ALERT
Across the country federal and state regulators have
noticed a rash of Yellow Pages and newspaper ads for illegitimate moving
companies. Owners of these fly-by-night firms have never seen the inside of
a moving van. Still, they'll come to your house, give you an estimate, then
ask for a sizable deposit. Come moving day, they've disappeared with dozens
of deposits like yours. These phantom companies usually specialize in local
moves, for which people are more likely to sign up with an unknown name.
To avoid this scam, never agree to pay a deposit. It's
also a good idea to check with your state transportation department to make
sure the mover is licensed . Or check with your
local state attorney general's office. In addition, the Better Business
Bureaus in most cities keep careful track of moving companies. If your local
office hasn't heard of the company you're thinking about hiring, that should
raise a red flag. -Smart Money
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