Exposed: 10 Common Moving Scams in Canada (2024) & How to Verify Legitimate Movers Before Paying a Deposit

March 24, 2025

When planning your move in Canada, it’s essential to be aware of the common scams that target unsuspecting customers. You need to watch out for tactics like bait-and-switch pricing, where movers quote low estimates only to hike fees later, and scams involving holding your goods hostage until you pay additional fees. To protect yourself, verify the mover’s legitimacy by checking for strong, positive reviews, proper licensing, and proof of insurance before paying any deposit.

10 Common Moving Scams in Canada

When hiring a moving company in Canada, be cautious of scams that can leave you financially and emotionally drained. Fraudulent movers often exploit customers with tactics like bait-and-switch pricing, where they quote a low price initially but demand considerably more once your belongings are on the truck. They may also hold your goods hostage, refusing to deliver them unless you pay additional, unagreed-upon fees. Additionally, these scammers might operate without proper licenses or insurance, leaving you with little recourse if your items are damaged or lost.

How Fraudulent Movers Exploit Customers

Fraudulent movers in Canada exploit customers through a variety of deceptive tactics, often leaving individuals in financial and emotional distress. Here’s how they do it:

• Bait-and-Switch Pricing: They offer unbelievably low estimates, only to inflate costs once your belongings are on the truck.
• Fake Reviews and Credentials: Scammers post fake positive reviews and claim fake licenses and insurance to appear legitimate.
• Holding Goods Hostage: They demand extra fees, threatening to unload your belongings on the curb or store them at additional cost if you don’t comply.

How to Verify a Mover’s Legitimacy

To verify a mover’s legitimacy, start by checking if the company is properly registered, either federally or provincially, through Canada’s Business Registries or Corporations Canada’s database. Confirm the mover has valid licenses and insurance, such as a DOT number or BBB accreditation, and look for affiliations with reputable organizations like the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Check for multiple good reviews from various sources, and be wary of companies with an unusually high number of reviews or those that only accept cash payments. Always ask for a detailed, written estimate that includes all potential charges and review the contract thoroughly to avoid hidden fees or vague terms.

Key Steps to Confirm a Moving Company’s Credibility

Confirming a moving company’s credibility is essential to avoiding the plethora of scams that plague the Canadian moving industry. Here are key steps to guarantee you’re hiring a legitimate mover:

1. Conduct Thorough Research: Look for strong, positive reviews on platforms like Google and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
2. Verify Industry Affiliations: Check for memberships with organizations like the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) or proper licensing such as a USDOT number.
3. Insist on Detailed Estimates: Get written quotes that include all potential charges to avoid hidden fees and bait-and-switch pricing.

Red Flags to Watch Out for Before Booking a Mover

When booking a mover, be cautious of several red flags that can indicate a scam. If a moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move, or if they refuse to provide a written estimate or contract, it’s a sign of potential fraud. Additionally, watch out for companies with no physical address, poor website quality, or those that fail to provide proof of insurance or proper licensing.

Warning Signs of a Moving Scam

Warning signs of a moving scam are crucial to identify, as they can save you from financial loss and the stress of a botched move. Here are key red flags to watch out for:

1. Bait-and-Switch Pricing: Be wary of unrealistically low estimates that can balloon into much higher costs once your belongings are loaded.
2. Large Deposit Demands: Legitimate movers typically do not require large upfront deposits; beware of companies that insist on this.
3. Moving Contract Red Flags: Verify the contract is detailed and transparent, avoiding vague terms or hidden fees that could lead to unexpected charges.

These signs can help you avoid falling victim to a moving scam.

Final Tips for a Safe and Scam-Free Move

To guarantee a secure and hassle-free relocation, it’s vital to be meticulous in your final steps. Always insist on a detailed, written estimate that includes all potential costs, and make certain to read the contract thoroughly before signing, paying close attention to cancellation policies, payment terms, and coverage options. Additionally, verify the mover’s credentials, such as their BBB accreditation and proper licensing, to safeguard against scams.

Ensuring a Secure and Hassle-Free Relocation

Guaranteeing a secure and hassle-free relocation in Canada requires diligent research and a keen eye for red flags. Here are key steps to follow:

1. Verify Estimates: Be wary of lowball moving estimates scams; make certain you get detailed, written quotes from multiple companies for comparison.
2. Check Credentials: Look for a safe moving company checklist, including proper licensing, BBB accreditation, and proof of insurance.
3. Review Contracts: Thoroughly read the contract to avoid scenarios like holding goods hostage; make certain all terms and payment conditions are clear and agreed upon in writing.