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Despite numerous media warnings to consumers, scams involving moving companies continue to be commonplace.  “Almost everyone has a moving horror story,” says Mark Valliant, President of Great Canadian Van Lines, the only national moving company with its Head Office in Vancouver. 

 

The top scams are:  

• not compensating for damaged items due to a lack of insurance,
• holding possessions hostage until an exorbitant sum far exceeding the original estimate is paid,
• or simply not delivering the goods at all.

 

The first sign of trouble? – no written estimate.  If the company will not send a representative to your home to survey the items to be moved, then their estimate won’t be accurate.  Scam companies often have a very friendly, helpful person who will spend a few minutes answering your questions over the phone, but consumers should always seek third party verification.

 

“Consumers often just don’t know where to go to get reliable information about a moving company’s background”, says Valliant.  Every bona fide moving company will be pleased to pass these four tests:

 

1. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
2. Canadian Association of Movers (CAM)
3. Mover’s Insurance
4. Better Business Bureau (BBB)

 

1. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) – Scammers have little or no insurance coverage.  Vancouver movers should be registered with WorkSafe BC which covers their employees while on the client’s property.  In other major centres, such as Toronto, you need to call the WSIB, the WorkPlace Safety and Insurance Board to verify coverage. If your moving company doesn’t have insurance, if one of them injures themselves at your home you can be held liable.

 

2. Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) – We strongly recommend you make companies prove they have multiple office or agent locations and better yet, check them out with the Canadian Association of Movers. You will be surprised at how many make fraudulent and misleading claims regarding the extent of their abilities and their network. The Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) keeps a database of movers, both reputable and otherwise.

 

3. Mover’s Insurance – The moving company should be ready to show you their Certificate of Insurance with at least $250,000 cargo coverage.  This is the Canadian Association of Mover’s minimum requirement.  DON’T RISK EVERYTHING YOU HAVE by taking a chance with one of these “fly by night” rogue movers.

 

4. Better Business Bureau (BBB) - The consumer watchdog Better Business Bureau (BBB) conveniently lists accredited moving companies on their website, and provides a public venue for complaints.  Friends and family can also be good sources of recommendations. 

 

The best way for consumers to avoid scams is to scrutinize every company they are considering.  Reputable moving companies will always be forthcoming about their estimates and possible extra charges, insurance coverage and can readily provide references.  Having to replace your possessions with no possibility of recourse against the offending mover is not worth the savings you are promised by an unregulated, uninsured company.

 

According to Mr. Valliant, “In this economic climate no one wants to pay more than they have to.  We have an advantage in this regard due to our low overhead, but the impulse to use the moving company which gives a low ball price much lower than any other estimate can leave consumers vulnerable to scams.”  Our credentials are right on our website.