How to report a moving scam

If you believe you've been scammed by an interstate mover — held hostage for more money, an unlicensed operator, or a broker that misrepresented itself — there are several places to file a complaint, and using more than one is usually the right approach.

Where to report it

  • FMCSA — the federal regulator for interstate movers; file a complaint at fmcsa.dot.gov. This is the most consequential option for a genuinely licensed-but-misbehaving carrier.
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) — public complaints that affect a company's rating and are visible to future customers researching them.
  • Your state attorney general's consumer protection office — relevant especially if deceptive business practices, not just a moving-specific violation, are involved.
  • Your card issuer — if you paid by credit card, you can dispute the charge, especially if services weren't delivered as agreed.
  • Local law enforcement — if your belongings are actively being withheld or the situation involves theft or extortion.

What to prepare before filing

  • The company's USDOT/MC number and legal name — see how to verify it if you don't already have it confirmed
  • Copies of your written estimate, contract, and any inventory lists
  • All communication — emails, texts, call logs
  • Payment records — receipts, bank or card statements
  • Photos of any damage or the situation itself

What happens after you report

Regulatory complaints (FMCSA, state AG) build a record and can lead to enforcement action, but they're rarely fast — don't expect an immediate resolution to your specific situation from these alone. A card dispute is often the quickest path to recovering money you've already paid. Keep all your documentation regardless of which path you pursue, since you may need it across more than one channel.

Frequently asked questions

What's the most important place to report a moving scam?

The FMCSA, if it's an interstate move — they regulate the industry and can take enforcement action, including against a company's operating authority. A BBB complaint and a card dispute (if applicable) are useful in parallel, not instead of it.

Can I get my money back if I paid by cash or wire transfer?

It's much harder than with a credit card, which is why avoiding cash or wire payment for large deposits is one of the strongest protections you can take before you're in a dispute. Report it to the FMCSA and local law enforcement either way.

Should I report a bad experience even if it wasn't outright fraud?

A poor but not fraudulent experience is better addressed through an honest review and, if relevant, a BBB complaint — reserve formal FMCSA fraud complaints for genuine violations (holding belongings hostage, operating without authority, misrepresenting broker/carrier status).

Will reporting a scam actually get my belongings back?

Not necessarily quickly — regulatory complaints are about accountability and can take time. If your belongings are being held, local law enforcement and a lawyer may be more immediately useful than a regulatory complaint alone.