Economic changes have seen fraud rise significantly. We can be vulnerable at any age, please keep an eye out for each other.
Few of us escape calls, texts, or emails belonging to scams, although fraud can happen closer to home, when you are moving home. Most removal companies are hard working and honest but there are exceptions.
There have been cases of deposit taking by non-existent removers, an unwelcome problem which can happen across a number of industries. Losing money is not good news and care is needed before any payment.
The worst, thankfully rare cases are people posing as removal companies, who vanish with the possessions you helped them load. Sticky fingers on items of value is a little more common but not the prime issue.
Poor Service On Removals
More often than direct crime, we hear of poorly performed removals, or at times help to pick up the pieces. This is not just from one man operations, there are unscrupulous providers operating teams which are clueless.
Their approach on pricing can be equally disturbing, where they give a remarkably low quote, then find reasons to hike this up on moving day. A time when refusing can cause as many issues as meeting the demand.
As with any sector, there will be people whose only interests are ignoring their own inexperience and making as much money as possible.
Protecting Yourself
If there is a particularly low quote, ask yourself why. Also make sure any quote is provided in writing, there can always be contingencies in life but removal fees should be firmly established in advance.
Neither should you put yourself in a position where the person you see is in reality an agent and the removal is contracted out, to the lowest bidder. You may have seen the liveried vehicles of local removers, make sure this is what you get.
Bear in mind that you are letting someone into your home, trusting them with your possessions. Take a little time to check them out:
- Did they send an experienced removals surveyor to your home.
- Was insurance cover discussed, along with your exact needs.
- Is correspondence on headed notepaper, or from a company email.
- Make sure they have a landline and check this belongs to them.
The online world is a good place to find information. With a combination of Google Maps and satellite images, you can check people are where they say they are, along with other detail held on the business.
- Not all reviews are to be trusted but they can give pointers.
- Check how long the business has existed via companies house.
- Are there historic entries online, rather than entirely fresh.
- Does their website include privacy policy, dispute resolution.
The second of those may be covered by membership of a professional body, such as the British Association Of Removers (BAR). They promote rigorous standards, offer online proof of membership and can help with any difficulties.
A Special Relationship
Removals are not a low cost item but are part of a competitive sector, where margins are fairly tight. A good removals company works as a business by careful management and truly understanding their customers.
Beyond the practical points above, judging whether this was reflected in their approach is a sound way to know who you are dealing with. Every staff member you encounter should be focused on your needs, which are shared needs.
We really don’t want to worry you and the chances are you will find reputable support. Websites, such as ours on removals in Surrey, are a good place to start but take the time for a few extra checks, which bring peace of mind.
