8 Red Flags When Hiring Movers

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8 Red Flags to Spot When Hiring Movers

1. Lacking Website Info

A trustworthy moving company's site should clearly display its business name, physical address, contact details, service areas, and licensing information. If you land on a site with stock photos, vague service descriptions, and no way to verify who actually owns or operates the business, treat it as a warning. Scam operations frequently build thin websites designed to look credible just long enough to collect a deposit.

2. Undisclosed License & Insurance Information 

This is one of the biggest red flags of all. Interstate movers are legally required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to hold a valid USDOT number, and they must display it in all advertisements, on their vehicles, and on all shipping documents. If a company is evasive, deflects the question, or claims they don't need one, stop the conversation there.

California movers, including those handling moves entirely within the state, are instead regulated by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) and must hold a valid CAL-T license number. Any legitimate company will also carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Always ask for their license number, and for California-based movers, you can verify it directly using the BHGS search tool. 

3. Reviews Are Too Bad or Too Good to Be True

Reviews tell a story, but you need to read them carefully. A pattern of recent five-star reviews with no detail, no photos, and identical phrasing is often a sign of purchased or fabricated feedback. On the other hand, a company with consistent complaints about surprise charges, damaged items, or unresponsive customer service across multiple platforms is equally concerning. 

Look for reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and the FMCSA's complaint database. Go beyond the testimonials section on their own website.

Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews, too. A professional company addresses complaints directly and constructively. One that gets defensive, dismissive, or aggressive in public responses is showing you exactly how they'll treat you if something goes wrong on moving day.

4. Estimates Are Too Good to Be True

A quote that's dramatically lower than every other estimate you've received is bait. Rogue movers use artificially low estimates to win the job, then inflate the final bill once your belongings are loaded onto their truck. 

This tactic is so common it has a name: a "hostage load." At that point, you either pay the inflated amount or your items don't come off the truck. 

To verify their estimates, you can do the following: 

1. Ask to receive the rates via email.
2. Ask for hidden charges or potential fees.
3. Ask if the company charges for tape, shrink-wrap, or the use of stairs or elevators. 

5. Charging For Every Little Thing on a Local Move

On a local move, most reputable companies charge a straightforward hourly rate that covers the crew, the truck, and standard equipment like dollies and moving blankets. If a company starts itemizing charges for every box they carry, every flight of stairs they climb, or every piece of furniture they wrap (on top of an hourly rate), that's a sign something is off. 

Transparent movers will tell you upfront what's included and what costs extra. Hidden fees that only appear on the final invoice are a classic bait-and-switch move.

Beware of companies that charge for all the small things for a local move. 

6. Don’t Offer Full Value Protection

When something gets damaged during a move, how it gets covered depends entirely on the type of valuation protection the mover offers. By law, interstate movers must offer two options: Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection. 

Released Value is the no-cost option, and it only covers 60 cents per pound per item, meaning a smashed 10-pound laptop gets you $6. Full Value Protection means the mover is liable to repair, replace, or reimburse the item at current market value.

If a company refuses to provide Full Value Protection and says that they only offer “basic coverage” or “basic insurance,” that’s a red flag. 

7. Only Offer Non-Binding Estimates for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, the type of estimate you receive matters enormously. A non-binding estimate means the final price can change based on the actual weight of your shipment. For interstate movers, federal law caps what can be demanded at delivery to 110% of the estimated amount, with any balance deferred for at least 30 days. California-only movers operate under the state's Maximum Rate Tariff rules through BHGS rather than federal interstate regulations, so the specific terms can differ.

A binding estimate locks in the price regardless of actual weight, giving you cost certainty from day one.

If a company exclusively pushes non-binding estimates and can't clearly explain why, they're leaving themselves room to charge you significantly more once your belongings are already on the truck. 

8. Demanding Upfront Cash Payment or Pushing for a Sale With a Large Deposit

Upfront cash payments and large deposit requirements are telltale signs of moving fraud. 

Asking for a reasonable deposit to hold a moving date is standard practice. However, there's a significant difference between a modest booking deposit and a company demanding full payment (or a large cash payment) before a single box has been moved. The FMCSA lists cash-only payment demands as a red flag indicator of moving fraud.

Always pay with a credit card when possible, since it gives you the ability to dispute charges if the company fails to deliver on its promises. If a mover insists on cash only, has no payment processing system, or pressures you to pay the majority of the bill before the job is done, walk away immediately.

How Can You Spot a Bad Moving Company? Summary Table 

Ready to Move Safely & Securely with Got2Move?

Got2Move is a legitimate moving company that has been serving California since 2006. 

Every red flag on this list points to the same root problem: a mover who counts on you not asking questions. Checking licenses, comparing binding estimates, and reading reviews across multiple platforms takes less than an hour and can prevent thousands of dollars in surprise charges or damaged belongings.

We founded Got2Move in 2006 to give California residents a moving experience they can trust from the first call. We provide transparent pricing and detailed quotes for both local and long-distance moves, and our fully licensed and insured team is committed to handling every move with professionalism and care. Call us at 855-936-4109 or request your free quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I verify that a moving company is legitimate?

For California specifically, you can use the BHGS search tool to verify a moving company's legitimacy. You may type the license number of the company or even the company's name. 

Is it normal for a moving company to ask for a deposit?

Yes, a small deposit to secure your moving date is standard and completely normal. What is not normal is a company requiring full payment upfront, demanding cash only, or asking for a deposit that represents the majority of the total estimate before the job has started. 

What are the signs of a legitimate moving company website?

A legitimate moving company's website should include a verified physical business address, a working local phone number, a clearly listed license number, detailed service descriptions, and a way to request a written estimate. Customer reviews that link back to third-party platforms like Google or the BBB add another layer of credibility. If the site is heavy on vague promises and light on actual company details, assume the worst and move on.

Is Got2Move a legit moving company?

Got2Move is a fully licensed and insured moving company with verifiable credentials, transparent pricing, and a clear process from the first quote to the final delivery. We operate with the kind of straightforward professionalism that makes it easy to confirm everything you need before committing to a booking.

*Note: Prices are approximate only and may vary based on factors like distance, weight, volume, home size, seasonality, and specific services requested. Final billing may also include additional charges such as fuel surcharges, stairs, long carries, or other service-related fees. For an exact, binding quote, please contact Got2Move directly.