How to Avoid Moving Scams
How to pick a reliable mover, when the moving industry is known for rip off companies looking to scam every client they can? You can easily avoid a dishonest mover by learning some of the shady ways of these false companies. Follow the smart way to choose a professional mover in Los Angeles or anywhere in the world for that matter. Below you will find most commonly known ways “movers” use to trick you.
Shipment Hostage
Bait and Switch
Delivery Overcharges
Delayed Delivery
Shipment Abandonment
Let us now explore each one of them in details:
Shipment Hostage:
Movers that are looking to scam you will provide you with a very low estimate to attract your attention, but then they will turn around and add extra charges on once they load your shipment in their trucks. As you can imagine, their original moving quote is not binding, so they can add a lot of additional fees – tripling your moving budget. The key to avoid this situation is to read the order for service very carefully before signing it. Many people don’t want to read through the whole contract and fine print just to engage in a binding contract without realizing what it is all about. If you are given a flat rate quote, go through the contract and make sure it doesn’t obligate you to any additional charges, after all what kind of flat rate quote is it if you have to pay extra. If you have got an hourly rate, check with your movers if there’re any additional fees for long carry or stairs. The only extra charge with an hourly rate should be your cost of boxes and packing materials, actual packing services should be included in an hourly rate.
Tom Mor
How to avoid scams when I rent a studio in San Diego, CA as foreign?
How to avoid scams when I rent a studio in San Diego, CA as foreign?
Hi, I’m looking at studios for rent in San Diego since I’m planning to move there in august this year for studies. I wonder what to do when I find a rental I’m interested in.
I’m from Sweden so there is pretty much no way for me to come see the apartment or attend to a meeting with the host.
Which is not really a big deal to me, I’m fine with just looking at pictures of the studio.
But how shall I protect myself from scammers? I mean, I’m going to stay in San Diego for at least 4 years, I don’t want to stand in the middle of the street with all my stuff and no place to go.
I have neither friends nor relatives in USA.
So basically I have to call “the guy”, send the money, and just hope I’m not getting screwed over?
ANY thoughts, opinions, comments on this issue would be MUCH appreciated.
Always go through well known and reputable Real Estate Agencies (who also deal in rentals) in the San Diego area.
This would be your safest bet.
Never send money to just any one you meet on the internet.
Always look into real estate agencies and check them out through the "Better Business Bureau" of San Diego.
Chances are, you will be okay if you do that.
Good luck and welcome to America, friend.
References :
California firefighter & paramedic