When it comes to moving your belongings, you’ll sometimes need an extra hand. As a result, you may find yourself looking into different moving companies to help you.
However, with so many companies available, it can be challenging to pick the right moving company for you and your belongings. When you’re dealing with scams, it can be even more challenging.
Here at Simple Moves, we’re dedicated to ensuring your peace of mind, whether you’re moving or looking for the right moving company. As a result, we’ve created this guide below to help you navigate and avoid some of the most common moving scams.
You can’t find any company information online
In today’s day and age of technology, it’s rare not to find anything about a company online, whether it’s a website or reviews. As a result, if you’re unable to find any company information online, it may be a sign that the moving company you’re looking at isn’t reputable. In fact, it could be a sign of a scam.
While it could just be that the company hasn’t established an online presence yet, it’s always best to err on the side of caution, especially in the case of moving your belongings.
The company only provides phone estimates
While phone estimates may seem inconspicuous, if that’s the only type of estimate for the moving company you’re looking into, you may want to avoid that company.
This is because it’s common for scam companies to give you one estimate over the phone that is suspiciously low and then change the estimate to a much higher number on moving day. This can leave you to either pay high fees or scramble at the last minute for a new mover.
The bid is suspicious
If the moving costs seem too good to be true, they may just be. While the best moving companies strive to be affordable, it’s crucial to be able to discern when you’re getting a good deal and when you’re being scammed.
For most moving companies, the cost includes travel, labour time, and tools. As a result, the quote you receive should reflect these costs. If the quote your receive seems too low to cover these, you may want to continue looking at different companies for moving your belongings.
The company has gone through several name changes
Suppose you notice that a moving company has changed its names multiple times. In that case, you can safely assume it’s most likely a scam – or at least a moving company with shoddy service.
Name changing is a common tactic many scam moving companies use to help avoid bad reviews. When someone leaves a bad review for the company under one name, they can change it to remove any association with the bad review, allowing them to continue business under false pretenses.
The company insists that your insurance will pay for everything
While insurance will help pay a portion of your belongings’ cost should they break or become damaged in the moving process, it won’t cover everything.
Before hiring a moving company, you must be familiar with the basic laws and insurance policies to ensure that you’re not being tricked. Each insurance is different, so it’s essential to do your research before hiring a company. Simple Moves’ insurances will cover your belongings’ replacement value, total loss, workers injuries, vehicle incidents, and building damages without adding extra cost to your move.
Final Thoughts
Moving can be daunting, especially when dealing with scams and companies you’re not sure about.
At Simple Moves, we’re dedicated to providing a high-quality and transparent process so you can move with peace of mind that you and your belongings are in good hands. To learn more about our moving services or to book an estimate, contact us at (604) 398-4680 or through our website.
Additional Red Flags to Watch For
Beyond the common scams outlined above, there are several more warning signs that should put you on alert when evaluating a moving company in 2026:
Demanding a large cash deposit upfront. Legitimate moving companies may require a small deposit to secure your booking date, but any company demanding a large cash payment before the move should be viewed with extreme caution. This is a common tactic used by fraudulent movers who collect deposits and then disappear or fail to show up on moving day.
No physical address or office. A reputable moving company has a verifiable physical location. If the company operates only through a cellphone number and a P.O. box, that is a significant red flag. Search for their business address on Google Maps and verify it is a legitimate location, not a vacant lot or residential address.
Unmarked or rental trucks. Professional moving companies operate branded vehicles that display their company name, logo, and contact information. If the movers arrive in an unmarked van or a rented truck with no company identification, you may be dealing with an unlicensed operator. Simple Moves operates a fleet of well-maintained, clearly branded trucks that our customers can identify and trust.
Refusing to provide a written estimate. Every reputable moving company should provide a detailed written estimate that outlines the scope of work, pricing structure, and any potential additional charges. Verbal-only agreements leave you vulnerable to price gouging on moving day. Always insist on written documentation before committing to a mover.
Pressure tactics. Be wary of companies that pressure you to sign immediately or claim that their special rate expires today. Legitimate movers understand that customers need time to compare quotes and make informed decisions. High-pressure sales tactics are a hallmark of companies that do not want you to look too closely at their credentials.
How to Verify a Moving Company’s Legitimacy
Protecting yourself from moving scams requires a bit of research before you book. Here is a step-by-step process for verifying any moving company:
Check their online presence. A legitimate company will have a professional website with detailed service descriptions, contact information, and evidence of an established business. Look for an “About Us” page, team photos, and a history that extends beyond a few months.
Read reviews on multiple platforms. Do not rely on testimonials posted on the company’s own website, as these can be fabricated. Check Google Reviews, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and HomeStars. Look for patterns in the reviews — consistent praise for professionalism, punctuality, and careful handling is a strong positive signal, while repeated complaints about hidden fees, damaged items, or no-shows are clear warnings.
Verify licensing and insurance. In British Columbia, legitimate moving companies carry commercial vehicle insurance, general liability insurance, and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for proof of insurance and verify it with the issuing company if you have any doubts. Simple Moves maintains comprehensive insurance that covers belongings, workers, vehicles, and property damage.
Request references. A company with nothing to hide will happily provide references from recent customers. Contact these references and ask about their experience, including whether the final price matched the estimate, whether the crew arrived on time, and whether any items were damaged.
Get an in-home or video estimate. The most accurate moving quotes come from an in-person walkthrough or a detailed video survey of your belongings. Companies that refuse to assess your home before quoting may be planning to inflate the price on moving day. Simple Moves offers thorough estimates that account for every aspect of your move, ensuring no surprises.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed by a Moving Company
If you believe you have fallen victim to a moving scam, take these steps immediately:
- Document everything. Photograph any damage to your belongings, save all communication (texts, emails, contracts), and record the details of what happened, including dates, times, names, and amounts paid.
- File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB tracks complaints against businesses and can help mediate disputes. Filing a complaint also helps warn other consumers.
- Report to Consumer Protection BC. British Columbia’s consumer protection authority investigates complaints against businesses operating in the province. They can take enforcement action against companies that engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices.
- Contact your credit card company. If you paid by credit card, you may be able to dispute the charge and initiate a chargeback. Credit card companies offer consumer protections that cash and e-transfer payments do not.
- Leave honest reviews. Share your experience on Google, Yelp, and other review platforms to help other consumers avoid the same company. Be factual and specific in your review.
- Contact local police. If your belongings have been held hostage, significantly damaged, or stolen, this may constitute a criminal offense. File a police report to create an official record of the incident.
Why Simple Moves Is a Moving Company You Can Trust
At Simple Moves, transparency and professionalism are at the core of everything we do. As a full service moving company, we provide both the labour and the trucks, and our pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Here is what sets us apart from companies that cut corners:
- Detailed written estimates — We assess your belongings thoroughly and provide a comprehensive quote that reflects the actual scope of your move.
- Branded fleet — Our trucks are clearly marked with the Simple Moves name and logo, so you always know who is handling your belongings.
- Full insurance coverage — Every move is covered by comprehensive insurance protecting your belongings, our workers, our vehicles, and property at both locations.
- Established reputation — We have years of positive reviews across Google, HomeStars, and other platforms, with a track record of satisfied customers throughout British Columbia.
- Professional, trained crews — Our movers are employees, not day labourers. They are trained in proper lifting techniques, furniture protection, and customer service.
- No hostage tactics — Your belongings are never held ransom for additional fees. The price you are quoted is the price you pay, period.
For your next move, choose a company you can verify, trust, and count on. Call Simple Moves at (604) 398-4680 or request your free estimate online. Updated for 2026, our commitment to honest, transparent service remains stronger than ever.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Scams
How can I tell if a moving company is a scam?
Warning signs include no online presence, phone-only estimates, suspiciously low bids, multiple name changes, demanding large cash deposits, no physical address, unmarked trucks, and pressure to sign immediately. Always verify licensing, insurance, and reviews before booking.
What should I do if movers hold my belongings hostage?
Document everything, contact local police, file a complaint with Consumer Protection BC and the Better Business Bureau, and dispute the charge with your credit card company if applicable. Holding belongings hostage for additional payment may constitute a criminal offense.
Should I get an in-home estimate from a moving company?
Yes, in-home or video estimates are the most accurate way to get a moving quote. Companies that refuse to assess your belongings before quoting are more likely to inflate the price on moving day. Simple Moves provides thorough estimates to ensure accurate pricing.
Is Simple Moves licensed and insured?
Yes, Simple Moves is fully licensed and carries comprehensive insurance covering belongings, workers, vehicles, and property damage. Our insurance covers replacement value, total loss, worker injuries, vehicle incidents, and building damages at no extra cost to you. Call (604) 398-4680 for details.
How do I report a moving scam in British Columbia?
Report moving scams to Consumer Protection BC, the Better Business Bureau, and local police. Leave detailed reviews on Google and Yelp to warn other consumers. If you paid by credit card, contact your card issuer to dispute the charge.
Get a Free Moving Quote From Simple Moves
Simple Moves is a full-service moving company serving Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and all of British Columbia. We provide the experienced movers and the trucks — you do not need to rent a vehicle or recruit friends. Whether you are moving across the street or across the province, we make every move simple.
Call (604) 398-4680 or request a free quote online today.