How to Avoid Fraudsters When Choosing Packers and Movers
Shifting to a new place should feel like a fresh start. But before the excitement comes, the nervous part comes – choosing the right packers and movers. In India, most of us rely on moving companies because handling everything alone becomes too much. Heavy furniture, expensive appliances, fragile items – all of them need proper care.
But here’s the problem. Along with genuine moving companies, there are also many fraudsters in the market. They show low prices, speak nicely in the beginning, take advance money, and then either disappear or start creating new troubles. Some may delay the delivery, some may damage the items, and some may even demand extra money midway. And by the time people realise the mistake, the move has already turned into a bad experience.
So, how to keep yourself safe from such scams? Below is a simple and practical guide that anyone can follow while choosing packers and movers.
Don’t fall for extremely cheap quotes
Most fraudsters know that people look mainly at price. So they purposely quote very low charges to attract customers. At first, the offer looks unbelievable – and that’s exactly the issue. Genuine companies keep their charges reasonable because they include packing quality, transport, labour, and safety.
If one company quotes ?7,000 and others quote around ?12,000–?15,000 for the same job, then something is clearly wrong. Cheap offers usually come with hidden costs or cheap packing that later causes damage.
A small change in mindset helps: not the lowest price, but the safest one.
Check if the company has a proper office
Fraud movers usually operate only through phone calls or WhatsApp. If you try to visit their location, they have excuses. A professional company will have a real office, a place where you can meet someone. Even if the office is small, it shows they are running a real business.
If they have no physical address or if the address looks fake on Google Maps, just avoid.
Verify GST number and company registration
This is one of the easiest methods to check legitimacy. These days, scammers create fancy logos and websites within a day. But official documents cannot be faked that easily.
Ask openly:
GST number
Company registration certificate
PAN card details (if needed)
A genuine service provider will share these without hesitation.
Read reviews carefully – not just the rating
Reviews can be your best friend. But check them properly. Sometimes fake companies pay people to write positive comments. So look for:
Long and detailed reviews
Photos attached by customers
Mix of ratings: 3-star and 4-star reviews feel more real than only 5-star
Negative comments repeating the same issue (like delayed delivery, extra charges)
Also, do not rely on a single website – check multiple platforms if available.
Ask for a written quotation – no verbal deals
If everything is only verbal, later the bill can become double. Fraudsters do this trick often. A written quotation should include:
Packing charges
Loading/unloading charges
Transportation cost
Taxes or tolls
Insurance charges (if taken)
This avoids the famous last-minute line:
“Sir, this is extra.”
Insurance is a must for long moves
When moving to another city, insurance is very important. Without insurance, if any damage happens, fraud companies will simply deny responsibility.
But keep one thing in mind:
Ask for the policy copy
Ask what items are covered
Check if the insurance is real (some show fake papers too)
Better to spend a little extra today than regret later.
Don’t pay a big advance
Some amount as token is fine. But if they pressure you to pay 50–80% before any work, it is a big danger sign. Fraud movers take money and vanish.
Genuine companies usually:
Take a small booking amount
Collect the rest after the move is done or before final delivery
Always make payment through UPI or bank transfer – avoid cash if possible. At least you will have a trace.
Visit their warehouse
If you are storing goods, seeing the warehouse with your own eyes is the best option. Check:
Proper locking and security
CCTV or guard presence
Clean and organised storage area
A shady warehouse means your things might not stay safe.
Ask questions – as many as you want
A professional mover will explain clearly.
You can ask:
What packing material will you use?
Are the labourers trained or temporary?
How many hours will packing take?
When will the goods arrive?
If they keep changing answers or feel irritated, that’s a warning sign.
Take photos of everything before packing
Even with genuine movers, it is smart to keep proof. Photos help in case there is any dispute later. Especially items like:
TV
Fridge
Glass items
Antique pieces
This is like your personal security backup.
Keep your small valuables separately
Some items should never go in the truck:
Gold or jewellery
Cash
Important files and certificates
Passport or ID cards
Always keep these with you only. Fraud cases often involve such small valuables going “missing”.
Prefer a company that surveys your items first
A proper move starts with a visit to your home or a quick video inspection. If a mover gives you a final quote without looking at your items, then they will surely add more charges later.
A short survey helps them understand:
How many items
How many people needed
Complexity of packing
And it helps you avoid surprises.
Relocation already brings stress – packing, planning, thinking about the new place. On top of that, dealing with fraud packers and movers is the last thing anyone wants. But by checking a few details and not rushing during selection, you can stay safe.
In simple words:
Trust the company that offers clarity and responsibility – not false discounts.
Good movers make your shift peaceful. Fraud movers make your shift painfully memorable. The choice is always in your hands.
Take a bit of time to double-check things on your side. It helps a lot later. When you trust the people handling your stuff, the whole shifting process feels lighter. And honestly, the items we pack are not just items. We have memories linked to them, some emotional value too, collected slowly over our life.
Move smart, move safe.