How to Check if a Moving Company Is Legitimate in Grenville, South Carolina
Common Scams for the More Vulnerable
We’ll be upfront with you: Not all moving companies are created equal. There are so-called companies out there who aren’t actually interested in providing a quality, hassle-free move; they’re out to get your money.
This isn’t to indulge ourselves in fear-mongering. At Swamp Rabbit Moving, we’re just out to make sure you have an easy—and, dare we call it enjoyable—moving experience. It’s no secret that getting scammed by an illegitimate moving company is no fun, especially when you find yourself in the hole by several hundred dollars, if not more.
There are several different scams that companies may try to use, such as:
- Charging a considerable deposit, then not showing on your scheduled moving day
- Altering or creating a fraudulent bill of lading
- Lying about the weight or volume of the shipment
- Falsifying the amount of needed supplies
- Giving a low quote and then requiring more money in exchange for your items
- Taking your money upfront, then closing shop/ditching your belongings
Beware of anyone trying to contact you online via friend requests, direct messages (DMs), or unsolicited emails. These scammers typically prey on those who are less digitally savvy. If you are one of these people who isn’t as familiar with online activity, be sure to ask someone for help researching the legitimacy of someone who has contacted you.
How to Tell if a Moving Company is Legitimate
It’s always a good idea to check the background of any company before doing business with them, including moving companies. Always ask for licensure and certifications from any moving company, as good companies will have that available for you to view.
Here are a few steps you can take to check the validity of a business:
- Look for their website.In this day and age, any good business will have a website. Not having one is a huge red flag that they might be scammers. A company’s website should be clean, easy to read, and easy to navigate. You should be able to find reviews on their website or Google.
- Ask for a free estimate.If the company refuses to give you a free estimate, you should run far, far away! The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires moving companies to offer free, in-home estimates.
- Check for a Department of Transportation (D.O.T) number.You can check the D.O.T. website for certification of any moving company if it’s not already on that company’s website. Certification is good, meaning the company you might work with is legitimate and certified.
- Check for other credentials.
You can also check the Better Business Bureau for accreditation or a simple rating. For example, Swamp Rabbit Moving has a BBB rating of A.
- Check consumer protection sites.Sites like protectyourmove.gov have one mission: protect consumers from potential scammers. Search their website for any potential scams you might encounter.
- Trust your gut.If you think you might be working with a scam company that’s only out to get your money, you probably are.
While the idea of hiring a potentially ill-intentioned company may scare you, you can trust Swamp Rabbit Moving. We’ll handle all your belongings with care, we won’t overcharge you, and we will never hold your things hostage in exchange for more money. We’re graded A with the Better Business Bureau, and you’ll find our five-star Google reviews are overflowing! Check out a few of our reviews below:
“Perfect handling of some very old antiques. Polite, friendly and professional crew. I met Chris Sweet when he started out his business with one unmarked truck and just himself. Seeing what he has achieved just shows how much he cares for servicing the public. I highly recommend for any size move for new or antique possessions. Thank you again!!” – C. Colon
“We received our closing date on our new home only a week before we moved. The office worked to find an opening and help us in a tight situation. Tae, Eli, and Derek all did a great job at getting us loaded and unloaded into our new home in under the time we were quoted. They helped relieve a lot of stress typical with a big move. We couldn’t be happier with the service and value that Swamp Rabbit Movers provided!” – M. Smith
“I could not be more pleased with Swamp Rabbit Moving! This was by far, the best moving experience I’ve had and it’s all thanks to Cole, Antonio and Grant! They arrived on time, and got finished with our move two hours before anticipated! I can’t say enough wonderful things about this company!” – C. Boyce
So, if you’re ready to get your move on the road, no matter if you’re moving to or from Grenville, Spartanburg, or even Simpsonville, contact the Rabbits today! We’ll determine what supplies you’ll need and the best way to protect your valuable belongings, and we’ll hop to it. We look forward to helping you get your move on the road!