Relocation scams are unethical practices by fraudulent movers and packers in which they cheat innocent customers. The practices may involve providing fake low quotes, adding hidden charges, mishandling or stealing goods, using fake identities, denying insurance, and holding belongings hostage. These scams by rogue moving companies exploit customers during their vulnerable transition and cause financial loss, stress, and disruption in the relocation process.
As you know relocation is an already complex and stressful undertaking. This can transform into a nightmare when unscrupulous packers and movers infiltrate the process. Since the relocation industry in India is still an organized sector. Thus, the existence of fraudulent moving companies cannot be denied completely. There are several rogue moving companies in the country that deploy a myriad of deceptive schemes to manipulate innocent customers. By using several lucrative tricks, they first convince customers in bluff and then leave them financially drained and emotionally shattered.
However, you can protect yourself from being duped by deceptive moving companies if you know the types of relocation scams. Awareness of these unethical practices will safeguard you from such rapacious movers and packers. To help you with your relocation and prevent you from fraudsters, we have sorted out the most prevalent relocation scams done by rogue moving companies in India. Let’s have a look at how so-called professional moving companies trap unsuspecting customers.
Different Kinds of Relocation Scams
Inflated Quotation Post Loading
This is the most prevalent type of relocation scam in India. Under this scheme, these so-called professional movers and packers provide customers with enticingly low estimates. In this way, they create an illusion of affordability. Innocent customers do believe that they are getting the best deal. But the reality can be different. Once the belongings are loaded onto the moving truck, the narrative shifts dramatically. Hidden fees and additional charges suddenly emerge. And, customers are forced to pay exorbitant amounts to get safe delivery of their possession. Such coercion and threats prey on the customer’s helplessness during transit.
Holding Goods Hostage
This is a particularly malicious scam in the relocation industry in which dishonest packers and movers hold customers’ belongings hostage. After collecting the belongings, they refuse to deliver the same unless a hefty ransom is paid. Usually, these so-called relocation companies play with the emotions and feelings of their customers. They leverage emotional and financial pressure and pressurize customers to pay the increased amount by threatening them for belongings hostage. The innocent customers find themselves with no alternatives and surrender to their fraudsters’ demands.
Fake Company Names and Identities
Impersonation is another common trick used by scoundrel packers and movers in India. In this unethical practice, so-called professionals depict their counterfeit behaviors. They adopt names similar to reputable and legitimate moving companies. For example, Agarwal Packers and Movers is a reputable moving company in India. But, you can find several companies with similar names like Agarwal Home Packers and Movers, Agarwala Movers and Packers, Agarwal Cargo Movers, etc. Not only names, but some deceptive movers even closely resemble their logos, websites, and marketing materials to dupe innocent customers. Unsuspecting and innocent customers, due to lack of due diligence, often fall prey to these masterminds. When they realize that they have chosen the wrong moving company; it is too late.
Damaged or Missing Belongings
Some fraudulent packers and movers in India deliberately mishandle goods or lose high-value items during transit. They may deny responsibility or blame the customers for inadequate packing (if customers have chosen to pack their goods by themselves). This leaves customers the victim with broken or missing items and no remedy for compensation.
No Insurance or Fake Insurance Coverage
Legitimate movers and packers in India often offer transit insurance to cover the potential risk of damage to goods in transit. However, this is not the case with dishonest companies. Counterfeit moving companies either avoid discussing insurance or provide fake policies to cheat customers. This deceptive tactic divests customers of financial protection in case of unforeseen mishaps or damage to goods in transit.
Using Reputed Brand’s GST Numbers
This is another common relocation scam done by fraudsters. In this practice, fraudulent movers misuse the GST numbers of reputable brands to show themselves as legitimate service providers. They usually wrongly claim associations with reputable moving companies and leverage their credibility to dupe innocent customers. Such movers often present the authentic GST details on their invoices to create a veneer of authenticity that often goes unchecked by customers. Unsuspecting customers assume that they are dealing with legitimate movers, and later fall victim to this ploy. Through this trick, fraudulent movers not only cause financial losses for customers but also tarnish the reputation of legitimate movers whose GST numbers are misused. This is why customers must verify the GST details of movers and packers before signing the contract.
Non-existent Customer Support
This is also a type of prevalent relocation scam. Once the customer has made the payment and the goods are on the truck and in transit, fraudulent movers become unreachable. Their so-called “excellent customer support” numbers stop working. This leaves the customer with no updates, no tracking, and causes immense stress and frustration.
Misrepresentation of Services
Some packers and movers advertise their services with very lucrative terms like comprehensive solutions, end-to-end relocation services, and premium services at affordable rates But, they deliver substandard services and a subpar experience. In some cases, these companies outsource the job to unverified third parties or fail to provide promised services like unpacking, assembly, or careful handling.
How to Guard Against Relocation Scams
To mitigate the risk of falling prey to these prevalent relocation scams, alertness and awareness are essential. Here are a few simple steps that you can opt for to fortify your relocation process.
Conduct Thorough Research
Shop around for reputable packers and movers in your area. Vet their credentials rigorously by checking their websites, Google reviews, and social media presence. Additionally, check their license, registration, and experience. Make sure these companies have a valid registration certificate and transport permit to operate the relocation process smoothly. Plus, ensure that the company you want to hire has at least three years of experience in the business. And yes, do not forget to verify the GST number of the movers before making the final decision.
Get In-Home and Transparent Quotes
Invite shortlisted packers and movers to your home and allow them to conduct a pre-move survey. Once the survey is completed, ask them to provide you with written estimates with a detailed breakdown of costs. Do not hesitate to say a big “NO” to movers and packers who are hesitant to provide you with written estimates.
Cross-Check Insurance Policies
Scrutinize the insurance documentation to confirm its authenticity and scope of coverage. Ask the movers about the insurance policy. It is always better to verify it directly with the insurance company. Additionally, make sure that the policy covers the full value of your belongings. In the end, ask the movers to provide you with a copy of the insurance certificate. Also, contact the insurance company to confirm its validity.
Visit the Office Personally
If you have time and it is possible, visit the movers’ office personally. This will allow you to gauge their legitimacy and operational activities. Meet with their staff members and watch their behaviors. Listen to your instinct and make an informed decision accordingly.
Book Movers via Moving Solutions
Opt for relocation services via Moving Solutions. It is a trusted relocation portal that can connect you with fully vetted movers and packers near you. By using this portal, you can obtain free quotes from the top 3 nearby pre-screened companies, compare their rates, and select the best-suited one.
Final Thoughts
Relocation scams are not merely financial frauds; they disrupt lives, destroy trust, and leave victims grappling with unforeseen challenges. By staying vigilant and informed, you can complete the relocation process with confidence and avoid the consequences set by deceitful movers and packers. Protecting yourself begins with awareness, empowering you to make well-informed decisions in this critical life transition.
A copywriter, blogger, content strategist by profession, and an information junkie by heart. I have a penchant for reading, researching, writing, and anything related to creating persuasive content. For me, writing is something that ignites my creativity and helps in keeping me on cloud nine. I have been working in the content writing domain since 2006. Be it blogging or copywriting, I create better content that fuels conversations and skyrockets search traffic.