In recent years, reports of moving company scams have been on the rise. These scams involve unlicensed, fraudulent companies that offer services to unsuspecting customers, often with devastating results. In some cases, customers have arrived at their new homes to find their belongings missing or damaged, or they have been left with a massive bill despite having already paid the company. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been accused of issuing what have been called “licenses to steal” to these fraudulent moving companies. The agency is responsible for regulating interstate movers, and it is responsible for issuing registration numbers that are required for companies to do business. But it has been criticized for failing to adequately vet the companies it issues licenses to, leaving customers vulnerable to scams.

The FMCSA has taken some steps to address the issue. It has created a website where consumers can check the registration and safety records of moving companies. It has also increased enforcement efforts, leading to the closure of more than 200 illegal moving companies in 2020 alone. But many consumer advocates say that the FMCSA is not doing enough. There are still too many unlicensed companies operating and there is not enough oversight of the ones that do have licenses. Without proper oversight, these companies are able to continue to scam customers without any consequences. It is important for consumers to do their research before hiring a moving company. The FMCSA website is a great resource for this, but it is also important to read online reviews and ask for references. It is also a good idea to get multiple quotes and to ask about any additional fees that may be added to the bill. No one should have to worry about being scammed when moving, but unfortunately, it is still a reality. It is up to the FMCSA to ensure that companies are properly licensed and operating within the law. Until then, consumers must do their due diligence to protect themselves and their belongings.