Moving to a new home, especially long-distance, is a significant life event. However, the process can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re caught in a moving scam. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to these scams, thanks to the deceptive tactics used by moving brokers and companies that dominate search engine results. This article will uncover how these scams work, why search results are often misleading, and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

The moving industry is rife with fraud due to its unregulated nature and the complexity of cross-country logistics. Common scams include:

1. Low-Ball Estimates: Companies offer unrealistically low quotes to attract customers, only to demand higher payments once belongings are loaded onto the truck.

2. Hostage Situations: Movers refuse to deliver goods unless the customer pays an exorbitant fee.

3. Bait-and-Switch: Customers believe they are hiring a reputable moving company, only to be passed off to a broker or subcontractor who provides subpar service.

4. Lost or Stolen Items: Belongings are damaged, lost, or outright stolen, leaving customers with little recourse.

When you search for “best long-distance moving companies,” you’re likely to see a list of names that seem reputable. But behind the scenes, the companies topping these lists are often brokers or movers who pay heavily for their position, not because they offer superior service. Here’s how it works: 

1. Dominance of Paid Ads

 Search engines like Google prioritize paid advertisements at the top of their results pages. These companies bid on competitive keywords like “long-distance movers,” often spending tens of thousands of dollars a month. The result? Companies with the biggest marketing budgets, not the best reputations, are what you see first.

2. The Role of Moving Brokers 

Many of the “companies” you encounter online are not movers at all but brokers. Brokers act as middlemen, taking your booking and selling it to the highest-bidding moving company. Problems arise when these brokers fail to vet the movers they subcontract, leaving customers in the hands of unscrupulous or inexperienced companies.

Red Flags of Brokers:

• Lack of physical address on their website.

• Insistence on large deposits upfront.

• Promises of “instant” quotes without a detailed inventory.

3. Affiliate and Review Websites

Many websites claiming to review or rank moving companies are actually affiliate marketers. These sites earn commissions by directing customers to specific companies, often those willing to pay for favorable placement. The “top-rated” companies on these lists may have no real merit.

Signs of Affiliate Websites:

• Generic language like “We’ve partnered with the best movers in the industry.”

• Overly positive reviews without mentioning drawbacks.

• Links directing you to the same handful of companies.

The dominance of paid listings and brokers means consumers are less likely to connect with high-quality, independent moving companies. This leads to:

• Higher Costs: Fees for brokers and poorly run companies inflate prices.

• Stress and Anxiety: Delays, damaged belongings, and unexpected fees add to the emotional toll of moving.

• Lost Trust: Many consumers feel betrayed by misleading search results and fake reviews.

To ensure a smooth and scam-free move, take these precautions:

1. Research Thoroughly

• Look beyond the first page of search results. Independent companies may be further down but offer better service.
• Check the company’s Department of Transportation (DOT) number and look for complaints on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.

2. Beware of Brokers

• Ask if the company you’re speaking with is a broker or an actual mover. Brokers are required by law to disclose their status.
• Avoid companies that don’t perform an in-person or video inventory of your belongings before providing a quote.

3. Read Reviews Carefully

• Cross-check reviews on multiple platforms, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Trustpilot.
• Be cautious of overly positive or overly negative reviews that seem fabricated.

4. Ask for a Binding Estimate

• A binding estimate ensures the price quoted won’t change unless you add more items or services. Avoid non-binding estimates, which allow movers to charge you more later.

5. Verify the Company’s Credentials

• Ensure the company has a physical address and is registered with the FMCSA.
• Verify their insurance coverage and ask for proof.

6. Never Pay Large Deposits
 

• Reputable movers typically ask for payment upon delivery, not upfront. Deposits should never exceed 20% of the total cost.

The moving industry urgently needs greater regulation to protect consumers. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter oversight of brokers, transparency in pricing, and harsher penalties for fraudulent practices. In the meantime, educating yourself is your best defense.

The convenience of online search engines has made it easier than ever to find moving services—but it has also made it easier for scams to proliferate. By dominating search engine results through paid ads and misleading practices, brokers and low-quality movers often edge out genuinely reliable companies.

To avoid falling victim to a moving scam, consumers must do their due diligence, look beyond flashy ads and top search results, and choose companies with proven track records. Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare—armed with knowledge, you can ensure your next move is as stress-free as possible.

If you’d like additional resources or guidance on finding trustworthy movers, let us know!

Trust a professional and certified moving carrier with over 80 years of experience. Make your next move your best move with AirVan NorthAmerican. As a certified agent for NorthAmerican Van Lines, we provide the expertise, reliability, and exceptional service you deserve.

Contact us today for a free quote and discover why we’re the trusted choice for interstate moving services.

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