Most moving companies are reputable and want to make your moving experience as pleasant as possible. However, there are those who seek to take advantage of unsuspecting customers and get a quick payday off a moving scam. These nefarious players, dubbed rogue movers, ruin the moves of thousands of people each year, often costing the victims a large sum of money. Move Rescue is a consumer assistance service that hopes to stop disreputable interstate movers and help victims of moving fraud.
Move Rescue began in November of 2003 to help victims of unscrupulous moving companies. It was formed to help consumers whose interstate move is being hijacked by rogue movers or have fallen prey to a moving scam. It has a dedicated staff of representatives who listen to the victims of moving scams and manage a national network of attorneys to try and help right the wrongs against consumers. Representatives will take the information about your move and have you forward shipping documents for review and help provide you with the next steps to take.
One of the most common scams is to offer an artificially low estimate to trick the unsuspecting customer into thinking they are getting a good deal. However, this “great deal” can turn into a nightmare if unscrupulous movers hold your goods hostage and demand more money before they will deliver your items. By contacting Move Rescue, victims can speak with a representative who will advise them free of charge. This may be in the form of legal services, assistance to federal and state agencies to facilitate the release of your items, or even the coordination to get your goods delivered to you. Both United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit have endorsed Move Rescue. These reputable van lines help support the Move Rescue mission and will even occasionally help return victims’ items to them.
Move Rescue also assists in educating consumers on pre-move procedures to try and prevent customers from getting involved with rogue movers in the first place. A quick call or visit to their site can help educate consumers on the moving process, the rights and responsibilities of the consumer, as well as what federal protections consumers have as they embark upon an interstate move.
One of the best ways to avoid becoming the victim of moving fraud is to do your research on potential movers. However, some rogues slip through the cracks. If you find yourself the victim of a rogue mover during an interstate move, Move Rescue may be able to help. You can visit their website here, or you can call them at 800-832-1773.
