TL;DR: The busiest window for residential moves is late spring through summer, when leases turn over and families relocate around the school calendar, creating a surge of people urgently comparing movers and rentals online. Check a mover's registration with the relevant transportation authority before booking, and never wire a rental deposit or pay in gift cards before viewing the unit in person or via a live video walkthrough.
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The busiest window for residential moves is late spring through summer, when leases turn over and families relocate around the school calendar, creating a surge of people urgently comparing movers and rentals online.
How the Scam Plays Out
Rogue moving companies quote a low price, then hold belongings hostage for a much higher fee once loaded onto the truck, while rental scammers list apartments that don't exist or aren't theirs to rent, collecting a deposit before vanishing.
How to Protect Yourself
Check a mover's registration with the relevant transportation authority before booking, and never wire a rental deposit or pay in gift cards before viewing the unit in person or via a live video walkthrough.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does this typically happen?
The busiest window for residential moves is late spring through summer, when leases turn over and families relocate around the school calendar, creating a surge of people urgently comparing movers and rentals online.
What tactics are used?
Rogue moving companies quote a low price, then hold belongings hostage for a much higher fee once loaded onto the truck, while rental scammers list apartments that don't exist or aren't theirs to rent, collecting a deposit before vanishing.
How can I protect myself?
Check a mover's registration with the relevant transportation authority before booking, and never wire a rental deposit or pay in gift cards before viewing the unit in person or via a live video walkthrough.
What should I do if I’ve already been targeted?
Stop all payments immediately, contact your bank or card issuer to see if a transaction can be reversed or flagged, and report the incident to the appropriate consumer protection body.