Moving to a new home can be both exciting and a bit scary. You’re getting ready to start fresh in a new place, but there’s a worry in the back of your mind: what if the people you hire to help you move try to scam you?
It’s a sad fact that some moving companies in Australia try to take advantage of people. They might charge more money than they originally promised, keep your stuff hostage, or even run off with your things.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about these common moving scams and how you can make sure they don’t happen to you.
What is a Moving Scam?
A moving scam is a fraudulent or deceptive practice by a moving company that aims to cheat you out of your money or belongings. Moving scams can take various forms, such as:
Altering or making a fraudulent bill of lading.
A bill of lading is a legal document that lists the items being transported and the terms of the service. Some scammers may forge or modify this document to charge you extra fees or claim that you agreed to different terms.
Lowball Estimate Scam
Giving you a questionably low estimate to lure you in and then withholding your house goods unless you pay significantly more than the quote provided. This is also known as the “hostage scam“, where the movers refuse to deliver your items until you pay a ransom.
Weight bumping
Assigning a fraudulent weight or volume to your shipment, also known as “weight bumping”. Some movers may inflate the weight or size of your shipment to charge you more based on the rate per pound or cubic foot.
Deposit/cash demands
Requesting a large deposit or cash payment before the move. Reputable movers will not demand cash or any large deposit before moving you. You generally pay upon delivery. If you pay upfront, you have zero control over when you’ll see your belongings again.
Disappearing Scam
Loading your belongings onto a truck and then disappearing. This is also known as the “disappearing” scam, where the movers simply vanish with your items and cease contact with you.
Fraudulent Fees
Fraudulent fees are sneaky charges added to your moving bill without telling you. They pop up when you’re paying, surprising you with extra costs you didn’t expect.
Some not-so-honest moving companies do this to make you pay more than you agreed to at the start. Knowing about these tricky fees can help you avoid them and keep your moving costs fair.
How to Avoid Moving Scams in Australia?
The best way to avoid moving scams is to do your homework before hiring a moving company. Here are some tips to help you find a trustworthy and reliable mover:
Get at least three written estimates from different companies.
Compare the prices, services, and terms of each estimate. Beware of estimates that are too low or too high, as they may indicate a scam.
Verify the credentials and reputation of the company.
Check if the company has a local address, a valid license number, and insurance coverage. You can also look up their rating and reviews on reputable websites.
Ask for references and contact them.
Ask the company for references from previous customers who had similar moves. Call them and ask about their experience with the company, such as the quality of service, timeliness, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.
Read the contract carefully and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Before signing anything, make sure you read and understand the contract, especially the bill of lading, the inventory list, and the order for service. Pay attention to the details, such as the delivery date, the payment method, the liability coverage, and the cancellation policy. If anything is unclear or missing, ask for clarification or amendment.
Pay only upon delivery and use a credit card.
Do not pay any deposit or cash before the move. Pay only when your items are delivered and inspected. Use a credit card that will help you fight any fraudulent charges or disputes.
What to Do if You Get Scammed by a Moving Company in Australia?
If you encounter any problems or issues with your move, such as unexpected fees, damaged or missing items, delayed delivery, or items hostage situation, here are some steps you can take:
Try to resolve the issue with the company directly.
Attempt to resolve the issue directly with the company involved in the moving process. Contact the company, maintaining a calm and polite manner, and explain your situation.
Request clarification and propose a resolution while keeping a detailed record of all communication with them. Having a documented record of your exchanges can be crucial in case further steps or escalations are necessary to address the problem
Report the scam to Scamwatch
Inform Scamwatch, a division operating under the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), about any encountered scams. This step not only aids in your protection but also contributes to the collective effort to prevent such deceptive practices from affecting others. Reporting to Scamwatch is an essential part of safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair and honest dealings within the moving industry.
Contact your bank or financial institution immediately
Get in touch with your bank or the company you use for your money as soon as possible if any payments are made. They might be able to cancel the charges or help you get your money back.
Contact any other services that use your identity documents
Reach out to other services where you use your ID documents, such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or Services Australia, to protect your accounts. Update your information or add extra security measures to prevent potential misuse of your details.
Seek legal advice or assistance.
If you have suffered any financial or emotional losses due to the scam, you may want to consult a lawyer or seek help from consumer protection agencies.
Document Everything
Keep records of all communications and transactions with the moving company. This includes contracts, receipts, emails, and any other relevant documents. Detailed records will serve as evidence and support in case you need to take further action.
Contact Authorities
In addition to reporting the scam to Scamwatch, you can also get in touch with state or territory consumer affairs/fair trading departments. They can offer guidance, investigate the matter, and possibly mediate between you and the moving company.
Notify Relevant Agencies
Inform other relevant authorities or agencies if your personal information might be compromised. This could include the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or credit reporting agencies, especially if sensitive information like your Social Security number or financial data might be at risk.
Review Legal Recourse
Explore legal options, especially if you’ve suffered significant financial losses or emotional distress due to the scam. Consumer protection laws exist to safeguard individuals from fraudulent practices, and seeking legal advice can help you understand your rights and potential recourse.
Seek Support
Discuss the situation with friends, family, or support groups. They might offer advice or support and can help alleviate the stress of dealing with the aftermath of a scam.
Moving scams can ruin your moving experience and cause you a lot of stress and hassle. However, by following the tips above, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams and enjoy a smooth and successful move. Make sure to do your homework before choosing a removalist
