Moving to a new home should feel exciting—not like you’re walking into a trap. Unfortunately, moving scams are more common than you might think. From disappearing deposits to shady operators holding belongings hostage, these bad actors prey on overwhelmed homeowners who just want a fresh start.
We’ve seen it all at Winter Moving & Storage—and we’ve helped hundreds of families recover from poor moving experiences by doing things the right way. If you’re planning a move, here are the most common scams to look out for and how to protect yourself every step of the way.
1. The Too-Good-To-Be-True Estimate
The Scam: A moving company offers an extremely low quote to win your business. But once your belongings are on the truck, they demand significantly more money to complete the delivery—often holding your items “hostage” until you pay up.
What to Look For:
- Quotes that are drastically lower than others you’ve received
- Movers who don’t visit your home or ask detailed questions about your inventory
- A lack of documentation or refusal to provide a written quote
How to Avoid It:
Always get your estimate in writing, and make sure it includes all potential charges. Avoid movers who skip in-home or virtual surveys or who seem unwilling to walk through the details. A professional mover like Winter Moving & Storage will offer transparent, binding estimates—no last-minute surprises.
2. Unlicensed, Uninsured Movers
The Scam: A company offers services without the proper licensing or insurance. If they damage your belongings, disappear with your deposit, or fail to show up altogether, you’re left without any legal recourse.
What to Look For:
- No USDOT number or company listing
- No proof of liability or cargo insurance
- A vague or nonexistent online presence
How to Avoid It:
Make sure your moving company is fully licensed and insured. Ask for their USDOT number and verify it online. You can also check for affiliations with trusted national carriers like Atlas Van Lines. At Winter Moving & Storage, we’re fully licensed and insured—and proud of our reputation for safe, secure moves across town or across the country.
3. Demanding Large Deposits Upfront
The Scam: A mover requests a large cash deposit before moving day—and then disappears without completing the job.
What to Look For:
- Requests for payment in cash or via wire transfer
- Pressure to pay upfront before receiving any services
- No official invoice or payment documentation
How to Avoid It:
Most reputable movers don’t require large deposits. At most, you may be asked for a small reservation fee or partial payment due at delivery. If someone asks for more than 20% of the total cost upfront—or insists on cash only—that’s a major red flag.
4. Constant Name Changes or Rebranding
The Scam: A moving company with poor reviews changes names frequently to avoid being tracked. This tactic makes it difficult for customers to check the company’s history or file complaints.
What to Look For:
- Multiple business names tied to the same phone number or address
- Inconsistent branding across website, emails, and contracts
- No track record of customer reviews or testimonials
How to Avoid It:
Research the company thoroughly. Check for verified customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Yelp. Look for a professional website with a physical address and local presence. Winter Moving & Storage has been serving the Northwest Arkansas community since 1979 with the same name, same standards, and same commitment to integrity.
What to Do If You’re Unsure
Even with the best preparation, it’s easy to second-guess yourself when shopping around for movers. If you’re unsure whether a company is legitimate or if something just feels off, remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
When in doubt, give us a call. The team at Winter Moving & Storage is happy to answer your questions—even if you’re still in the decision-making phase. We’ll walk you through what to expect, what’s included in your quote, and what makes a moving company trustworthy—no pressure, no hidden fees, just honest advice from professionals who have seen it all.
Move with Confidence
Avoiding scams starts with choosing a partner you can trust. Winter Moving & Storage offers transparent pricing, licensed and insured service, and a customer-first approach backed by more than 40 years of experience. Whether you’re planning a local move in Bentonville or relocating across state lines, we’re here to protect your belongings—and your peace of mind.
Need help planning a safe, stress-free move? Contact Winter Moving & Storage today for a free, no-obligation quote. Click here to get started.
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