8 Common Moving Scams in India and How to Avoid Them
Relocating to a new city should be an exciting chapter in your life. However, the process can quickly turn into a nightmare if you fall prey to fraudulent packers and movers. As the demand for relocation services grows in India, so do the number of unscrupulous operators looking to exploit unsuspecting customers. From hidden charges to holding goods hostage, these scams can cause significant financial loss and emotional distress.
At PackAndMove.in, our primary goal is to connect you with verified, trustworthy moving partners. To empower you further, we’ve compiled a list of the 8 most common moving scams in India and, more importantly, how you can identify and avoid them.
8 Common Scams to Watch Out For
1The Low-Ball Quote (Bait-and-Switch)
This is the most frequent trap. A fraudulent company provides an unbelievably low estimate to secure your business. Once your belongings are loaded onto their truck, they inflate the price with a host of hidden fees for things like packing materials, labor, or toll taxes. You're left with a final bill that is drastically higher than the initial quote.
2The Hostage Situation
In this alarming scam, the movers pick up your goods and then refuse to deliver them to your destination until you pay an exorbitant extra amount. They essentially hold your valuable possessions hostage, leveraging your desperation to extort more money. Victims often feel they have no choice but to pay to retrieve their belongings.
3The Large Upfront Deposit
Legitimate movers typically ask for a small token advance (10-20%) to confirm the booking. Scammers, however, will demand a large deposit upfront—often 50% or more—claiming it's for booking vehicles or fuel. Once they have your money, they may either disappear entirely or provide subpar service, knowing you've already made a significant financial commitment.
4The "Brand Impersonator"
Some fraudsters create websites and use branding that closely mimics well-known, reputable moving companies. They may even misuse the GST number of a legitimate company to appear authentic. Unsuspecting customers believe they are hiring a trusted brand, only to realize they've been duped by a fake entity.
5Vague Contracts & Verbal Agreements
A major red flag is a company's reluctance to provide a detailed, written contract. Scammers prefer to operate on verbal agreements, which leaves you with no legal recourse when disputes arise. The contract should clearly list all services, a complete cost breakdown, pickup and delivery dates, and insurance details.
6Insurance Fraud
Fraudulent movers will charge you a premium for transit insurance but will either fail to provide any genuine coverage or give you a fake policy document. In the unfortunate event that your goods are damaged or lost during the move, you'll discover that you have no way to file a claim and receive compensation.
7The Phantom Company (No Physical Address)
Many fake moving companies exist only online or as a phone number. They lack a physical office address that you can visit and verify. This allows them to operate without accountability and vanish without a trace after taking your money or belongings.
8Substandard Packing & Handling
To cut costs, some movers use cheap, flimsy packing materials and employ untrained staff. This inevitably leads to your fragile and valuable items getting damaged during transit. When you complain, they will often deny responsibility, leaving you to bear the cost of the damage.
How to Protect Yourself and Avoid Scams
Awareness is your best defense. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and secure move:
- Do Thorough Research: Don't just pick the first company you find. Check online reviews, but be wary of fake testimonials (multiple reviews with similar language posted in a short period).
- Verify GST and Licenses: Ask for the company’s GST registration number and verify it on the official GST portal. Ensure they have the necessary licenses to operate.
- Get Everything in Writing: Insist on a detailed, legally binding contract before making any payment. Read the fine print carefully.
- Beware of "Too Good to Be True" Prices: Get quotes from at least 3-4 different companies. If one quote is significantly lower than the others, it's a major red flag.
- Never Pay a Large Advance: Do not pay more than a 20% advance. Use credit cards for payment whenever possible, as they offer better fraud protection than cash or direct bank transfers.
- Check for a Physical Office: If possible, visit the company's office to confirm they are a legitimate, established business.
- Use a Trusted Portal: The safest approach is to use a reputable online portal like PackAndMove.in. We pre-verify every partner on our platform, checking their documents, office address, and track record, so you can choose a mover with complete peace of mind.
Conclusion: Your Smartest Move is a Safe Move
By being vigilant and informed, you can easily steer clear of moving scams. Remember that a professional, trustworthy company will be transparent with its pricing, provide a detailed contract, and have a solid reputation.
Don’t leave your peace of mind to chance. Start your search on PackAndMove.in to connect with pre-vetted, reliable packers and movers across India.