Report: Scams targeting movers

A group of people posing as legitimate relocation pros allegedly is targeting consumers in the Houston area who are moving to a new home, according to KHOU. The supposed moving companies advertise to attract consumers, and they eventually drive off with their belongings, state investigators told the TV channel.

Investigators believe two key players in the scam group are unregistered and have criminal convictions. A victim told investigators that when the supposed movers showed up, they were dressed in uniform and asked him to sign a contract. While trying to take a close look at the contract, the victim said the movers rushed him and assured him it was just a formality, KHOU said.

Once the belongings were packed into the moving truck, the victim received a bill for $1,700 - even with the supposed rate of $39.99 per hour that he agreed to. When he refused to pay, the victim said the movers drove away with his belongings.

Companies dealing with moving scams advise consumers to take down the movers' full legal company name, length of time in business, full legal address and phone number, and Department of Transportation license numbers. Consumers also should ask for references and find out if the company is insured.  

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