Rogue Mover Alert Hub
Vetting index of household goods carriers with registered safety warnings, license suspensions, active complaints, or unsatisfactory ratings.
How to Vette Movers & Avoid Common Moving Scams
Legitimate moving companies operate with active state and federal authorities. To protect your family, always ask for the USDOT number, double-check they have a physical vehicle yard in your area rather than a P.O. Box address, and never sign a blank estimate form. If a mover holds a safety rating of Conditional or Unsatisfactory, or shows a suspended status, avoid hiring them.
208 MOVING LLC
A BETTER MOVING & STORAGE CO. INC.
A PLUS ALWAYS MOVING INC
A SOFT TOUCH MOVING & STORAGE
A-Z MOVING LLC
AAA MOVING & STORAGE CO
ACE TRANSFER & STORAGE CO.
AFFORDABLE MOVING
ALEXIM MOVING
ALL AMERICA MOVING, INC.
ALL LANES MOVING & STORAGE INC.
ALL MY SONS MOVING & STORAGE OF GREENVILLE, LLC
ALL MY SONS MOVING & STORAGE OF MILWAUKEE
ALL MY SONS MOVING & STORAGE OF NASHVILLE, LLC
ALL PRO MOVING AND STORAGE INC.
ALL-STAR MOVING LLC
ALPHA INTERNATIONAL MOVERS, INC.
ALWAYS HELPFUL MOVERS
AMB MOVING & STORAGE INC
Recognizing Moving Fraud and Rogue Carrier Signals
Hiring a moving company involves handing over almost everything you own to a crew of strangers. While most licensed carriers are honest, rogue operators capitalize on consumer trust. Rogue movers typically operate under multiple fictitious trade names, use unmarked rental trucks, quote unrealistically low hourly or binding rates over the phone, and demand cash or Zelle deposits.
What is a Hostage Goods Situation?
A hostage goods situation is one of the most severe consumer moving scams. A mover quotes a price (e.g., $1,500) and begins loading your household belongings. Once loaded or in transit, they call to claim the shipment weighed more than estimated and demand double or triple the initial price. By law, under FMCSA regulations, movers are prohibited from holding your shipment hostage and cannot charge more than 110% of a non-binding estimate on delivery (with the balance billed later).
Steps to Take if You Are Scammed
- File a Complaint: Visit the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) or call 1-888-368-7238 to file a formal safety or service complaint.
- Contact Law Enforcement: If a mover refuses to tell you where your household goods are located, file a report with local police and contact your state Attorney General.
- Check State Licensing Agencies: If your relocation started and ended within the same state, contact your local state public utilities commission or department of safety.
Federal Vetting Standards
Assigned when a carrier does not maintain adequate safety controls, resulting in high crash indexes or vehicle inspection violations.
Assigned when general liability or cargo insurance policies expire, or when administrative filing requirements are neglected.
Holding household goods hostage for payment is a federal civil offense. Report rogue movers immediately.