10 TIPS TO AVOID COMMON MOVING SCAMS IN CANADA

Relocating to a new home is an adventure full of excitement and opportunities. However, amidst the thrill of a new beginning, it’s crucial to navigate the moving process with caution when choosing a moving company in Canada. The last thing anyone wants is to fall victim to a moving scam, turning a dream move into a nightmare. In this guide, we’ll uncover 10 essential tips to avoid common moving scams in Canada, ensuring your transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Conduct Thorough Research

Begin your moving journey by conducting extensive research on potential moving companies. Look for businesses with strong, positive reviews across various platforms, such as Google Reviews and Better Business Bureau (BBB). Genuine customer feedback is invaluable, providing insights into their experiences, both good and bad.

2. Seek Personal Recommendations

Nothing beats the reliability of personal recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who’ve had a positive moving experience. These firsthand accounts can lead you to trustworthy movers and provide practical advice on navigating your own move.

3. Verify the Company’s Credentials

Ensure the moving company is properly licensed and insured. In Canada, reputable movers should have a Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) membership or a USDOT number (for moves to the U.S.). These credentials are a testament to their legitimacy and professionalism.

Moving industry in Canada is NOT regulated by the government. The Canadian Association of Movers, founded in 1969, is Canada’s ONLY trade association representing the professional moving industry. There is only a handful of reputable moving companies in Calgary that are certified by the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).

Rest assured that CAM’s Certified moving company will deliver moving services that are fair in practice and cost, professional, safe and timely.

4. Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Estimates

Be wary of quotes that seem significantly lower than those of other companies. Scammers often lure unsuspecting customers with attractive prices, only to hike fees through hidden charges later. Always get detailed, written estimates from several movers for comparison.

5. Insist on a Survey

Reputable movers will offer to conduct either a survey (either virtual over a video call or in-person (on-site, in-home) survey to accurately assess your moving needs. This process not only provides a more precise estimate, but also allows you to meet the mover face-to-face, reducing the risk of falling for a scam.

6. Read the Fine Print

Before signing any contract, thoroughly review the terms and conditions. Pay close attention to cancellation policies, payment terms, and coverage options and limitations. Understanding your rights and obligations can save you from unexpected surprises and additional costs.

7. Avoid Large Deposits

A common red flag of moving scams is the demand for a large upfront deposit. Trustworthy companies typically require a small deposit of around 10%, with the majority of the payment due upon delivery.

8. Check for a Professional Website and Branding

A legitimate moving company will have a professional website, complete with contact information, services offered, and a physical address. Scammers often operate “from a garage” without a proper office/warehouse, and rely solely on phone and/or email communication.

9. Be Cautious of Name Changes

Some fraudulent movers operate under multiple business names to avoid detection by authorities and negative reviews. Research the company’s history for any name changes or affiliations that might raise concerns.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels off during your interactions with a moving company, it’s better to err on the side of caution and look for another provider.

Conclusion

Moving should be an exciting chapter in your life, not a source of stress and uncertainty. By following these 10 tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to moving scams in Canada. Remember to take your time, do your homework, and trust your gut feelings when choosing a moving company. With the right precautions, you can ensure a smooth, scam-free move to your new home, allowing you to focus on settling in and starting fresh. Stay informed, stay cautious, and welcome to your new adventure with confidence.

Real Scam Stories

Global News wrote an article in 2022 “Canadians warned to be aware of fly-by-night moving companies”

Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) facilitated a thorough moving scam investigation in 2022.

Toronto Sun wrote “Moving day scams far from over, despite recent arrests” in 2022.

Government of Canada also recognizes moving scams as a legit threat and wrote this article in 2017 “The next time you move, dodge the “rogue movers” who take your belongings hostage”

File a Complaint with CAM

You can register a complaint with Canadian Association of Movers HERE.

About Sparta Movers

Sparta Movers is a trusted name in the moving industry, dedicated to providing top-notch services to individuals and businesses alike. Our experienced team prides itself on ensuring that each move is seamless, efficient, on time, on budget and stress-free. Whether you’re relocating within Calgary, moving across Canada, or anywhere around the world, Sparta Movers is here to assist you with every step of the way.

Sparta Movers is certified by the Canadian Association of Movers, recommended by Bryan Baeumler, A+ rated by Better Business Bureau (BBB), an active member of Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

Sparta Movers is an agent of Atlas Van Lines, a major player in the moving industry in Canada. Atlas Van Lines has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality local, long-distance and International moving services since 1963.

We understand the challenge of finding reasonably priced moving companies that operate with integrity, courtesy and honesty. We are proud to be that professional moving company! You deserve only the best. We are here to deliver uncompromising quality and excellent service at affordable rates!

To learn more about our services and how we can make your next move a success, visit our website https://spartamovers.com/ and get in touch with our dedicated team today!