Thinking of moving? The Better Business Bureau Atlantic offers tips on how to avoid scams
The month of May is a busy moving month in the Maritimes; students leave university dorms and many people choose to relocate in the spring rather than during the colder months.
Better Business Bureau Atlantic Interim CEO Julia Lewis said it’s important to do research before making your move in order to avoid scams.
“Know who you are doing business with before you begin your move,” she said in an interview with CTV’s Crystal Garrett.
“In 2023 we had about one-and-a-half-million people reach out and one of the trends would be no-shows. So you will pay a deposit or pay for the mover in full and the mover never shows up and you lost your money.”
Lewis said another common moving scam is people end up having to pay a higher amount than expected.
“They quote a certain amount for the move and then you end up paying a great deal more than that. They can sometimes hold your items hostage when you arrive at the destination, requiring you to pay much more than what was agreed in order to get your items.”
Fake reviews are another way Lewis said people fall victim to scams. She said it is important not to arrange your move at the last minute.
“It's one of the most common industries to have fake reviews. That’s why we tell people to start their research early and don’t just rely on reviews," said Lewis.
"That way you are not feeling like you are under pressure because that’s when people seem to be falling victim to scams. They are arranging their move last minute, they're just popping online and just looking for the first mover that’s available and then they are being taken advantage of.”
She said rental scams are also becoming a big issue.
“The biggest thing with the rental scams is when they are looking for deposits up front before you have seen the place. Sometimes they can be using pictures of a real estate listing that they are posing as a rental. The rental never actually existed.”
To avoid falling victim to moving scams, Lewis said make sure you have a contract.
“Make sure you are reading the contract, understanding the fine print. Make sure you are protecting your belongings, documenting your items and what your have so that way, if you get on the other side and things are damaged or missing, you have physical evidence that these items existed and they were not damaged.”
Lewis said the Better Business Bureau Atlantic has partnered with the Canadian Association of Movers to put together a number of tips and a list of moving companies for anyone looking to move.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a "tragic mistake" had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Why Canada's big grocery stores are under investigation
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company.
Cattle rustling comes to Quebec as police investigate suspected theft of entire herd
Quebec provincial police are investigating after an entire herd of about 75 cattle were allegedly stolen in the Eastern Townships region last week.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.
Henrique to play in Game 3 of Western Conference final; Hintz a game-time decision
Adam Henrique is set to join the action. Roope Hintz might be doing the same.