How to Spot a Moving Broker Scam
Brokers don't move you — they sell your job to whoever bids lowest. Here's how to tell the difference before you book.
Published 2025-11-23 · 6 min read · Trust & Safety
The bait-and-switch business model
A moving broker doesn't own trucks or employ crews — they sell your job to whichever carrier bids lowest, then step out of the picture. The friendly voice that quoted you a price over the phone has no control over who shows up on move day, what condition their truck is in, or whether the price holds. When something goes wrong, the broker and the carrier can each point at the other, leaving you with no one clearly accountable for your belongings.
Red flags during the sales call
Watch for a quote given with no video walkthrough or in-home survey, unusually large deposit demands before any work is scheduled, a company name that doesn't match the one on their trucks or paperwork, and pressure to sign quickly. A legitimate quote can be explained calmly, with time for questions, and doesn't require a large upfront payment before a written estimate is even produced.
Verify before you book, not after
Ask for the company's USDOT number and look it up on the FMCSA SAFER website before booking anything — this shows you whether you're dealing with a licensed carrier or an unregistered broker, and what their safety and complaint history looks like. A legitimate carrier will give you this number without hesitation, because it's public information they're required to post.
What to do if you already booked with a broker
If you're not sure who's actually handling your move, call and ask directly: do you own the truck and employ the crew that will be at my home, or is this job being sold to another company? A straight answer to that question tells you most of what you need to know. If the answer is vague, get it in writing or consider rebooking with a company that owns its own trucks and employs its own crews.
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