
Google removal companies in your area and no doubt you will be met with thousands of results within seconds. Where do you start? The best option is to ask friends and neighbours for recommendations or go to www.bar.co.uk for companies who are registered British Association of Removers members. Luckily the internet means that bad companies don’t get away with it for long, so look for reviews if you have to randomly pick someone. Make sure you meet with 3 companies and choose the one you feel most comfortable with – most people can sense a dodgy deal.

Quote/Price
Some removal companies make sure their quotes are ‘estimates’. Meaning there’s a grey area regarding the amount of work that is carried out. Make sure that the removal company comes to your house so they are fully aware of the size of the job - remember to tell them about additional trips to storage/your mum’s so that can be taken into consideration in the price. When the quote comes through read the small print and query every single thing you don’t understand to avoid being misled. The most common things to ask include: What happens if there is a delay with completion/collecting keys/due to bad weather? Are packing materials included? If an overnight trip or storage is involved where will your belongings be (securely) stored and how much will it cost?

Most removal companies will ask for a deposit – they can be the victim of scams themselves if not – but it is very rare that they will demand full payment before completion.

Insurance
However careful your movers are, things do get broken when people move house, it’s just a hazard of the job. Check their insurance policy to see what they cover and what the excess is. If the value of your belongings exceeds their limit it will need to be extended. Consult your house insurance company to see if it is a better option to extend your house cover while you move. Whichever you choose, don’t be tempted to forego the insurance – Murphy’s law means chances are you will be sorry!

Visits from (Un)Officials
Moving house leaves you vulnerable to chancers who might try their luck by asking for money and/or keys. If you receive an unexpected visit from someone purporting to be a representative of your gas/electric/landlord/lawyer etc ask to see identification. If in doubt call head office.

Similarly, keep an eye out for anyone hanging around and never ever leave the van with your belongings on unattended.

Claire Hose

‘Expert mover’ Claire Hose is Managing Director of MoveMinder Limited. MoveMinder Limited is a move management company which specialises in assisting individuals with all the additional tasks associated with moving house.

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