Charlotte, NC-
Moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. And scammers
are all too ready to take advantage of it. TNT Moving Systems of Charlotte, NC
has some advice on how to avoid a moving scam and hire a reputable moving
company.
“We have over 20 years’ experience in the moving industry and
know how to spot a scam,” says Todd Koepke, co-owner of TNT Moving Systems, “
It seem that every other month, we are hearing about some moving company that
ran off with people’s stuff or money or both!”
Moving scams from Florida to New York have recently been
reported. According to news sources, a woman hired movers from Craigslist and
the movers loaded her stuff and never showed up at her new home. Another scam
in Charlotte, NC involved a deposit that was never returned even though the
movers never showed up to help. Another moving company in Florida preyed on patriotic
Americans wanting to support veterans. The moving company, called Marine
Movers, was not licensed, bonded or insured and according to reports damaged
clients’ belongings and did not deliver all of their stuff. Other reports tell
of moving companies holding people’s belonging ransom and demanding more money
before delivery.
“Most people are looking for the lowest price when it comes
to movers, but cheap can often cost you a lot more in the end,” says Tom
Tulowiecki, co-owner TNT Moving Systems.
Moving scams are nothing new and have been reported all over
the country. However, technology and websites like Craigslist have made it
easier for scammers to find potential victims. “Nowadays people can put up an
ad or a website and even take credit cards- but it doesn’t mean they are
legit,” says Koepke.
Tom Tulowiecki and Todd Koepke, owners of TNT, advise people
to follow these simple rules to prevent becoming the next moving scam victim:
1. Research – “Look for a company with a
long standing in the community and thoroughly check them out first,” says
Koepke. He suggests researching on the web- Better Business Bureau, Angie’s
List, Reviews on Facebook, Yelp or Google- and driving by their location before
signing a contract. “Make sure the moving company has an office and isn’t just
some guy with a truck and a cell phone.”
2. Get a Contract- A contract will help
ensure that there won’t be any surprises and can be useful is something goes
wrong. TNT gladly provides free estimates to their customers and a contract
before moving services are provided. For long distance moves, which require
that they charge by freight weight, they provide a ‘not-to-exceed’ amount to
their customers before they get on the road. “You especially need a contract if
doing a long distance move,” says Koepke, “Scammers could get your stuff out of
state and you might never find it.”
3. Don’t go Cheap- “If a deal looks too
good to be true, it probably is!” warns Tulowiecki, “Cheap movers in Charlotte
could end up costing more through property damage and hidden fees.” TNT
recommends hiring a company that has proof of insurance and an itemized cost
list for packing, loading, unloading, and equipment.
TNT Moving Systems has been serving clients for over 20
years in Charlotte and the surrounding area: Matthews, Pineville, Lake Norman,
Mooresville, and Huntersville. They offer local and long distant moving
services as well as packing and storage. Clients can get free estimates on
their website
www.tntmovingsystems.com
or call them at 704-523-1455.
