MOVING FRAUD

As the economic crisis worsens and Americans are forced out of their homes, incidents of "moving fraud" are on the increase. Moving companies are deliberately underestimating the cost packing, shipping and unpacking and then, when the household goods arrive at the other end, they're tacking on all sorts of hidden --- and fraudulent --- charges. Moving is stressful enough, so it comes as no surprise that when the company then says, "pay up or we keep your stuff", most people pay. What to do about it? In the end, very little. The government doesn't seem to care much, which is how moving companies can get away with this stuff. In the past year there have been a few indictments, but hardly enough to rewrite the books. However, there may be a way to fight back. If the movers holding you to ransom will take a check (most are too smart and will insist on cash), then pay with the check and stop it. They'll threaten to sue, but most likely won't. Otherwise, pay the bill, use your cellphone camera to capture the movers' faces and the moving truck outside your home, and call the FBI. If it's an interstate move, you can then file a fraud charge. They may not act on yours alone, but if they have sufficient complaints, they will look at it. Otherwise, ring your state's attorney general and ask what that office recommends. Last resort, hire a lawyer (or go to small claim's court) and make the moving company defend itself in front of a judge. Then notify every public outlet you can think of... better business bureau, local press, local media, et. al.