Moving is already quite a big challenge for many people. Avoiding potential moving scams and fraud has become a key concern for many people moving each year.
With the tough competition in the moving business, many moving companies low-ball their moving estimates just to get the deal. Those are the moving companies that customers should be worried about.
Therefore, despite the fact that you are looking for the best possible price for your relocation to or from Greater Vancouver, BC, don’t be lured by the lowest rates, and take some other factors into consideration.
We have prepared some tips below on avoiding moving scams and finding the best moving companies for your upcoming move, to help you not get ripped off.
Where to Start When Looking for Reliable Movers in Greater Vancouver, BC?
Do your research on some specifics about the Greater Vancouver moving company you’ve decided to use in order to ensure you are not wasting your time and money by being scammed.
First of all, learn how to recognize rogue movers. Most Greater Vancouver moving companies are legitimate businesses, but in recent years, many complaints for scams have been received. One of the best way to recognize the illegitimate ones is before they load your household goods onto their moving vehicle. Find several moving companies and compare the rates and prices. That should give you a hint as to what to expect, and if the offer you are getting is a potential scam as the quote you were given seems too low.
Tips to Avoid Moving Scams
Here is how to avoid moving scams by researching and asking the right moving questions in advance.
- Typical scammers usually give you a low moving estimate price over the phone and promise to get the job done in a very short period of time, which makes you feel that you’ve got a bargain. This is one of the most popular moving scams to avoid. The good thing is that you can detect this right away at your first interaction with the moving company. Just hang up the phone and move on to the next moving company.
- They also may demand cash only payment or a large money deposit. Usually a deposit would be about 10% to %20 – so beware of a possible scam scheme if the percentage you are given is significantly higher. And if you pay by cash, you cannot dispute the charges with your credit card company. In most cases the scam movers can’t be reached once your items are delivered.
- Another sign to look out for is if the movers don’t have a website – a standard company asset nowadays – or if they have a website, but it doesn’t display any information about their licensing or insurance (or the NSC – National Safety Code). This is the government’s way to ensure that people who move will be using the services of a licensed company and to prevent moving scams. Ask your Greater Vancouver movers about their licensing information.
- Most of the reputable moving companies in Greater Vancouver should have their own branded company trucks. Demand that moving services are provided with the moving company’s owned vehicle and not a rental or unsigned vehicle.
- Read moving reviews, ratings and consumer testimonials before booking. By reading other customers’ testimonials and potential complaints online, you will know which company provides better moving services. By checking out some reviews you will also know what unfortunate scamming situations other people have been in and how you can beware and be careful for such not to happen to you.
- It is also a good idea to deal with BBB certified movers.
What to do to protect yourself
- Make photos of your items (especially all the expensive furniture pieces) – just in case you need to go to the court, you will have the evidence.
- Make photos of the movers and their trucks. See if your items will travel in the same truck.
- Demand a copy of the contract – this is extremely important. Make sure you never sign blank papers. Usually this is apparent evidence and a clear signal to avoid a moving scam.
- Dispute credit card charges in case you think you are being scammed.
- Write a BBB review / complaint.
- Contact an attorney to handle your case. Make sure you collect enough evidence.
People say education and information bring about change, thus be ready that the moving business is a complicated matter and you have to be aware of your rights and responsibilities in order to be protected from scam.
Original source: www.mymovingreviews.com
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