How To Spot Moving Scams And Avoid Fake Movers (Without Losing Your Mind Or Your Stuff)

You wouldn’t hire a babysitter without checking references. You shouldn’t hire a mover without checking their license.

The good news? It’s public record. You don’t have to take their word for it.

Step 1: The FMCSA "SAFER" Search

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) keeps a database of every licensed interstate mover.

1. Ask the mover for their USDOT Number. If they won’t give it to you, hang up immediately.
2. Go to the FMCSA SAFER Website.
3. Type in the USDOT number.

What to look for:

• Entity Type: It should say "Carrier" if they are moving you themselves. If it says "Broker," they are hiring someone else to do it.
• Power Units: This tells you how many trucks they have. If they claim to be a huge national company but have "0" or "1" truck listed, that’s a red flag.
• Out of Service: If this number is high or the status is "Inactive," run away.

Step 2: Check the Physical Address

Google the address listed on their website.

• Does it look like a moving company yard with trucks and a warehouse?
• Or does it look like a UPS Store, a residential apartment complex, or an empty lot?

Scammers often use "virtual offices" or residential addresses to hide the fact that they don't have a physical fleet.

For reference: If you Google United Prime Van Lines (221 W Hallandale Beach Blvd), you’ll see our actual location. Transparency matters.

Questions That Scammers Hate Answering

If you want to test a company, ask these questions during your initial call. Listen not just to what they say, but how they say it.

1. "Are you a carrier or a broker?"

• Good Answer: "We are a carrier. We own our trucks and our crew works for us." (Or, if they are a broker, they legally must tell you: "We are a broker and we will arrange transportation for you.")
• Bad Answer: Vague shuffling. "We are a logistics network..." or "We handle everything..." without saying yes or no.

2. "Can I visit your office or warehouse?"

• Good Answer: "Sure! Come on by."
• Bad Answer: "Uh, due to insurance/COVID/policy, we don't allow visitors." (They likely don't have a warehouse.)

3. "Is this estimate binding?"

• Good Answer: "Yes, this is a binding estimate based on the inventory we just did. As long as the inventory doesn't change, the price won't change."
• Bad Answer: "Don't worry about it, we'll weigh it later, it'll be fine."

4. "What forms of payment do you accept?"

• Good Answer: "Credit cards, checks, sometimes cash upon delivery."
• Bad Answer: "Cash only," "Wire transfer," or "Zelle only" for the deposit. Never wire money for a move. You have zero protection if they disappear.

5. "What is the full name of the company that will be picking up my stuff?"

• Good Answer: "United Prime Van Lines."
• Bad Answer: "Our authorized agent..." (This means they don't know yet because they are brokering the job.)

The "Deposit" Warning

This is where many people get trapped.

Normal Practice: It is normal for legitimate movers to ask for a small deposit to reserve your date (usually $100–$500, or a small percentage of the move). This confirms you are serious so we don't hold a truck for a "ghost" customer.

Scam Practice: Scammers often ask for large deposits up front—sometimes 30% to 50% of the total cost—before they’ve lifted a single box.

• Why? Because once they have your $2,000, they don't care if they show up or not.
• Rule of Thumb: If a company asks for a massive deposit via a non-refundable method (CashApp, Wire, Zelle), do not book with them.

What United Prime Van Lines Does Differently

We know trust is earned, not claimed. Here is our promise to you:

1. We are a Carrier: We own our trucks. We hire our drivers. We are accountable for your stuff.
2. No Hidden Brokers: If we ever need to partner with another reputable carrier for a specific logistical reason (rare, but it happens in this industry), we tell you up front, by name.
3. Video/In-Home Estimates: We want to see exactly what you have so we can give you a price that sticks.
4. Credit Cards Accepted: We want you to feel safe paying us.

Moving is stressful enough without wondering if your movers are real. If something feels "off" about a quote you received—even if it's not from us—give us a call. We’re happy to look at it and tell you if we see red flags, just as a neighborly service.

Red Flags During the Estimate Process

The scam often starts way before the truck arrives. It starts with the quote. If a mover tries to skip the details, they are usually hiding something.

1. The "Blind" Phone Quote

If a mover says, “Just tell me roughly what you have, and I’ll give you a price,” hang up. Unless you are moving a single studio apartment with 5 items, a legitimate mover cannot give you an accurate binding price without seeing your stuff.

• The Scam: They lowball you on the phone because they "didn't know" about the stairs, the long hallway, or the 50 extra boxes. On moving day, the price doubles.
• The Fix: Demand a Video Survey (FaceTime/Zoom) or an In-Home Estimate. At United Prime Van Lines, we want to see the closet, the garage, and the artwork so we can promise a price that sticks.

2. The "Too Good To Be True" Price

You get three quotes:

• Mover A: $4,500
• Mover B: $4,800
• Mover C: $2,200

Mover C is not a magician. They are likely a scammer.

• The Scam: They hook you with a price that barely covers the fuel, knowing they will hold your goods hostage for the rest of the money later.
• The Reality: legitimate moving costs (labor, fuel, trucks, insurance) are similar for everyone. A quote that is 40–50% lower than everyone else is a giant neon warning sign.

3. The "Cubic Feet" Trap

Be very careful with quotes based only on "cubic feet" without a binding guarantee.

• The Scam: The mover estimates you have 400 cubic feet. On move day, they load the truck loosely (stacking poorly) and claim your stuff actually takes up 800 cubic feet. You have no way to verify this.
• The Fix: For long-distance moves, ask for a quote based on weight (verified by a certified scale) or a Binding Flat Rate based on a specific inventory list.

The Money Talk: When to Keep Your Wallet Closed

How a company asks to be paid tells you everything about their legitimacy.

1. The "Cash Only" or "Wire Transfer" Demand

If a mover asks for a large deposit via Western Union, MoneyGram, Zelle, or CashApp, run away.

• Why: These payments are untraceable and non-refundable. Once you hit send, that money is gone.
• Legit Movers: We accept credit cards (which give you fraud protection) or checks.

2. The Massive Upfront Deposit

It is normal to pay a small deposit to reserve a date (usually $100–$500, or maybe 10-20% max).

• The Scam: Asking for 50% or more upfront before the truck even shows up.
• The Reality: A reputable company has the capital to operate. We don't need your money to buy the gas to get to your house.

3. The Blank Contract

NEVER sign a blank or partial document.

• The Scam: The foreman says, “Just sign here to authorize us to start, I’ll fill in the weights later.”
• The Fix: You sign the estimate before loading. You sign the Bill of Lading after loading. Both must have numbers filled in. If it’s blank, don’t sign it.

Broker vs. Carrier: Know Who You Are Hiring

This is the most confusing part of the industry.

• Carrier: A company that owns trucks, employs drivers, and moves your stuff (like United Prime Van Lines).
• Broker: A sales call center that books your move and sells it to a carrier you have never met.

Are all brokers bad? No. But many scams happen because a broker promises the world ("Delivery in 2 days!") and then sells the job to a cheap carrier who takes 2 weeks.

• The Risk: If something breaks or goes missing, the broker blames the carrier, and the carrier blames the broker. You are stuck in the middle.
• The Check: Ask, "Are you a broker or a carrier?" If they are a broker, ask, "Which carrier will be servicing my move, and what is their DOT number?" If they can't tell you, don't book.

The Bottom Line: Trust Your Gut

If a mover is pushy, rude, vague, or makes you feel anxious during the estimate, imagine how they will treat you when they have all your worldly possessions in their truck.

You have the right to ask questions. You have the right to see the contract. You have the right to say no.

At United Prime Van Lines, we believe the best customer is an educated one. Whether you hire us or someone else, we want you to have a safe move.

• If you want a transparent, binding quote with no hidden games, give us a call.
• We’ll look at your inventory, give you a fair price, and treat your family like our own.

On Moving Day: The Final Vetting Checklist

Even if everything looked good on paper, you need to keep your eyes open when the truck actually pulls up. This is your last line of defense.

Watch out for these red flags the moment they arrive:

1. The "Rental Truck" Surprise

If a company claims to be a large, established carrier but shows up in a generic rental truck (U-Haul, Penske, Enterprise) with no permanent logos, magnetic signs, or DOT numbers: Ask why.

• Note: During peak season (summer), legitimate companies do sometimes rent extra trucks. But the crew should be wearing uniforms, have proper paperwork, and answer the phone as the company you hired. If they look like day laborers with a rented van and no paperwork, do not let them touch your stuff.

2. The Blank Document

NEVER sign a blank or partial document. We see this scam constantly: The foreman says, “We’re in a rush, just sign here to authorize us to start, and I’ll fill in the weights/inventory later.”

• The Scam: You sign a blank page. They fill in a price that is double the estimate. You legally signed it.
• The Fix: You sign the Order for Service before loading (with the price). You sign the Bill of Lading after loading. Both must have numbers filled in. If it’s blank, don’t sign it.

3. The "Cash Now" Demand

If the driver demands a large cash payment before they will open the doors to unload at your new house (and this wasn't agreed upon), that is a hostage situation.

• Legit Movers: Will usually accept credit cards or cashier's checks for the balance. If we require cash/certified funds, it is stated clearly in bold print on your contract weeks in advance.

The "Cubic Feet" Trap: A Specific Warning

Be very careful with quotes based only on "cubic feet" (volume) if they aren't binding.

The Scam:

1. They quote you for 400 cubic feet.
2. They load the truck loosely (packing poorly with lots of air gaps).
3. They measure the space and say, "Oh, your stuff actually takes up 800 cubic feet. The price is double."

The Fix: For long-distance moves, ask for a quote based on Weight (verified by a certified scale ticket) or a Binding Flat Rate based on a specific item list. It is much harder to fake the weight of a sofa than it is to fake how much space it takes up.

What To Do If You Suspect You’re Being Scammed

If you are reading this and your gut is screaming "something is wrong," here is what to do:

1. Stop the Move: If they haven't left your driveway, tell them to stop loading. It is better to lose your deposit and delay your move than to lose everything you own.
2. Call the Office: Verify the crew works for who they say they do.
3. Call the Police: If they are holding your goods hostage and demanding cash on the spot, this is theft/extortion. Call the local non-emergency line (or 911 if you feel threatened).
4. Report It: File a complaint with the FMCSA (1-888-DOT-SAFT) and the Better Business Bureau.

The Bottom Line: Trust Your Gut

If a mover is pushy, rude, vague, or makes you feel anxious during the estimate, imagine how they will treat you when they have all your worldly possessions in their truck.

You have the right to ask questions. You have the right to see the contract. You have the right to say no.

At United Prime Van Lines, we believe the best customer is an educated one. Whether you hire us or someone else, we want you to have a safe move.

• If you want a transparent, binding quote with no hidden games, give us a call.
• We’ll look at your inventory, give you a fair price, and treat your family like our own.

Signs You’re Dealing With Fake Movers Or A Sketchy Operation

Let’s put all the warning signs in one place so you can do a quick gut-check.

Big Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you’re getting two or three of these at once, you’re probably not dealing with a mover you want handling everything you own.

• No DOT/MC numbers anywhere on the site or paperwork.
• Refusal to give a physical address.
• Phone answered with a generic greeting like “Moving company” instead of a specific name.
• Very pushy sales tactics: “You have to book right now to get this price.”
• Quote is way below everyone else’s—like, unreasonably low.
• They insist on cash only or pressure you to use payment methods that are hard to dispute (Zelle, Wire).
• They ask you to sign blank or incomplete documents.

Yellow Flags That Deserve Extra Questions

These don’t always mean scam—but they mean slow down and ask more.

• Website looks generic (stock photos, no real personality).
• No photos of actual trucks, crew, or warehouse.
• They only want to give a phone quote for a large home or long-distance move.
• Company name on the truck doesn’t match the name on your paperwork.

In our world, we try to be the opposite of that: real photos, real people, real trucks, and the same name on everything—from the website to the side of the trailer.

How To Protect Yourself: The Checklist

Let’s turn this into a simple checklist you can actually use.

Before You Book

1. Collect 2–4 quotes. If one is way lower, ask why.
2. Verify licenses on the FMCSA site (look for "Active" and "Carrier").
3. Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and BBB.
4. Confirm the address (Google Maps it).
5. Get a detailed written estimate—no vague one-liners.
6. Avoid giant non-refundable deposits.

On Moving Day

1. Check the Truck: Make sure the company name matches your paperwork.
2. Walkthrough: Ask the foreman to walk you through the contract and inventory before loading.
3. Don't Sign Blanks: Never sign a document that is incomplete or has a different price than agreed.
4. Keep Valuables: Keep passports, jewelry, and meds with you.
5. Document: Take photos or a short video of major items before loading.

After The Move

Even with the best movers, sometimes things get damaged. What matters is how it's handled.

1. Inspect everything as it comes off the truck.
2. Note damage on the Bill of Lading before signing.
3. File a claim ASAP.

With us, if something’s not right, we’d honestly rather you tell us immediately. That’s how we fix it, learn from it, and keep getting better.

Why We Care So Much About This (And How We Do Things Differently)

We’ve been in this industry long enough to know: one bad move can follow a family for years. We’ve heard all the horror stories:

• Kids starting school late because their beds and clothes didn’t arrive.
• People sleeping on air mattresses for weeks because furniture was “in transit.”
• Seniors in tears because family heirlooms were lost or held hostage.

So when we say we want to help you avoid scams, it’s not a sales line. It’s self‑protection for everyone—customers, and honestly, for legit movers like us who are tired of cleaning up after shady operators.

Here’s what we commit to at United Prime Van Lines:

• Transparency: We’re clear about who we are, where we’re based, and how we operate—whether you’re moving locally in South Florida, out of Chatsworth, or across the country.
• Real Estimates: We offer detailed, written estimates based on real information, not guesses. Video or in‑home surveys are standard for bigger jobs.
• No Pressure: We walk you through your options for coverage, timing, and budget without the hard sell.
• Communication: We keep you in the loop—no disappearing acts, no mystery trucks, no last‑minute “by the way, it’s triple now.”

If you want to use us, we’re here. If you just want a second opinion on a quote you already have, we’re still here.

A Simple Rule To Keep Your Move Scam‑Free

If you remember only one thing from all of this, make it this:

Legitimate movers want you to understand everything before you sign. Scammers want you to hurry up and not ask questions.

So ask:

• “Who exactly is moving me?”
• “What licenses do you hold?”
• “What could make this price change?”
• “What happens if there’s a delay or damage?”
• “Can I have all this in writing?”

If the answers are clear, consistent, and match what you see online and on paper—you’re likely in good hands.

And if you want a moving team that will talk to you the same way we just did here—honestly, without pressure—that’s exactly how we work at United Prime Van Lines. Whether you’re leaving Hallandale Beach, arriving in South Florida, relocating from Chatsworth, CA, or crossing three time zones, we’ll help you get there without the scams, without the games, and without losing sleep over whether your stuff will actually show up.

You’ve got enough on your plate. Let’s make at least this part of your move calm, clear, and under control.