How To Avoid House Moving Scams?
Relocating to a new home can be exciting, as the process is filled with many great opportunities, new dimensions, and beginnings. However, the excitement can quickly turn into a nightmare if you fall prey to a huge moving scam. You may lose your hard-earned money or precious belongings to scammers.
They can bait customers by advertising services at an extremely low price and adding hidden charges in the middle of the process. Such companies can even manipulate customers into signing a vague contract, damage belongings, or hold belongings hostage. So, for the utmost safety of your possessions, you need to be extra careful and do proper research when choosing a professional removalists Canberra.
In today’s guide, we will unveil common moving scams and ways to avoid them. Do not overlook potential red flags and focus on extensive research to make a well-informed decision. You can always file your complaints in case of any fraudulent activity and keep your item secure.
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It is good to learn about potential moving fraud to make a wise decision and save your belongings and money. Here are the most common scams to watch out for:
Knowing everything about common scams can make a huge difference and help you create awareness about having a safe, sound, and reliable moving experience in Canberra, ACT.
To avoid common moving scams, do proper research and find the best companies in your local area. Asking friends, colleagues, and family for genuine recommendations can give you peace of mind.
They can recommend budget removalists Canberra they have recently hired and provide you with reviews and real-life experiences. This will give you more clarity about their professionalism, service quality, and other key aspects.
Checking customer reviews and ratings on reputable sites, like Google, Better Business Bureau, etc., can help you discover whether the company is genuine. Also, check if the firm has any unresolved complaints. This is crucial because ignoring negative reviews, ratings, and complaints could lead to suspicious activity or fraud.
Always remember that an experienced company with positive customer reviews is less likely to do scams. So, do proper research and take your time to read all reviews and ratings.
Once you have shortlisted three-four best options, ask them for their license and insurance. Though there is not any specific licensing requirement for removalists in Australia, make sure you verify their credentials. Good companies always have a legal license for work.
You can also check if they are members of AFRA, an industry body that provides accreditation for removal companies. Such companies follow certain quality standards for the safety of belongings.
Verifying their insurance is another great way to avoid scams. A reliable service provider offers proper insurance coverage, such as public liability insurance, contents insurance and moving insurance. This protects you in case of any damage or accident during the process.
It is always good to get a well-documented estimate that includes the services to be provided by removalists, the estimated costs, additional services and charges. The complete breakdown gives you an estimate and makes it easy to compare different quotes without any hassle.
Never hire a company that gives a vague quote without inspecting your belongings or the distance of your move. Such companies offer lowball quotes and ask for hidden fees later on. So, get everything in written, understand call-out fees and always prefer a transparent pricing policy over a lowball estimate when hiring a moving service provider in Canberra.
Is a moving company asking for a large deposit in advance? This is a common red flag. Do not put your hard-earned money at risk. A good company never asks for a large deposit. Instead, they may ask for a small percentage of the total amount to secure the final moving date or incur initial expenses.
A better way to avoid this scam is to pay a small deposit or pay with a credit card so that you are protected in case of fraud.
When hiring expert removalists Canberra, pay attention to the company’s policy on damages. This will help you know what to expect if your items are damaged or lost during the process. Ask essential moving questions and clear all your doubts before making the final decision.
A reputable company will have a proper policy outlining the procedure to consider in case of damage or loss. It comprises information on how damages will be repaired, replaced, and compensated for the loss. Do not hire if there is a lack of liability coverage or a non-existent policy.
Extra effort can make a world of difference. Staying vigilant and doing in-depth research can help you avoid moving scams and fraudulent activities, saving your hard-earned money and precious possessions.
