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                        Are You Moving?In This Section
        Planning Your Move
                                Learn About Moving Fraud
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          Red Flags of Moving Fraud
                                                        FAQs for Protecting Against Moving Fraud
      
      
      
        Contact Us
      Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
      
                    
            Department of Transportation
      
                    
            Commercial Enforcement and Investigations Division
      
                    
            1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.Washington, DC 20590United States
      
          
    **Email:**CEI_Mailbox@dot.gov**Phone:** 888-368-7238
    If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
                
                Steps to Select a Mover
    

    
    
          Moving is a significant event in anyone’s life. While most moves go smoothly, there are some dishonest or “rogue” movers that may try to take advantage of you. The best defense against moving fraud is to be informed and aware of your options when choosing a moving company.

*Here are five steps to help you select a reputable interstate mover and avoid becoming a victim of moving fraud.*

1) Get a written estimate.

Get a written estimate from several movers and compare them. The estimate should be based on an actual in-person inspection of your household goods.

2) Make sure the mover is authorized to move your household goods and insured.

A U.S. DOT number is required by FMCSA for interstate moves. (For moves within a state, requirements vary. Check with your state, county or local **consumer affairs agency or your state attorney general.**)

FMCSA's **mover search tool** gives you up-to-date access to registered interstate movers and their complaint history.

Image of Mover Search Box

3) Check the mover’s complaint history in the FMCSA search tool database.

You can also contact your local **Better Business Bureau and consumer protection agencies**.

4) Remember your priorities when choosing a mover.

If you hire a mover based solely on the lowest price, you may be sacrificing other things that are actually more important, like getting your possessions moved safely and delivered on time. And remember, movers are required by law to deliver your goods for no more than 10% above the price of a non­binding estimate. This is known as the 110 percent rule.

5) Do your homework.

Read **Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move**, a booklet from the Federal government that your mover is required to give you if you are moving from one state to another. This booklet also has information you’ll need if your goods are lost or damaged during the move.

>> Next: Search for a Registered Mover
              
      
    
          Last updated: Wednesday, June 21, 2023 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

1-800-832-5660Subscribe to email updates
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