Houston families planning a summer move are being warned about moving scams that can cost victims thousands of dollars after their belongings are already on the truck.
Summer is the busiest moving season in the United States, and consumer advocates say that gives dishonest movers more opportunities to target people trying to relocate quickly, according to Click2Houston.
The Federal Trade Commission said reports of moving fraud increased by 35% in 2025. Victims lost an average of nearly $2,800, while some reported losing tens of thousands of dollars after rogue movers refused to return their belongings until additional money was paid, Click2Houston reported.
One of the most common schemes is a bait-and-switch move. A company quotes a low price before adding major fees after the customer’s furniture, boxes, documents, electronics, and household items are already loaded.
The Low Phone Estimate Is the First Warning Sign
Leah Napoliello with the Better Business Bureau told Click2Houston that dishonest moving companies often start by giving customers an unusually low estimate over the phone.
The problem is that the company may never inspect the furniture, boxes, stairs, distance, or labor involved before giving the price. That makes the estimate easier to change once the move is already underway.
Napoliello said customers can be hit with extra fees on moving day, sometimes doubling the original quoted price. By then, the mover may already have possession of the customer’s belongings.
Rogue Movers Gain Leverage Once the Truck Is Loaded
Moving this summer? Here’s how to avoid costly moving scams in Houston https://t.co/bV4Ukpfdwo
— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) July 6, 2026
The most damaging part of the scam comes after the customer’s property is loaded. Consumer experts told Click2Houston that movers have significant leverage once they control someone’s belongings.
At that point, a customer may feel forced to pay inflated charges just to get their property delivered or released.
Some victims told the FTC they lost tens of thousands of dollars after movers refused to return belongings until additional money was paid.
Houston Movers Should Verify the Company Before Signing
Consumer advocates recommend requesting an in-home estimate before hiring a mover, so the company can see what needs to be moved and provide a more accurate price.
Customers should also get a written contract that clearly lists the total cost before moving day. Paying only part of the cost when items are loaded, with the remaining balance due after delivery, can reduce the risk of losing leverage too early.
For local moves in Texas, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles says consumers can check whether a mover is licensed through its Truck Stop Motor Carrier Lookup. An “Active” certificate status means the mover is licensed.
For interstate moves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says movers must be registered with the federal government and have a U.S. DOT number. FMCSA’s mover search tool shows registration status, complaint information, safety information, and whether the business is listed as a carrier, broker, or freight forwarder.
Keep Records Before the Truck Leaves
Before moving day, customers can save the written estimate, contract, inventory, payment receipts, mover license number, U.S. DOT number, photos of valuable items, and any text or email messages with the company.
If a mover demands extra money after loading belongings, refuses delivery, or will not release property, those records can help support a complaint. Moving fraud can be reported to FMCSA through its household goods moving fraud complaint form.
Texas customers can also report problems with an in-state mover to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and suspected fraud can be reported to local law enforcement and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.