Consumer AwarenessConsumer AwarenessWhen MovingWhen MovingPresented by:Illinois Commerce CommissionIllinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association

www.icc.illinois.govwww.imawa.com

Consumer AwarenessConsumer AwarenessWhen MovingWhen Moving

How to recognize a scam

How to keep from being scammed

What to do if you have been scammed

How to find a licensed mover

Moving out of state

Finally (do not’s)

How to recognize a scamHow to recognize a scam

No documentation

No written estimate of charges

Demanding cash up front

Deposit on your credit card required

Receipts for money written on pieces of paper or back of business card(s)

Cheap estimate

How to recognize a scamHow to recognize a scamThe mover’s web site has no address and no information about their authority or insurance

The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance

Offices and warehouse are in poor condition or non-existent

The mover claims to have storage and the office is a store front

How to recognize a scamHow to recognize a scam

When you call the mover, the telephone is answered with a generic “movers” or “moving company” rather than a company’s name

The mover does not provide you with a consumer guide issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission

How to keep from being scammedHow to keep from being scammed

Stay away from the internet

Stay away from bulletin boards

Find a mover in your local yellow pages (then check them out)

Licensed movers are required by law to includetheir license number in advertising

Interview at least 3 moving companies

The local licensed movers know who is licensed and who is not

How to keep from being scammedHow to keep from being scammed

Obtain references from friends

Check complaints and license status on mover(s) you have chosen

Complaints are filed with Illinois Commerce Commission

Complaints are filed with Better Business Bureau

Complaints (moves across state lines) can be filed at www.protectyourmove.gov

How to keep from being scammedHow to keep from being scammed

Ask the mover to do an on-site estimate

Ask about loss and damage

Be suspicious of demanded tips

If the price is too good to be true then it probably is

Do not choose a mover solely on the cost

How to keep from being scammed How to keep from being scammed

Ask the mover for their Illinois Commerce Commission license number

Call the Illinois Commerce Commission and make sure the license number provided is legitimate 1-(217)-782-6448

What to do if you have been What to do if you have been scammedscammed

Immediately call the Illinois Commerce Commission 1 - (217) 782-6448

If theft is involved, call your local police department as soon as you know

How to find a licensed moverHow to find a licensed moverGo to www.icc.illinois.gov search under household goods movers for “find a licensed household goods mover”

Call Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association for recommendations1-(888)-791-2516

Illinois Commerce Commission cannot recommend movers

How to find a licensed moverHow to find a licensed mover

You may search your local yellow pages but follow up and make sure the mover is licensed by calling the Illinois Commerce Commission1-(217) 782-6448

Moving out of stateMoving out of stateBuyer beware of internet leads

Mover must be licensed by federal government

U. S. Department of Transportation/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules govern

U. S. Department of Transportation has 7-9 investigators for the entire U. S.

Moving out of stateMoving out of state

Before you move check federal license and complaints by calling toll free 1-(888) 368-7238 or visit www.protectyourmove.govFile complaints for out of state move at www.protectyourmove.gov or by calling toll free 1-(888) 368-7238

Moving out of stateMoving out of state

Call Illinois Commerce Commission for help 1-(217) 782-6448Beware◦ Stay away from the internet◦ Price too good to be true? It probably is◦ Beware when moving out of state; bad movers tend

to hold goods hostage for more money◦ Beware of delivery promises◦ Beware of giving your credit card number for a

deposit

more…

Moving out of stateMoving out of state

Beware◦ If your move does not fill a truck the mover will

hold your shipment until they have another move going in the same direction. Check delivery times and turn around times

◦ Beware of brokering – a broker is not a mover –brokers only set up moves with moving companies

◦ Brokering/bait & switch/holding goods hostage

FinallyFinally

DO NOT put all of your worldly possessions in the hands of a mover without checking on the mover

DO NOT put all of your nice furniture in the hands of a mover without checking on the mover

DO NOT put your medicines in the hands of the mover

FinallyFinallyDO NOT put nice jewelry in the hands of the mover

DO NOT put cash or coins in the hands of the mover

DO NOT leave your purses/wallets unattended on move day

Anything you absolutely do not want lost or damaged DO NOT put in the hands of the mover

ContactsContactsIllinois Commerce Commission1-(217) 782-6448 www.icc.illinois.gov

Illinois Movers and Warehousemen’s Association 217-585-2470;toll-free 1-(888) 791-2516 www.imawa.com

U. S. Dept. of Transportation/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration1-(888) 368-7238 www.protectyourmove.gov

Contacts◦ Illinois Commerce Commission Police

Chief Odie Carpenter (217) 785-8432