Arizonans looking to move might wind up with more than just boxed-up belongings: scams are on the rise in the Grand Canyon state. In a joint announcement, Attorney General Kris Mayes and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are cautioning locals about predatory moving practices. Among these, the "hostage load" scam features prominently, with unscrupulous movers quoting a lowball price only to inflate it once possessions are on the truck, effectively holding items for ransom.
It's not just about possessions being held hostage either, scams range from total no-shows to the more ominous prospect of trucks, and their contents, vanishing into thin air. The Attorney General's office, alongside the BBB, offers a suite of advice to consumers: From the importance of thorough research to the critical step of obtaining written estimates, according to their recent PSA. Mayes stresses that under the Arizona "Hostage Load Law", it's illegal for movers to refuse delivery after the agreed contract price is paid.
To safeguard against these fraudulent schemes, Arizonans are encouraged to probe the reputation and history of moving companies before contracting their services. Checking the mover's federal registration for interstate relocations is a must, and this can be done via the FMCSA's website or by direct communication. For those within Arizona's bounds, movers are bound by specific statutory requirements that protect consumers from being exploited during the vulnerable process of relocating their private worlds.
Payments also fall under the magnifying glass, with a caution against large cash deposits or full payments upfront. Instead, leveraging the protections of credit card payments is advised, and as for those exceedingly precious items, like cash, jewelry, or medication, best they travel with you. To avoid being victimized by inflated fees, the AG and BBB sum it up: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, get everything in writing, and keep a close eye on the entire moving process.
For anyone unfortunate enough to encounter these "hostage" tactics, the directive is clear: Contact the local law enforcement or Arizona Department of Public Safety immediately. With comprehensive consumer fraud protections in place, the AG's office stands ready to field complaints and pursue justice for wronged parties. Meanwhile, the BBB remains a bastion of resources for consumers, fostering informed decisions through its repository of tips, alerts, and the crowd-sourced Scam Tracker platform.
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