5 Devious Moving Scams Targeting Orange County Seniors

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Moving to a new home should be an exciting chapter, but for many seniors in Orange County, it can become a time of vulnerability. The equity you’ve built in your home for decades makes you a prime target for dishonest movers looking to turn your trust into their profit.

Before you or a loved one hires a moving company, it’s crucial to be aware of the scams they use to exploit homeowners. Here are the top five scams we see targeting seniors in our community and how you can protect yourself.

Scam #1: The Lowball Hostage Quote

The trap is set with a phone call. A mover gives you a quote that seems too good to be true, often without ever seeing your home. They sound professional, show up on time, and load all of your priceless possessions onto their truck. Then, the phone rings. Suddenly, the price has inflated by thousands of dollars due to "unexpected weight" or "extra labor." They refuse to unload your belongings—your memories, your furniture—until you pay their exorbitant new price. They are, quite literally, holding your life hostage.

  • How to Spot It: The number one red flag is a quote that is drastically lower than all the others. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Scam #2: The Fake Company & Deposit Scam

Scammers create professional-looking websites and sound legitimate on the phone. To "reserve your spot," they demand a large deposit, often in cash. On moving day, they are a no-show. Their phone number is disconnected, their website is gone, and so is your money.

  • How to Spot It: Be wary of any company demanding a large cash deposit upfront. Always verify they have a legitimate physical address in your area.

Scam #3: The Uninsured Damage Scam

You hire a mover who isn't properly licensed or insured. During the move, your valuables are broken, furniture is damaged, and boxes are lost. When you file a claim, you discover they only carry the bare-minimum liability coverage required by law—often just pennies on the dollar. Your $2,000 television is suddenly only worth $30 in their eyes.

  • How to Spot It: Always ask for their insurance documentation. A legitimate company will provide it without hesitation.

Scam #4: The Surprise Storage Fee Scam

The movers pick up your belongings, but a "delay" occurs—the truck broke down, or there was a scheduling conflict. Days or weeks later, you learn they've put your items in storage. Now, you’re on the hook for hundreds or thousands of dollars in surprise storage fees before they will schedule the final delivery.

  • How to Spot It: Read the contract carefully for guaranteed delivery windows. Poor communication after they've loaded the truck is a massive red flag.

Scam #5: The Legitimate Mover Impersonator

This scam preys on familiarity. A company with a name like "Three Guys in a Truck" sounds just like a reputable national brand you’ve heard of. They copy logos and branding to appear legitimate, tricking you into hiring a criminal enterprise instead of a trusted company.

  • How to Spot It: Double and triple-check the website URL, company name, and phone number to ensure you are dealing with the official, reputable brand.

Bottom Line

Before you hire any mover in California, you must ask them for one thing: their Cal-T number. This is their official license number from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

A real mover will give it to you instantly. A scammer will make excuses. You can verify this number on the CPUC website to see their license status and insurance information. It is your free, three-minute background check, and it’s the most powerful tool you have to protect yourself.