The number of fraud instances in the relocation industry is growing daily. There are various ways moving companies run these little scams. Sometimes they ask for additional payment before delivering products, sometimes, they don't provide insurance for damaged goods even after having paid for it. There are other common issues like partial theft of goods during transportation and failing to deliver goods on time. It is difficult to spot a fake or fraudulent moving company since they have gotten smarter over the years, mimicking established players in the industry to the point where they are indiscernible, but here are a few tips on identifying and avoiding packers and movers scams in India.
1. Verify all their Legal Documents
If you are looking for trustworthy packers and movers, or if you are shortlisting a moving company for your relocation. It is critical to confirm the company's legal documentation, which includes the following:
- 1. GST registration certificate
- 2. Company incorporation certificate
- 3. Pan card of the company.
2. Visit The Moving Company's Office
Check out their website before making any commitments with packers and movers. When you search their website by physical address or phone number online and if you don't find the necessary information, they may be a scam packers and movers firm. Some fake companies will also have websites, so you need to do further checks before you decide they are genuine.
3. Check the Website of Packers & Movers
Check out their website before making any commitments with packers and movers. When you search their website by physical address or phone number online and if you don't find the necessary information, they may be a scam packers and movers firm. Some fake companies will also have websites, so you need to do further checks before you decide they are genuine.
4. Check Negative Review & Ratings
The reviews and feedback made by customers of moving firms on their websites, social media accounts, or other review websites are quite helpful in making decisions. So are Google ratings. Explore these websites and read the customer reviews before deciding on the moving company. Refrain from using any mover that has no review at all.
Note: Always be cautious of fake online reviews.
5. Ask for Quotes in Writing or Email
You have the right to request the moving quotes in writing. It will prevent unexpected expenses from your moving firm later in the process. The signed relocation estimate will tie you and the firm to reasonable service requirements.
Make sure the consignment note and the bill receipt that you receive from the packing and moving services consist of the following:
- 1. Name of the company, license details, and insurance details.
- 2. Contact information.
- 3. Date of receipt, date of packing, and delivery date.
- 4. The consignor and Consignee addresses.
- 5. Cost of packing, transit, loading, unloading, installing, uninstalling, and more.
- 6. The total cost of the order.
Note: Ensure that every element of the moving cost is properly listed in the invoice.
6. Check for Any Hidden Charges
Always ask for an open invoice from your packers and movers before finalizing the deal with them. This will help to identify any hidden charges that need to be paid in the future from the moving firms.
7. Say Big No to "Low-Budget" Movers
Moving companies offering low and attractive estimates can turn out to be a big trap. They use this technique to target innocent customers. Genuine moving companies that provide excellent moving services charge as per the industry standards and are worth the price.
8. Check for Insurance Coverage
Fraudulent packers and movers label their insurance service as an additional fee and force it. However, they pocket the money and don't truly insure your products for delivery.
9. Door to Door Service
Most trustworthy and dependable packers and movers offer door-to-door relocation services. False moving firms, on the other hand, may charge exorbitant amounts of money to transfer your goods to your doorstep and later unload them on the highway or may ask you to arrange local transportation.
10. Take Recommendations from Friends & Family
Take recommendations from people who have moved in the past. Since online reviews are often found to be fake or made-up, you may choose the companies by taking references from trusted sources like friends, neighbours, relatives etc., that have relocated in the past and have had a satisfactory experience.
