Protect Yourself from Moving Scams: What Every Family Needs to Know

Moving later in life—whether downsizing to a more manageable space or transitioning to a retirement community—is a significant life milestone. It’s a time for reflection, planning, and new beginnings. But for far too many older adults, it’s also when they’re most vulnerable to one of the fastest-growing forms of financial abuse: moving scams.

These scams don’t just result in financial loss—they can also lead to the disappearance of cherished possessions, a sense of personal violation, and deep emotional distress. What should feel like a hopeful fresh start can quickly turn into a nightmare, with individuals and families left scrambling to recover their belongings.

Why Are Older Adults Targeted?

Older adults are often targeted by moving scams for a variety of reasons. Many are less familiar with online fraud tactics and may not recognize digital red flags, making them more vulnerable to deceptive websites or fraudulent reviews. Health challenges or time-sensitive situations—such as needing to move quickly after a medical event or the loss of a spouse—can create additional pressure to make fast decisions without thorough vetting. According to a 2023 report from the National Council on Aging, older Americans lose an estimated $2.9 billion each year to financial scams, and moving-related fraud is a growing contributor to that total.

The Most Common Moving Scams Affecting Seniors

In the moving industry, trust is everything. When we hire movers, we’re not just asking for boxes to be relocated—we’re entrusting strangers with the items that make up the story of our lives. Scammers know this, and they’re skilled at gaining that trust during the hiring process, only to exploit it once your belongings are in their hands. The good news? You can fight back. Understanding how these scams work—and knowing what red flags to watch for—is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself or your loved ones from falling victim.

• The Hostage Load – In this increasingly common scam, movers load up a customer’s belongings—then refuse to deliver them unless additional, often inflated, fees are paid. This tactic leaves clients feeling trapped, with little recourse but to pay up or risk losing their possessions altogether.
• Bait-and-Switch Pricing – Some moving companies lure customers in with low estimates, only to dramatically increase the price once the move is underway. These added charges are often justified with vague or fabricated reasons, leaving people feeling pressured to comply out of fear their items won’t be returned.
• Disappearing Movers – In more extreme cases, unverified or fraudulent moving companies pack up a home and then disappear completely. By the time the client realizes they have been scammed, the movers are long gone, and the losses are devastating.
• Fake Websites and Stolen Credentials – Many scammers create professional-looking websites, complete with fake reviews and even stolen registration numbers from legitimate businesses. To the average consumer, especially someone not accustomed to researching businesses online, these sites can be incredibly convincing.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Luckily, there are are online resources designed to help consumers verify whether a moving company is legitimate, properly licensed, and operating in compliance with industry standards. One of the most reliable tools is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database –  www.fmcsa.dot.gov. By entering the company’s name or USDOT number, you can check their registration status, insurance coverage, and complaint history.

Other useful tools include:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): www.bbb.org – check ratings, reviews, and any complaints filed.
• Google Maps and Yelp: Review consistency, tone, and dates. Watch for overly generic or clustered positive reviews that may be fake.
• State consumer protection agencies: Many states maintain searchable databases of licensed movers.

Taking a few extra minutes to cross-check information through these digital resources can make all the difference in avoiding a costly scam. But even with all the right tools, navigating a move—especially later in life—can still feel overwhelming. That’s where senior relocation companies come in.

Unlike traditional moving services, senior relocation companies specialize in supporting older adults through every aspect of a transition, offering not just logistics, but compassionate guidance during what is often an emotional and complex time. These professionals understand that a move at this stage of life isn’t just about transporting items—it’s about preserving dignity, minimizing stress, and making the next chapter feel safe and comfortable.

What Senior Relocation Companies Offer

Companies that specialize in moving older adults, like WellRive, go far beyond the basics of packing and moving. They provide full-service move management, including:

• Personalized planning and coordination, from downsizing decisions to final move-in details
• Hands-on support with decluttering, organizing, and preparing your home for sale
• Professional packing and logistics management using vetted, insured moving teams
• Unpacking and home setup services, so your new space feels familiar and functional from day one
• Ongoing communication and advocacy, helping ensure every step is handled with care and transparency

At WellRive, our teams are not only trained professionals—they’re compassionate partners. We work exclusively with background-checked, insured crews we know and trust.

We don’t just work with any moving team – our moving partners are carefully vetted and must meet our rigorous standards. We’ve built long-standing relationships with trusted providers across the country, and we only work with crews who are professional, fully insured, and understand the unique needs of senior clients. That’s how we ensure every move is handled with care and accountability.

In short, we don’t just move belongings. We help older adults and their families move forward—with confidence, clarity, and care.

Tips for a Safe and Smooth Move

• Get at least two written estimates. Compare services and pricing to avoid hidden costs or bait-and-switch tactics.
• Verify credentials. Use FMCSA.gov to confirm that your mover is properly registered and insured.
• Ask for trusted referrals. Senior communities, realtors, and move management companies can often recommend reputable services.

A Move Should Feel Like a Fresh Start—Not a Setback

Relocating later in life is a major transition, and it’s important to approach it with the right support and awareness. By taking the time to vet your moving professionals, staying alert to common scam tactics, and working with those who prioritize your safety and well-being, you can move forward with confidence—not regret.

If you or a loved one is planning a move, we are here to help. We offer compassionate, full-service move management that’s built on trust, transparency, and decades of experience supporting older adults through life’s big changes.

Reach out today for a free consultation—and discover how safe and supportive your next move can truly be.