Tips to Avoid Fraud and Scams During an International Move

By International Sea and Air Shipping / January 21, 2020

Moving overseas is indeed adventurous but do you know that it also accompanies a lot of risks, challenges and more importantly the probability of falling victim to scams. Unfortunately, these scams are increasing from day to day and people who are moving overseas on their own are facing consequences of this scam.

In this guide, you will learn about common international moving scams, reasons why moving scam are on the rise and ways to protect yourself to save yourself from these kind of scams during your international moving process.

Why Are Moving Scams On The Rise?

In this digital era, technology is the primary source through which scammers prey on potential movers and find new opportunities to scam them. Creating fake websites has become easy and false social media advertisement has become lucrative. This has made it difficult for people to distinguish between a real moving and shipping company and a fraudulent one.

Moreover, the global nature of the internet gives way to scammers to operate across borders which is in itself a big challenge for law authorities to track their operations and actions.

While there are hundreds of moving scams reported across various nations each year, we have listed here the most common ones people fall victim for:

Twelve Big International Moving Scams of The Year

Shady Brokers

Some brokers may offer you the service at low rates, and in exchange, they ask for a nominal deposit fee. After making the payment, they disappear. Beware of such brokers or moving companies. The finest method you can adopt to understand the authenticity and credibility of your broker is whether they are affiliated or not. The moving company must hold any of the following:

• Membership in FIDI (Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux): This is a global federation of international moving companies.
• Registered International Mover Certification (RIM) from the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA): This is a certification that represents that the company is reputable and expert in its services.
• Affiliation with Overseas Movers Network International (OMNI): This is a kind of a credential which indicates that the mover is a part of the global network of pre-screened and independent international moving companies.
• ISO 9002 certification: This certification showcases that the company offers high quality services and performance.
• Licensing with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC): This is a mandatory federal license which shows that the company is legally authorized to ocean freight for your international moving process.
• Positive ratings and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website: The reviews are a good way to understand the customer satisfaction history and its commitment to resolve any complaints promptly and responsibility.

Bait-and-Switch Pricing

One of the most dramatic moves fraud moving companies make is offering seemingly attractive low estimates upfront. Once the items are loaded and transit begins, they might come up with vague unforeseen challenges or state some items were not counted in the estimation and charge heavily later.

So beware of this kind of scam. Double check your estimates, and more important choose a international mover who is transparent in conversation and services.

Hostage Load

Sometimes scammers demand higher fees upon delivery claiming that there are some additional charges or taxes imposed during the move. They hold your possessions and do not unload them until you clear the significantly higher quoted amount. You need to be clear of such fraudulent practices before loading your belongings. The best way to determine is to check reviews and take consultation before sign up.

Unlicensed Movers

Some dishonest movers operate without a valid license and may also not offer any kind of insurance. However, they attract potential movers with lucrative offers and discounts. One risk here is they disappear with your belongings during the transit and put you into a great loss. They are smart and leave no kind of legal forms to report the loss.

Fake Reviews and Ratings

While it is true that reviews help you understand the credibility of the moving company, it is important to understand the reviews you are reading are not fake. There are several companies that auto generate reviews falsely to showcase high ratings. If you notice an unusually high number of positive reviews that lack authentic information and seem robotic in language, know that they are generated and might put you into a scam.

Incomplete Inventory

Some fraud companies intentionally do not count in several items during the inventory process. Later they wontedly charge extra stating payment for missing items. During this time, you do not have any choice but to pay them to successfully unload your belongings.

Demanding Large Deposits

Note that any mover who demands a large amount of upfront deposit is a huge red flag. A good company will never do that. While a nominal advance payment or sign up amount is generally asked, a huge amount payment is not required to secure your booking.

Weight Discrepancy on Arrival

During price discussions, a salesperson might inquire about your budget and the volume of your belongings. If they can, they will offer a quote that fits within your budget to book the job. But on delivery, the moving company may tell you that your haul weighed more than it estimated — and you could end up paying thousands of dollars more.

To avoid this uncomfortable scenario, be cautious when a company does not provide an in-house estimate and do not disclose your budget ahead of time. An in-house survey estimate is crucial for accuracy. It ensures the company understands the size of your items and brings the necessary equipment.

Last-Minute Price Surges

Scammers can surprise you with unexpected fees or price hikes at the last minute, leaving you paying a whole lot more than you expected when moving day finally arrives. Real movers offer up-front pricing.

No Written Estimate

Legitimate moving companies always provide a written estimate detailing the costs and services. If a company avoids giving you a written estimate or contract, it’s a clear warning sign of potential fraud.

Fake Credentials

Scam movers might flash forged licenses, accreditations and memberships to make them seem legit. As always, confirm the legitimacy of such credentials from the issuing authority.

DIY Scams

Scammers might rent fake moving trucks and advertise services at an absurdly low price. If you pay upfront and they load your valuables into a moving van, they can vanish with your items, leaving you stranded without your possessions.

What are the Red Flags to Watch out for?

When you are choosing an overseas moving company, if you find some warning signs, be aware. Some of the common ones are as follows:

• Unrealistically low estimates: Sometimes, if the quote is too low it can be too good to be true. So, watch out and ask why the company is offering such low estimates than the standard pricing.
• No physical address: If a moving company does not have a physical office or a verifiable physical location, beware of its authenticity.
• Pressure to make quick decisions: Take your time, compare pricing and then take the right decision. If a mover is pressuring you to make quick decisions to sign up, know that they might not be legit in services.
• Lack of transparency: It is important that the moving company you choose adheres to norms of transparency. If they do not explain the charges and process clearly beforehand, it is a red flag. Avoid them and instead look for another one.
• No official paperwork: Every moving sign up should be paper-bound. If the moving company does not give you written estimates, receipts or mutually agreed agreements, know that there is something that they are hiding and might indicate a rising scam.

How to Report Such Scams?

If you find that you have been trapped into a moving scam, immediately take any of the following actions:

• Contact Your Local Authorities: Immediately report about the scam that has happened with you to your nearest law enforcement agency.
• File a Complaint: You can register a quick complaint to the relevant consumer safety agency or fraud reporting organization.
• Leave Reviews: There are consumer forums where you can share your experience about the fraud that has happened with you. This will help many beware of the reported company.
• Notify Moving Associations: If you have already signed up and the moving service has begun, report to the relevant moving association under which the respective moving company has claimed to be affiliated with.

How Do You Stay Safe from Common Moving Scams?

• Research Thoroughly: Look up moving companies on the internet and research their reputation with actual reviews and ratings.
• Get Multiple Estimates: It is important that you gather quotes from at least three moving companies, so that you can compare and decide which company to pick.
• Ask for In-Home Estimates: Reputable international movers generally provide an in-person evaluation when calculating costs.
• Check Licensing and Insurance: Confirm the mover’s licensing and insurance information with the proper authorities.
• Read Contracts Carefully: Don’t sign anything without fully reading and comprehending.
• Avoid Large Deposits: Do not make a lot of advanced payments, pay at the time of delivery.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels fishy, it’s better to steer clear of signing on the dotted line.
• Use Reputable Platforms: You can use only the most popular and reputable moving platforms or companies.
• Secure Your Belongings: Keep valuables and important belongings with you during the move.

Choose The Right International Moving Company

International Sea & Air Shipping is an international moving company offering door-to-door moving and shipping services worldwide. As a member of prestigious institutions including the BBB, IAM, AMSA and EUROMOVERS, we pledge quality service.

Whether it’s packing, loading, clearing customs or delivering to your new home on the other side of the world — we are proud that our teams manage everything door-to-door without outsourcing. Our experienced team and tailor-made international moving services that include such features as professional handling of household goods, car shipping and works of art and antiques provide an easy to rely on reputable source for all your international relocation requirements.

FAQ’S