The Volokh Conspiracy
[David Bernstein, July 20, 2007 at 3:29pm] Trackbacks
Movingscam.com:

If you are thinking about moving in the foreseeable future, I urge you to bookmark Movingscam.com. Founded by the victim of a moving scam, the site warns readers away from known scammers, provides tips regarding how to find a reliable mover, has a list of reliable movers based on reader feedback, and has a discussion forum where you can ask questions. I've moved several times in the last few years (thanks to visits at Michigan and Brooklyn, to which I brought my family) and found the site invaluable, both with regard to advice provided, and also to correct the power imbalance when a representative of an otherwise reputable mover jacked up the price at the last minute (no reputable mover wants a bad review on movingscam, and the price went back to what was promised).

TechieLaw (mail) (www):
Just curious -- what do you feel is the best way to remedy the problem described on the site? (The site refers to a federal law which (1) makes it difficult for federal regulators to monitor these types of scams and (2) makes it difficult for individuals to obtain relief for fraud and other torts in court. Obviously, I haven't checked on the accuracy of the claims, but that's what the site says.)

BTW, thanks for the links. I'm considering moving in a few weeks, so this will be quite useful.
7.20.2007 5:37pm
TechieLaw (mail) (www):

Another Q: How easy is it to negotiate line-item terms in the contract beforehand to make it clear that you want no surprises? If they want your business badly enough will they agree to changes?
7.20.2007 5:39pm
jimbino (mail):
One way around the problem is to hire a truck driver and some local illegals, who are not in the business of moving, to move you. Then all the silly gummint rules won't apply, and you will have all the normal contract rights guaranteed under state law.
7.20.2007 7:53pm
DavidBernstein (mail):
The least stressful way to move is (1) with a reputable company that's been in business for a while and (2) with a guaranteed price, or a guaranteed not to exceed price. If you insist on the latter, however, you are substantially reducing the supply of potential movers.
7.20.2007 8:02pm
David M. Nieporent (www):
The least stressful way to move is (1) with a reputable company that's been in business for a while and (2) with a guaranteed price, or a guaranteed not to exceed price. If you insist on the latter, however, you are substantially reducing the supply of potential movers.
A good tip is that when the company insists on being paid in cash, it's not reputable.

My brother ran into one of these moving scams. He got lucky, in that they "only" held onto his stuff for an exceptionally long time, and then dumped his stuff on his lawn rather than moving it in when he refused to pay extra; they didn't run off with his stuff.

The problem isn't so much that federal law makes it hard to enforce, but that most law enforcement won't do anything, calling it a civil matter.
7.22.2007 8:31am

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