ScammedByMovers

Right now

Movers are holding my stuff. What do I do?

On an interstate move, a mover may require, before releasing your goods at delivery, 100% of the charges on a binding estimate, or not more than 110% of the charges on a non-binding estimate.[1]

Call FMCSA: 1-888-368-7238

1-888-DOT-SAFT · 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday–Friday

Three things to say to the mover

  1. 1. Point to the contract.

    “My estimate is right here. Let’s go by what we both signed.”

  2. 2. State the threshold.

    “At delivery you can require 100% of a binding estimate, or up to 110% of a non-binding one. Not more than that to unload.”

  3. 3. Ask for it in writing.

    “Please give me an itemized bill, in writing, before I pay anything.”

Stay calm and keep it on the paperwork. Don’t argue the law — point to the contract and the threshold, and write down what’s said.

Check the demand against the rule →

If it doesn’t resolve at the curb

What you can do, step by step

  1. Get all your paperwork in hand

    The written estimate(s), the bill of lading, your contract, and any texts or emails. Every step below needs these. Photograph everything.

  2. Calmly point to the contract and the rule

    Show the mover the estimate and the 100% / 110% release figure, and ask for an itemized bill in writing. Many disputes end here. It won’t force release if the mover refuses.

  3. File an FMCSA hostage complaint — interstate moves only

    File with the National Consumer Complaint Database and upload your estimate and bill of lading. It puts the mover on the federal enforcement radar. It cannot recover your money or act instantly.

    NCCDB: nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov  Â·  1-888-368-7238 (1-888-DOT-SAFT).
    How to file, step by step →

  4. File with your state attorney general’s consumer-protection division

    This is the office that can actually investigate — and the only real path for an intrastate (in-state) move.

    Find your state’s office →

  5. File a BBB complaint

    Public pressure and mediation. No legal force, but it creates a record and sometimes moves a mover to settle.

  6. If you paid by credit card: a dispute may be available

    The Fair Credit Billing Act lets a cardholder dispute a billing error in writing — including a charge for services not delivered as agreed — generally within 60 days of the statement. Whether a charge qualifies depends on the facts.

    How a card dispute works →

  7. Local law enforcement or a civil attorney

    For a true refusal to deliver, a police report and a consultation with a civil attorney are the paths to getting goods back or recovering money.