Brooks Transfer Helps Those That Have Been Victims of Moving Fraud
Brooks Transfer & Storage, an agent for United Van Lines, is a proud participant in Move Rescue, a program dedicated to helping consumers that have been victimized by moving scams. Each year Move Rescue receives hundreds of calls from consumers who feel like they have been victimized by mover fraud. In the worst cases, criminals posing as professional movers hold the consumers’ possessions hostage in undisclosed warehouses, and demand thousands of dollars in additional payment to deliver the customers’ items.
Last October, Brooks Transfer and Move Rescue were able to help a consumer in that very situation. The consumer was moving from Virginia to California. After her goods were loaded and taken away, her carrier demanded thousands of dollars above the original estimate. With help from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Move Rescue, she was able to arrange for the release of her things. Brooks Transfer picked up her items from storage and delivered them to her new home at no additional cost.
We are proud and honored to be aligned with such a great program and one that can actually do something for victims of fraud. You don’t see this type of action in any other service based industry, Move Rescue is certainly a pioneer.
By taking a few simple steps, consumers can avoid mover fraud while choosing a moving company. Brooks Transfer & Storage and United Van Lines offer the following tips to avoid moving fraud:
- Ask for an in-home estimate. Since transportation charges are based on move distance and weight, the company should physically look at your belongings.
- Don’t be hooked by the lowest price. Get three estimates. If one is much lower than the others, that is a red flag.
- Don’t pay a deposit up front. Most companies only request payment at the time of delivery.
- Do your research and verify company affiliations.– Find a list of movers licensed for interstate moves by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at gov. Some disreputable movers lure customers by using names similar to reputable companies. Check the reputable company’s website to see if the mover is affiliated.
- Get it in writing. Get pickup and delivery dates in writing.
- Know your rights. Federal law requires movers to give customers a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” brochure prior to an interstate move.
