Moving season is just ahead of us, and that means rogue moving companies are getting ready to try to get your business. Most people don't make a big family move until school is out, but right now is the time to start thinking about the moving company you'll hire.
Atlanta has a big problem with rogue moving companies. The city is ranked in the top 10, so it's up to the consumer to do homework before you hand over all of your worldly possessions to complete strangers.
A business that called itself Real Movers is classic rogue mover. State and federal regulators logged so many complaints against the company it was considered rogue. One family reported to the BBB that Real Movers gave them one estimate, but once they had their belongings on a truck out of state, the price changed.
"We feel like we've been tricked and manipulated by these people, and it's really frustrating.," said Lindsey Wolny in an interview in 2011.
Anne Ferro runs the Federal Motor Carrier Administration -- the regulators for interstate movers. At the industry's annual meeting, she said her number one rogue carrier red flag is when they refuse to make a house call for your moving estimate.
"We can do this over the phone. We don't have to come out to your home. Make them come to your home. You're going to need to pay a deposit. No, don't do it," said Ferro.
She says they offer a low estimate, get a deposit, pick up your things then the price escalates.
So what can you do? Do your homework. The Better Business Bureau tracks the industry. Also, you can call the Georgia Department of Public Safety for a guide to licensed movers.
And now you can look for a "ProMovers" seal for those who earn it.
"The industry realized because of the Internet rogues that we need to, as an industry, to give the consumer some reliable starting point when they shop for a mover," said John Bisney of the American Moving and Storage Association.
Homework up front is better than dealing with this kind of customer service when you are desperate to get back your belongings. It pays to get estimates, at least three of them. If one of them is much lower than the others, be suspicious. Below is a list of resources to help you plan your move:
Monday, June 17 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:03:25 GMT
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-06-17 11:13:04 GMT
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the FTC has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off on its strong health claims.
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Friday, June 14 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-06-14 12:56:09 GMT
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
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Thursday, June 13 2013 3:29 PM EDT2013-06-13 19:29:22 GMT
A man once hailed as a military hero was arrested on Wednesday. Former Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner is accused of tricking people into thinking that he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
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Wednesday, June 12 2013 11:36 PM EDT2013-06-13 03:36:50 GMT
Tonight at 10, FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis shows how long it took a local sheriff to finally arrest a repeat horse abuser – even after state inspectors had spent years trying to stop the abuse!
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Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-06-12 13:07:42 GMT
You may have noticed – or, at least heard – that mortgage rates are starting to inch up again. The I-Team's Dana Fowle is here to help you understand what this change means for home buyers right now.
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Wednesday, June 12 2013 6:59 AM EDT2013-06-12 10:59:03 GMT
The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list.
The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list. According to the I-Team, the list are schemes that have been around as long as the BBB, 100 years. The only thing different is the technology.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:56 AM EDT2013-06-18 09:56:03 GMT
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Here's how!
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Good Day Atlanta goes to the pros for answers!
Monday, June 17 2013 10:08 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:08:03 GMT
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
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