Beware of These 5 Moving Scams in Alaska

by Micheal Williams Business Development Executive

Ensure your mover in Alaska is genuine and do not commit moving scams. We discuss 5 scams to help you understand them.

Annually, 40 million people move homes in the US and moving scams are common. Unfortunately, Alaska reports scams in a large number and the cases are increasing every year. You must know about moving scams in advance so that you don’t fall into a trap.

We thought of speaking about 5 common scams that moving companies in Alaska practice. This helps you being cautious while hiring a mover.

Phoning it in

This is one of the most common moving scams in Alaska. Normally, a moving company in Alaska visits the home to take a stock of the entire household belongings, based on which it gives the final quote. The moving representative will inspect even the facility to park the moving truck. And this ensures that the moving cost is realistic and has no hidden costs. However, a few movers would offer moving quotes over the phone even without doing the home inspection. This can create a big fuss on a moving day. Do not agree to it as it may pave way for a scam.

The cursory glance

When a moving company representative makes a quick walk without opening cabinets and taking note of exactly what you plan to move, it shows a scam is on the way. A reliable moving company will always have questions such as “are you planning to move all the food in your pantry, or will you eat it before you go?” “Are you planning a yard sale to get rid of anything; if so, what?”

While the moving representative prepares the moving cost estimate, you can expect comments from the mover such as ‘the king-size bed would cost this’ or ‘why not donate the books so that you can adjust the cost’.

You need to know that are hundreds of cases every year about belongings held hostage by scam artists who low-ball your quote, then refuse to deliver your belongings until you’ve paid them hundreds or thousands of dollars more — in cash.

Advance cash deposit

Normally, movers in Alaska take payment only after the delivery of household items. Once you make the payment, remember that you have zero control over when you’ll see your belongings again. But a few scammers may demand the full payment in advance. Do not agree to this and even if you are making the payment, use a credit card that will help you fight any fraudulent activity.

The name change

Usually, movers do not change names. But a few moving companies get around the Better Business Bureau and other such scam busters by constantly doing business under new names. You need to confirm that the mover has not switched names in the past. Do not go by the lucrative long-distance or local moving company quotes but ensure the mover is properly licensed and insured.

To be on the safer side, ask the moving company to provide three references — not just any references, but three clients who are from your area and who were moved within the past three months. Call up these people and ask pointed questions about their experience.

The federal and state license numbers are vital in moving. You can find the details online and make sure the license details are accurate. Call the government’s consumer complaints hotline at 1 (888) 368-7238 to inquire about the company’s history.

Packing costs

Normally, moving companies do not take up the responsibility of the security of household items that you have packed, in case of damage. And when the long-distance or local moving company quote includes the packing service, it is their responsibility to safely pack your items intact. But ensure the cost is not inflated.

You need to know about the moving scams to avoid being a victim of one.