Achi news desk-
May is a busy moving month with students leaving university dorms and many people choosing to relocate in the spring rather than move during the colder months.
Better Business Bureau Interim Chief Executive Julia Lewis said it was important to do research before moving to avoid scams.
“Do your research and know who you’re doing business with before you start moving,” he said in an interview with CTV’s Crystal Garrett on Friday. “In 2023 we had around a million and a half people reaching out and one of the trends would be no shows. So you pay a deposit or pay the mover in full and the mover never shows up and you lost your money.”
Lewis said another mobile scam is that people end up paying a higher amount than expected.
“They quote a certain amount for moving and then you pay a lot more than that. Sometimes they can hold your items hostage when you get to your destination, asking you to pay a lot more than what was agreed to get your items.”
Fake reviews are another way Lewis said people fall victim to scams. He said it’s important not to plan your move last minute.
“It’s one of the most common industries to get fake reviews. That’s why we tell people to start their research early and don’t just rely on reviews so you don’t feel pressured because that’s when people seem to fall victim to scams. They arrange their move last minute, just pop online and look for the first available mover and then they’re taken advantage of.”
He said rental scams were also becoming a big problem.
“The biggest thing with the rental scams is when they’re looking for deposits up front before you see the place. Sometimes they may be using photos from a real estate listing that they are listing as a rental. The rent never really existed.”
To avoid falling victim to mobile scams, Lewis said make sure you have a connection.
“Make sure you read the link, understanding the fine print. Make sure you protect your property. By documenting your items and what you have that way if you go on the other side and things are damaged or missing, you have physical evidence that these items exist and were not damaged. “
Lewis said Better Business Bureau Atlantic has partnered with the Canadian Association of Movers to compile a number of tips and a list of moving companies for anyone looking to move.
