Avoiding Moving Scams in Colorado: How to Spot Fraudulent Movers

Moving is stressful enough without worrying about whether your moving company is legitimate. Unfortunately, the moving industry has its share of bad actors — companies that prey on families during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.

At iHaul iMove, we’ve been a trusted, licensed, and insured moving company in Colorado Springs for over 17 years, earning 700+ 5-star reviews along the way. We’ve also seen the damage that fraudulent movers cause, and we want to help you protect yourself.

The Most Common Moving Scams

The “Hostage Goods” Scam

This is the most devastating scam in the moving industry. Here’s how it works:

1. A company gives you an unusually low estimate
2. They load your belongings onto their truck
3. Once loaded, they dramatically increase the price — sometimes doubling or tripling it
4. They refuse to unload until you pay the inflated amount
5. If you don’t pay, they threaten to keep or auction your belongings

This is illegal, but it happens more often than you’d think. Victims feel helpless because their entire household is literally being held hostage.

The “Bait-and-Switch” Estimate

A company provides an attractively low quote over the phone without seeing your home. On moving day, they “discover” your move is bigger than expected and charge significantly more. This is why in-person or video estimates are so important.

The “Phantom Mover”

These “companies” exist only as a website and phone number. They collect deposits, then never show up on moving day — leaving you stranded with no movers and no way to reach them.

The “Weight Bump” Scam

For long-distance moves priced by weight, some dishonest movers will weigh the truck with extra weight on board (fuel, equipment, personal items), then charge you for the inflated weight.

Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Fraudulent Mover

Watch out for these warning signs when hiring a moving company:

Before Booking

• No physical address — Only a phone number or P.O. box
• No USDOT number — Every legitimate interstate mover must have one
• Unusually low estimates — If it seems too good to be true, it is
• Large upfront deposits — Especially if they demand cash or wire transfer
• No written estimate — They insist on verbal agreements only
• Generic company name — Names like “Best Movers” or “A+ Moving” that are hard to research
• No online reviews — Or reviews that all seem fake and generic
• Pressure tactics — “This price is only good today” or “We’re almost booked, so hurry”

On Moving Day

• Showing up in an unmarked truck — Legitimate companies have branded vehicles
• No uniforms or identification — Professional movers identify themselves
• Demanding cash payment — Before work begins or with no receipt
• Changing the price — After loading has started
• Not providing a bill of lading — This legal document should list all items and terms

How to Verify a Moving Company

Before hiring any mover in Colorado, do your homework:

Check FMCSA Registration

For interstate moves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all movers to have a USDOT number. You can verify a company’s registration, safety record, and complaint history at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Verify Colorado PUC Registration

For moves within Colorado, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates moving companies. A legitimate Colorado mover should be registered with the PUC.

Read Verified Reviews

Check multiple platforms:

• Google Reviews — The most trusted review platform
• Yelp — Detailed reviews with fraud detection
• Better Business Bureau (BBB) — Accreditation and complaint history
• Facebook — Community-driven reviews

Look for patterns. A few bad reviews are normal for any business, but consistent complaints about pricing surprises, damaged items, or no-shows are major red flags.

Confirm Insurance

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance. Legitimate movers carry both liability coverage for your belongings and workers’ compensation for their employees. If a mover can’t provide proof of insurance, walk away.

What a Legitimate Moving Experience Looks Like

Here’s what you should expect from a reputable moving company:

1. Professional estimate — In-person, video, or detailed phone consultation
2. Written contract — Clear terms, services, and pricing before moving day
3. Branded truck and uniformed crew — Professional appearance and identification
4. Furniture protection — Padding, wrapping, and floor protection as standard practice
5. No surprise charges — The final bill matches (or is close to) the estimate
6. Receipt and documentation — Proper paperwork for every transaction
7. Post-move follow-up — A company that cares about your satisfaction

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Mover

Protect yourself by asking these questions before you book:

1. “What is your USDOT number?” — Verify it independently
2. “Can I see your Certificate of Insurance?” — Don’t take their word for it
3. “Is this a binding or non-binding estimate?” — Know what you’re agreeing to
4. “What fees are NOT included in this estimate?” — Stairs, long carry, specialty items
5. “How long have you been in business?” — Longevity indicates legitimacy
6. “Can I read your reviews?” — Check Google, Yelp, BBB yourself
7. “Do you subcontract to other companies?” — Know who’s actually moving your stuff
8. “What happens if something is damaged?” — Understand their claims process

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’re a victim of a moving scam:

1. Document everything — Photos, texts, emails, contracts, receipts
2. File a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General — They investigate consumer fraud
3. Report to the FMCSA — For interstate moves
4. File a police report — Especially if goods are being held hostage
5. Contact your credit card company — Dispute charges if you paid by card
6. Leave reviews — Warn others on Google, Yelp, and BBB
7. Contact local media — Consumer protection reporters love these stories

Why Colorado Springs Families Trust iHaul iMove

We don’t just talk about trust — we’ve earned it. Here’s what sets us apart:

• 17+ years of continuous operation in Colorado Springs since 2008
• 700+ verified 5-star reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook
• Fully licensed and insured — USDOT registered and Colorado PUC compliant
• Transparent pricing — Written estimates with no surprise fees
• Branded trucks and uniformed crews — We’re proud to put our name on everything we do
• Real physical address — 3110 Boychuk Ave, Colorado Springs, CO

Get a Transparent Moving Estimate

Ready to work with a moving company you can actually trust? Call iHaul iMove at 719-357-5865 or request your free, no-obligation estimate online. We’ll give you honest pricing, answer every question, and treat your belongings like our own.

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iHaul iMove is Colorado Springs’ trusted, licensed, and insured moving company. Learn about our residential moving services or explore all service areas we serve across the Pikes Peak region.