Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, it’s important to know how to avoid moving scams and unexpected fees. If you’re not careful, you may end up with a scammer stealing your belongings or a mover taking your money without even moving your stuff.

One of the most common scams is the bait and switch. This type of scam involves a low estimate, which is then inflated once the moving company arrives. For example, the moving company may ask for a large cash deposit upfront. It’s important to understand that although this is entirely legal, you should avoid moving companies that ask for large deposits without offering any other services. You can avoid this type of scam by ensuring the moving company has a license to operate and that they have optional moving insurance.

Another common moving scam involves a “hold your stuff hostage” scheme. This scam involves a moving company holding your belongings hostage until you pay them an unaffordable price. Another trick is to charge you a fee for using a smaller moving truck instead of the one you originally signed up for. This scam can be especially rife during interstate moves.

In addition to the above, make sure you have everything in writing before signing a contract. A legitimate moving company will offer an itemized quote, complete with any conditions that may affect the price. The most important itemized quote is the one that includes the total cost of your move. If the moving company has any other hidden costs or charges, be sure to ask about them before you sign any paperwork.

Moving scams and unexpected fees can be hard to detect, but the best way to avoid them is to research a moving company before you move. Make sure the company is licensed and has references, and get everything in writing. Also, take advantage of moving apps to help you calculate the cost of moving. A great place to begin is to get multiple moving quotes from professional house movers, you can also ask friends and family for recommendations.

A moving scam can also involve adding extra fees, inflated weight and packing items into the truck in a way to make it seem the cubic volume is more than originally quoted. There are moving checklists you can use to make sure you’re getting a fair deal and moving websites that help you calculate the volume and keep track of your belongings. You can even use an app to inventory your home and plan a move.

There are many ways to avoid moving scams and unexpected fees, and you can do your part by following the NZOMA checklist and conducting your own research. However, there’s always a chance that you will fall prey to a scam, so make sure you’re prepared. You’ll also want to ask questions to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of.

Buying a shipping container is a big investment, but if you’re not careful you could end up losing your hard-earned money. Shipping container scams are becoming more common, and it’s important to know how to avoid them.

If you’re planning on buying a shipping container, you’ll want to check the company’s reputation. You should verify the company’s website and contact details and view the container before you make your purchase. Scammers often try to get money in advance by claiming that they’ll provide you with a shipping container for a “low” price. They’ll also offer you a chance to “lease” the shipping container.

A shipping container is a large, bulky item that you’ll be using for storage or transportation. The container you choose should be safe and functional. But scammers are stealing the names of legitimate shipping container companies to target innocent customers. These scammers will advertise shipping containers at prices well below market value. The best way to know for sure whether a container is actually worth the price is to view it in person.

Shipping container scams are becoming more sophisticated, with scammers taking advantage of the growing demand for containers. These scammers create websites with fake addresses and phone numbers. They then pretend to be a reputable shipping container company, in most cases have similar names to legitimate companies, and ask customers to send money transfer large amounts of deposits. Once the payment is processed, the scammers disappear.

If you’re planning on buying containers, check the company’s website for any red flags. You should also look for customer reviews and negative feedback. It’s always better to go with a reputable company. You should also do some research to find out about the company’s history. It’s also important to make sure the company has an official mailing address.

Container scams usually use similar-sounding names to fool people into thinking they’re dealing with a legitimate company. Scammers often take the name of a real shipping container company, but add their own phone number, address, and email. Scammers are also able to create websites with almost identical domain names as a legitimate shipping container company.

If you’re unsure about a company, you should talk with one that has been in business for a long time. You should also make sure that they allow you to visit their facilities for physical inspection. This way you can check the container for quality, as well as any flaws.

The shipping container industry is a profitable one. Scammers have been mastering their craft for years. They’ve perfected their skills, and they’re targeting more and more people. This has led to a number of victims reporting shipping container scams.

Some of the most sophisticated scams target shipping containers with a price tag that’s thousands of dollars below market value. Prices tend to go up during periods of high demand, so it’s important to be skeptical of containers advertised at extremely low prices. If you have been a victim of a shipping container scam or need to report a scam, go to netsafe.org.nz.