Relocating a house or office is already a stressful task and when you realise that your chosen packers and movers are a scam , it makes the situation much worse.
It is crucial for the potential customers to research about the company in order to prevent such fraudulent practices.
Choosing the right packers and movers is critical for a smooth and stress-free relocation experience.
This article highlights the key warning signs of scam packers and movers, along with essential tips to help you make a safe and informed choice.
Warning Signs of Fake Packers and Movers
Large advance payments and cash demands
Usually the apps providing packers and movers services provide its customers with digital payments options also .
Scammers may ask for advance payments , claiming it's required for the following
- Vehicle Booking
- Labour Arrangements
- Fuel expenses
- Slot Confirmation
Once they receive money , they may disappear without providing the services and increase the charges abruptly.
The customers have to act very vigilant as a proper research on the company shall be done beforehand.
No Document Verification
Legitimate companies will always provide a formal contract which will mention details about the pick up and drop location, price , goods to be transferred , cost breakdown and GST .
The drivers and the customers are even verified on the basis of AADHAAR card but scammers may not undertake document verification.
The scammer companies will not provide the following details about the companies.
- Companies Registration Details
- Address of the Office
- GST number
- Employee Identification Cards
Overly Consumer Friendly Prices
While competitive pricing is essential to compete with the competitors and attract customers but extremely low prices are something to worry about.
Fraudulent companies often use extremely low prices to trap the customers.
Such companies may disappear with the goods or may ask to share OTP or offer extremely low service quality.
For example , such scammer companies may charge just ₹5000 for intercity office shifting from Bangalore to Delhi.
The real reason for such low prices are the following :
- Hidden Charges
- Delayed Deliveries
- Theft of goods
- Loss of Valuables
Fake Reviews
Customers rely on online reviews to choose the service providers wisely .
However , fraudulent companies may take the help of fake reviews to build customer loyalty.
In order to identify fake reviews , one must take care of the following :
- Repetitive and similar languages
- Reviews copied from Google
- Non - Organic reviews i.e. making multiple fake accounts
- Posted in a short span of time
Fake reviews are not just misleading but they are unethical practices which raises various legal concerns also.
Ambiguous Timelines
When packers and movers fail to give a clear timeline , it is not always due to inefficient planning but a deliberate plan to deceive customers.
Scammers companies often use timelines as a tactic to persuade consumers.
Once your belongings are picked up and you're reliant on them, the moving company may intentionally delay the delivery .
These companies may charge extra amount from customers in the name of
logistics issues .
Refusal to give a delivery date will increase uncertainties among the customers which will impact the brand image .
Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams
You should look for genuine customer feedback to ensure that your chosen packers and movers are legitimate .
Verify Company Credentials
Ask for the registration documents of the company and check for GST and PAN details.
Ask for a proper bill
Never sign a blank or incomplete document and must ask for a formal bill with a quoted price.
BOXnMOVE always goes through a formal documentation and transparent pricing methods.
Report any suspicious activity
If you suspect fraud, report it to local consumer protection authorities, police, or online grievance portals.
What to do if you are scammed ?
Gather and all evidence
Before taking legal steps all the relevant documents such as payments receipts , communication records , truck vehicle numbers etc.
Send a legal notice
Engage a local advocate to send the legal notice to the fraudulent packers and movers company and state clearly about your damages.
File a complaint with the police
You can visit your nearest police station to lodge an FIR complaint for cheating and fraud .
Approach the consumer forum
You can also approach the consumer forum to complain against such fraudulent companies under the Consumer Protection Act , 2019.
Wrapping up we can see that falling as a victim to fraudulent packers and movers can be a nightmare so staying alert and vigilant can protect yourself from such scams and cheating.
One of the smartest ways to avoid such scams is to choose reliable and trusted platforms . BOXnMOVE provides its customers with real customer reviews, upfront pricing, and secure booking systems; such platforms ensure peace of mind throughout your moving journey.
Always remember - when it comes to shifting safety and trust should never be compromised.
FAQs about packers and movers scam in India
What are the early signs of scam ?
Early signs of scams in the packers and movers industry are lack of formal documentation , extremely low prices and cash payments demand only .
How shall I file a complaint against such scams ?
Customers can file a complaint in the consumer court , grievance redressal portals and social media portals.
How to judge the app’s credibility?
Apps credibility can be judged on the basis of details provided by the company , reviews and fair pricing methods.
Can I get compensated for the loss of my goods ?
Yes you can be compensated for the loss of goods through legal actions . Keep all the receipts regarding the transaction.
Should I pay the full amount in cash ?
No, trusted apps generally don't ask for the complete amount in cash . Apps may ask for the rest amount after the delivery.