Nov
The following are the most typical New York mover scams you could encounter:
The hostage situation occurs when a New York mover refuses to return your possessions until you pay twice or three times the cost of the first estimate.
Bait and switch refers to when a mover alters your moving plans at the last minute and charges you far more than originally anticipated.
Outrageous delivery fees – When a New York mover adds extra fees for fictitious justifications and makes you pay more to get your belongings back.
Late delivery: The New York mover fails to deliver your possessions on time, or even worse, never does.
Reckless abandonment occurs when a mover collects your payment in advance, ceases business, and abandons your belongings.
Here are some pointers for seeing big red flags and avoiding New York mover scams.
Never make a big down payment. Reputable movers won’t demand cash up front or a sizable payment. Only pay when the product is delivered. If not, you might never see your possessions again. And to assist safeguard you against any fraud, pay with a credit card.
Avoid moving companies that change their name. Some less than outstanding businesses use alternative identities in order to avoid being reported to the BBB.
Red flags include a moving company’s lack of a physical address, staff who don’t answer the phone using the organization’s full name, and any instances in which the company “doing business as” another name. Additionally, the business should be able to provide you with information about its insurance and licensing, including the NY moving company’s state and federal license numbers.
Be aware of the expense of packing. Inquire about the experience of the packers if you choose to have the movers pack your items. The majority of packers are cautious, but you want to avoid the possibility of hiring someone who simply stuffs as much as they can into a box and then seals it up without thinking about breaking.
Additionally, the cost of packing can prove to be prohibitive, so you should think about other options, such as doing your own packing or enlisting the assistance of family or friends.
Beware of hidden costs. Ask the mover if there are any additional charges that would be necessary for your case. These can include navigating stairs and elevators, moving in a busy place, or doing it on a roadway that is too narrow for a moving truck to pass through. Although none of those costs are excessive, they should be considered in advance.
Don’t consent to an empty moving contract. Get everything in writing and never sign an unwritten agreement. Check your contract carefully and confirm that all of your possessions are listed after a moving inventory.
Something that is not listed in the inventory list cannot be the subject of a claim.
Refuse the quote that is “guaranteed.” Three different types of moving contracts exist (more on that below). The “guaranteed quotation” is a huge red flag because it is not an honest and accurate estimate.
Do not wait to report any issues. You have nine months to notify the moving company of any issues and submit a moving complaint. The mover must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 30 days. The mover is required to reject your claim or make a payment offer within 120 days of receiving it. On the day of the move, attempt to open every box to check for damage because there won’t be much time.
So, before signing the bill of lading, you can make any necessary notes on the mover’s copy of the document. If you are looking for a New York mover or a local Movers in Manhattan please contact us here.