BBB Offers Advice for Avoiding Moving Scams

RALEIGH, NC, March 15, 2012 (Press-News.org) Every year, Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina receives serious complaints from consumers who have fallen prey to dishonest and sometimes unlicensed moving companies. Following a few simple tips when looking for a mover will go a long way toward protecting yourself from being victimized by scam artists this moving season.

Locally, BBB received nearly 60 complaints against movers in the past year. Complaints to BBB about movers are primarily about damaged or lost goods, and final prices in excess of original estimates.

"Researching any company before doing business with them is a great habit to get into and checking a mover's credentials is critical," said Toby Barfield, president and CEO of BBB serving Eastern North Carolina. "Last year alone, consumers relied on our BBB more than 11,000 times for finding a trustworthy mover."

BBB and the American Moving & Storage Association offer the following advice for finding a trustworthy moving company:

• Research the company with the help of:
o bbb.org.
Always check out the company first at bbb.org
o The North Carolina Utilities Commission.
The NCUC regulates intrastate moving within North Carolina. Your move cost will be determined by rates issued by the Utilities Commission.
o The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
All interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and are assigned a motor carrier number you can verify at http://www.protectyourmove.gov.

• Get at least three in-home estimates.
No legitimate mover will offer to give you a firm estimate online or over the phone. Also, keep in mind that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic low-ball offer, which can cost you more in the end.

• Know your rights.
Research your rights as a consumer with both the state you currently reside in and where you are moving to.

• Consider getting full value protection.
Investing in full value protection means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made to repair the item or to replace it at its current market value. It is important to note that the required minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would not cover the replacement cost, for example, of a flat panel TV if damaged in transit.

For more information or to view the Business Review of a moving company in your area, visit bbb.org.

About BBB serving Eastern North Carolina
Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from more than 3,000 local businesses and professional firms. BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by BBB include reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, consumer/business education programs and dispute resolution services. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.

About AMSA
The American Moving & Storage Association, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is the trade association representing the nation's moving and storage companies, which provide household goods moving services, specialized transportation for sensitive freight such as computers and trade show exhibits, and warehouse storage services. The association has 3,200 members, including more than 200 international members, and sponsors programs and activities that promote consumer protection, professional development, safety, and operational efficiency.