Moving Deposit Scams: Can You Get Your Deposit Back?
The short answer: a large up-front deposit — especially by cash, wire, or a payment app — is a recurring sign of moving fraud. If you paid by credit card, the Fair Credit Billing Act gives you roughly 60 days from the statement to dispute the charge; cash, wire, and app payments carry far weaker reversal rights.
A classic moving scam never gets as far as moving day: a company collects a large deposit and then stops answering, cancels, or simply never shows up. This page covers why the big deposit was a warning sign in the first place, and the realistic paths to getting it back. It is general information, not legal advice.
Why a large deposit is a red flag
FMCSA’s consumer guidance treats a demand for a large up-front deposit — especially by cash, wire transfer, or a payment app — as a recurring sign of moving fraud, because a reputable mover generally does not need a big payment far in advance.[1] The payment method matters enormously for what comes next.
If you paid the deposit by credit card
This is the best case for recovery. Under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act, you generally have 60 days from the date the statement was mailed to dispute a charge in writing with your card issuer — including a charge for a service you were promised and did not receive.[2] The step-by-step is in disputing a moving company charge.
If you paid by cash, wire, or a payment app
This is harder, because those methods have far weaker reversal rights than a credit card. Recovery usually shifts to reporting and, where appropriate, the courts — the routes are laid out in how to get your money back.
Where to report it
Whether or not the deposit is recovered, reporting puts the company on the record:
- The FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.[3]
- The FMCSA complaint database for an interstate mover or broker, and your state attorney general — the full directory is in how to report a moving company.
What lowers the risk next time
Two habits lower the risk on the next move: a company verified in FMCSA’s free SAFER system before any payment, and a credit card rather than cash or wire for an advance — which keeps the dispute rights above in play.[4] The full pre-booking checklist is in moving scam red flags.
If the deposit is already gone, here’s the path to chasing it:
Getting a deposit back, step by step
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Save the booking and the timeline
The contract or booking confirmation, every call and text, the amount you paid and how, and the date service was due. Every step below relies on this record.
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Stop sending money
Don’t pay a “rebooking,” “fuel,” or “release” fee. With nothing of yours in their possession, more money rarely produces the move.
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If you paid by card: a dispute may be available
The federal Fair Credit Billing Act lets a cardholder dispute a billing error in writing — including a charge for a service never provided — generally within 60 days of the statement date. The window is short, and whether a charge qualifies depends on the facts.
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Paid by cash, wire, or app? Shift to reporting and the courts
Those methods carry far weaker reversal rights, so recovery leans on your records, a report, and small claims.
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Report the company
The FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FMCSA database for an interstate mover or broker, and your state attorney general. It builds the record even when it doesn’t refund you.
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Small claims court
For the deposit itself — especially when a card dispute isn’t available — small claims is the usual path.
Sources
Every legal claim above links to one of these official sources. Rules change — check the source if you're acting on this.