Don't be boxed in: use our advice to stay ahead of scammers
OTTAWA, Aug. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - We are in the peak moving season. Families want to settle into new homes before the school year starts. Military personnel across the country are receiving new assignments. College and university students—leaving the nest for the first time or returning for the fall term—are moving into residences and apartments. No matter the reason for your move, your belongings are precious.
You should be wary of the "rogue movers" scam, which is a real threat!
Typically, rogue movers will find victims through ads on popular classified postings websites, such as Kijiji or Craigslist. They will quote a low price and claim that there are "no surprise fees" or that "everything is included." The fraudsters will deal with you by phone, insisting that a verbal contract is enough and that the paper copy can be signed on the day of the move.
However, when they arrive at your doorstep, they present you with a very different contract, containing unexpected clauses and piling on extra charges, such as warehousing and pickup fees. They pressure you to sign the contract or be left without a mover. In some instances, the fraudsters will hold your possessions hostage until you pay another amount for their delivery. You are left scrambling to find the money, hoping that you will get everything back in one piece.
Moving is already stressful without these unpleasant surprises. Follow these tips to make sure that your move goes off without a hitch.
If you have been the victim of a rogue mover or other fraud, or if you have information about this type of scam, report it to the Canada Anti-Fraud Centre, the Competition Bureau or your local police. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or your provincial consumer protection agency to help others who might consider hiring the same company.
Avoid becoming a victim by educating yourself and your family: consult the Bureau's Consumer and Business Alerts, read The Little Black Book of Scams, and watch videos on current scams.
Associated Links
The Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company
How to protect your rights when hiring a mover
Shopping advice : before a move
Video: What to Ask When Hiring a Mover
Additional information for consumers from the Canadian Association of Movers
BBB's seven steps to avoid moving mishaps
www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
Enquiries/Complaints
The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.
SOURCE Competition Bureau
For media enquiries, please contact: Media Relations, Telephone: 819-994-5945, Email: [email protected]; For general enquiries, please contact: Information Centre, Competition Bureau, Telephone: 819-997-4282, Toll free: 1-800-348-5358, TTY (hearing impaired): 1-866-694-8389
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