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How to Spot a Moving Scam & Verify a Licensed Mover
Moving is one of the least-regulated service industries, and rogue brokers prey on it. Here is exactly how to verify a mover’s license, read the warning signs, and protect your money and belongings.
How to verify a mover in 5 minutes
- Look up the USDOT number on the federal FMCSA SAFER database — every interstate carrier must have one.
- Confirm “Authorized For HHG.” The operating status must show authority to move household goods.
- Check the MC number matches the company name — not a different business.
- Read the complaint history. SAFER shows safety and complaint records; a clean record matters.
Warning signs of a moving scam
No video-survey quote
Legit movers survey your belongings before quoting. A firm price sight-unseen often becomes a hostage bill later.
Large cash deposit
Reputable carriers do not demand big cash deposits upfront. It is a classic scam signal.
No physical address
No verifiable office, a generic website, or a name that keeps changing are all warning signs.
Quote far below the rest
If one bid is dramatically cheaper than every other, expect surprise fees on moving day.
Know who you are actually hiring
Many low online quotes come from brokers who resell your job to whichever carrier bids lowest — you never know who shows up. Always ask directly: “Are you the carrier or a broker?” A carrier owns the trucks and crews and is fully accountable for your move. For a deeper breakdown, read our guide on how to choose an interstate moving company.
Why A Plus is safe to hire
A Plus Moving & Storage is a federally licensed interstate carrier (USDOT #3006268) with an A+ BBB rating and strong independent reviews. We provide written, inventory-based estimates — no cash-deposit games. See is A Plus Moving legit?, read our customer reviews, or browse verified feedback across platforms at our reviews hub.
Hire a licensed mover you can trust
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify that a mover is licensed?
Look up the USDOT number on the federal FMCSA SAFER database, which every interstate carrier must have. Confirm the operating status shows Authorized For HHG, check that the MC number matches the company name, and read the complaint history.
What are the warning signs of a moving scam?
No survey before quoting, a large cash deposit demanded upfront, no verifiable physical address or a name that keeps changing, and a quote far below every other bid.
Is a quote given sight-unseen safe?
Legitimate movers survey your belongings before quoting. A firm price given sight-unseen often turns into a hostage bill later.
What is the A Plus USDOT number?
A Plus Moving and Storage operates as a federally licensed interstate household goods carrier under US DOT 3006268.