High riskMarketplace

Moving Company Scam

This scam uses a low quote to win your booking, then demands a large deposit or sharply raises the price once your belongings are loaded. Some movers hold your items hostage until you pay sudden extra fees that were never mentioned at the start.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Service deposit scam
Main red flag
A quote that is unusually low, followed by a large upfront deposit or surprise fees once your goods are loaded.
What to do first
Get a written, binding estimate in advance and be wary of any mover demanding a big deposit before the work.

What to know first

This scam uses a low quote to win your booking, then demands a large deposit or sharply raises the price once your belongings are loaded. Some movers hold your items hostage until you pay sudden extra fees that were never mentioned at the start.

Marketplace scams target both buyers and sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and classified listings. Fraudsters fake payments, send bogus "buyer protection" emails, push deals off-platform, or use overpayment tricks to make you ship goods or send money for nothing.

The core pattern to watch for is clear: A quote that is unusually low, followed by a large upfront deposit or surprise fees once your goods are loaded. Get a written, binding estimate in advance and be wary of any mover demanding a big deposit before the work.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Rental Deposit Scam and the Fake Invoice Email Scam. For the wider picture, browse the Marketplace Scams guides or run the message through our scam checker.

Scam statistics

$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in the US in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
Top category
online shopping is consistently among the most-reported fraud types to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Tell-tale red flags

  • A quote much lower than other movers, used to win the booking
  • A large deposit demanded upfront before any work is done
  • A binding written estimate that the company avoids providing
  • Prices that jump suddenly once your belongings are on the truck
  • Demands for cash and a refusal to release goods until extra fees are paid

Staying safe

  • Get a written, binding estimate and ideally an in-person or video survey
  • Check the company is properly licensed and read independent reviews
  • Be cautious of large upfront deposits before the move takes place
  • Keep an inventory of your belongings and read the contract carefully

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Your move is booked at our great low rate. Please pay a 50% deposit today to secure the truck, with the balance due in cash on the day before we unload.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What to notice: A quote that is unusually low, followed by a large upfront deposit or surprise fees once your goods are loaded.

Steps if you already acted

  • If your goods are held, keep records and contact the relevant transport regulator
  • Report demands for surprise fees to your card provider if you paid by card
  • Gather your contract, quotes and messages as evidence
  • Report the company to your national anti-fraud centre and consumer authority

Common mistakes

  • Do not pay a large deposit before a written, binding estimate
  • Do not rely on a quote given without seeing your belongings
  • Do not pay surprise cash demands without documenting everything first

Scams like this one

High risk Rental

Rental Deposit Scam

This scam advertises a desirable rental at a low price and demands a deposit before any viewing, then disappears once you pay.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Email

Fake Invoice Email Scam

This scam emails an invoice or receipt for something you did not buy, hoping you call a fake 'support' number or click a link to dispute it.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Marketplace

Fake Escrow Scam

In a high-value marketplace deal, the other party insists on a specific 'escrow' or 'secure payment' website to hold the funds, but the site is fake and simply collects your money or card details.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Your questions answered

How much deposit should a genuine mover ask for?
Many reputable movers take little or no large upfront deposit. A demand for a big deposit before any work is a common warning sign worth questioning.
Why was my final price so much higher than the quote?
Some movers give a low quote to win the job, then raise the price once your goods are loaded. A written, binding estimate from a surveyed inventory helps prevent this.
Can a mover legally hold my belongings hostage?
Holding goods to force extra payment is a serious issue. Keep all records and contact your transport regulator or consumer authority, as you may have protections.
How can I check a moving company is legitimate?
Confirm the company is properly licensed, look for independent reviews, and get everything in writing. Be wary of movers who avoid providing a binding estimate.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.