Quick answer: Report a moving company scam to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at 1-888-368-7238 or fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move. Also file with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general. For “hostage load” situations — where movers refuse to deliver your goods unless you pay more — call FMCSA immediately; it’s a federal violation.
Moving fraud is alarmingly common. Scammers give a low estimate, load your belongings, then demand a much higher price before releasing them — a tactic called a “hostage load.” Others take your deposit and never show up, or damage items and deny claims. The FMCSA regulates interstate movers and can investigate and penalize rogue companies.
Common Moving Company Scams
The hostage load is the most serious: a mover loads your goods, then demands a dramatically higher payment before delivering. This is illegal under federal law (49 U.S.C. § 13906). Other common scams include bait-and-switch estimates (non-binding estimates that balloon on delivery), unlicensed or uninsured movers, companies that take a deposit and disappear, and false damage claims where movers damage goods and deny liability. Rogue brokers who sell your job to an unlicensed carrier without disclosing it are also reportable.
Where to Report a Moving Company Scam
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Get Your Free Checklist →| Situation | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moving fraud / hostage load | FMCSA | 1-888-368-7238 | fmcsa.dot.gov |
| General fraud / scam | FTC | ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| DOT fraud investigation | DOT Office of Inspector General | 1-800-424-9071 | oig.dot.gov |
| In-state move violations | State Attorney General | Search “[your state] moving company complaint” |
| Public complaint record | Better Business Bureau | bbb.org |
| Verify mover’s license | FMCSA License Lookup | FMCSA search tool |
How to Report a Moving Company Scam Step by Step
- Document everything. Save your written estimate, Bill of Lading, all contracts, emails, text messages, and payment receipts. Note the company’s USDOT and MC numbers (required to be displayed on trucks and in contracts).
- For a hostage load — call FMCSA immediately. Call 1-888-368-7238. FMCSA can intervene in active hostage load situations. Do not pay the inflated amount until you speak with FMCSA — paying may limit your recourse.
- File with FMCSA’s complaint database. Report at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move. Your complaint is entered into a national database that triggers investigations of repeat offenders and can result in license revocation.
- Report to the FTC. File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov with the company name, USDOT number, what was promised vs. what happened, and the dollar amount involved.
- File with the DOT OIG. For large fraud cases, the DOT’s Office of Inspector General investigates household goods fraud at 1-800-424-9071 or oig.dot.gov.
- Contact your state attorney general. In-state moves are regulated by states, not FMCSA. Even for interstate moves, state AGs can pursue fraud cases independently.
- Dispute credit card charges. If you paid by card, file a chargeback citing the fraud. For cash or check payments, a civil suit in small claims court may be your best route to recover funds.
- Pursue arbitration if the mover is ATA-affiliated. Members of the American Trucking Associations offer arbitration through the ATA Moving & Storage Conference — check if your mover participates.
Your Rights on Interstate Moves
Written estimate required: FMCSA requires movers to provide a written estimate and give you the option of a binding estimate — they cannot charge more than 110% of a non-binding estimate on delivery.
Bill of Lading: Movers must give you a Bill of Lading before loading — this is your contract. Never let movers load your goods without one.
Delivery window: Movers must deliver within the agreed window or notify you of delays. Holding your goods beyond the agreed delivery date without cause is illegal.
Penalties for Moving Fraud
Hostage loads: Civil penalty up to $16,000 per violation under federal law (49 U.S.C. § 14901).
Operating without USDOT registration: Fines up to $25,000 and seizure of the vehicle.
Criminal penalties: Interstate moving fraud can constitute wire fraud, carrying up to 20 years imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
For related guides see: How to Report False Advertising, How to Report an Online Scam, How to Report a Bad Contractor.
Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.
This guide is a supporting article in our pillar resource covering all consumer fraud types, every federal agency, and all 50 state contacts.
How to Report Consumer Fraud: Complete U.S. Guide →Rules and complaint offices vary by state. Use our state lookup to find the correct reporting agency, phone number, and complaint portal.
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