Are you getting ready to move to a new home or business location in Colorado? If so, you’ll want to be aware of several scamming schemes used by unscrupulous moving companies in Denver and around the country. These tactics are designed to take advantage of unsuspecting customers and can result in significant stress and financial losses. The moving experts at Cowboy Moving & Storage in Denver have put together this list of the top scams by moving companies:
• Non-binding estimates that turn into high bills: Beware of estimates that come in much lower than other moving company’s estimates. Some unscrupulous companies provide low initial estimates in order to attract customers. However, once your possessions are loaded onto the truck, they claim that the actual weight or volume exceeded the estimate. They’ll want to hit you with significantly inflated final bills.
• They want to hold your truckload hostage: In this scam, the moving company will quote you a reasonable price, but once your possessions are loaded onto the truck, they refuse to unload the goods until you pay a much higher price than the agreed-upon amount.
• Bait-and-switch: The moving company originally provides a low quote, but on the moving day, they invent reasons to increase the price or they want to switch the terms of the contract to a more expensive one.
• Holding your belongings for ransom: The disreputable mover demands additional payments before delivering your property to the destination, effectively holding your belongings hostage until you pay the extra fees.
• Movers who are unlicensed and uninsured: Some movers operate without proper licensing and insurance, leaving customers with little recourse if their belongings are damaged or stolen during the move.
• Fake references and reviews: Fraudulent or dishonest moving companies can create fake positive reviews and references so they appear to be reliable and legitimate.
• The disappearing act: After loading your belongings onto the truck, the moving company disappears entirely, leaving you without your possessions.
How To Protect Yourself From Moving Scams
• Be sure to do thorough research on moving companies, checking their licensing, insurance and reputation.
• Get written, binding estimates from at least three moving companies and compare them carefully.
• You shouldn’t have to make large upfront payments. Reputable Denver movers usually request payment upon delivery.
• Read reviews from multiple sources. You want to choose a company with consistent high marks.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for references from previous customers. Take the time to contact them and ask about their Denver moving experiences.
As a rule, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Talk To The Denver Moving Experts
Cowboy Moving & Storage has been helping Colorado residents and business owners with their Denver moving needs since 1968. Family owned and operated, Cowboy Moving & Storage offers the newest fleet of moving trucks and vans, a state of the industry storage facility, and the promise that all team members are background checked and alcohol and drug tested, so you can trust them with your possessions. Consider THE Recommended mover in Colorado, Cowboy Moving & Storage would love to help you with your move.
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