Is Your Mover Scamming You? 5 Red Flags When Hiring Movers in Denver

Moving to a new home can be exciting, but hiring the wrong moving company can turn that excitement into a nightmare. If you’re planning a move in the Denver area, knowing the red flags when hiring movers in Denver can save you from unexpected stress, financial loss, or even losing your belongings. Unfortunately, with Denver's booming housing market, more rogue movers and fraudulent moving companies are taking advantage of unsuspecting customers.

In this blog post, you'll discover the five most common warning signs of scam movers in Denver, along with practical tips to ensure you hire a trustworthy, licensed, and insured moving company. You’ll learn how to spot lowball estimates designed to trap you with hidden fees, identify fake online reviews, and avoid movers who demand large upfront payments. We’ll also explain how to verify a mover’s license with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and what steps to take if you’ve already fallen victim to a moving scam in Denver.

Whether you're moving across the city or relocating from another state, understanding these red flags will help you protect your belongings, your budget, and your peace of mind. By the end of this article, you'll feel confident in choosing reliable Denver movers and avoiding the stress that comes with hiring the wrong company. Keep reading to ensure your next move is smooth, safe, and scam-free.

Is Your Mover Scamming You? 5 Red Flags When Hiring Movers in Denver

Moving to a new home should be an exciting new chapter, but the process can quickly turn stressful if you fall into the trap of hiring a dishonest moving company. Unfortunately, moving scams have become more common across the country, and Denver is no exception. With so many people relocating to and within the Mile High City, the number of rogue movers preying on unsuspecting residents has risen sharply.

I’ve seen it firsthand. A friend of mine, excited about her move from Highlands to Capitol Hill, hired a moving company she found online. They offered an incredibly low quote and seemed friendly over the phone. But on moving day, the company suddenly claimed her belongings took up more space than expected and demanded nearly double the original estimate. When she hesitated, they threatened to hold her items hostage. Thankfully, she knew her rights and contacted the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, but the stress and extra cost turned what should have been a smooth transition into a nightmare.

To help you avoid a similar situation, let’s break down the five biggest red flags when hiring movers in Denver and how to protect yourself from moving scams.

1. No Proper Licensing or Insurance

One of the first red flags when hiring movers in Denver is the lack of proper licensing and insurance. In Colorado, all moving companies operating within the state must be registered with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). This ensures they meet certain standards for safety, reliability, and consumer protection.

Legitimate movers will provide their PUC license number upon request, and you can easily verify it on the PUC website. If a moving company hesitates to share this information or claims it’s unnecessary, that's a clear sign you might be dealing with rogue movers.

Insurance is equally important. Reputable movers should carry both liability insurance and cargo insurance to protect your belongings during the move. Without proper coverage, any damage or loss could leave you with no recourse. Always ask for proof of insurance before signing a contract.

2. Extremely Low Estimates That Seem Too Good to Be True

Everyone loves a good deal, but when it comes to moving services, an estimate that seems significantly lower than other quotes should raise a red flag. Scam movers often lure customers with lowball estimates, only to increase the price once your belongings are loaded onto the truck.

This tactic, known as a bait-and-switch, is unfortunately common in Denver’s moving industry. A trustworthy moving company will offer either a binding estimate, which guarantees the final cost based on the items being moved, or a not-to-exceed estimate, ensuring you won't pay more than the quoted price.

To protect yourself, always get at least three written estimates from different Denver moving companies. Ensure the estimator conducts an in-person or virtual walkthrough of your home, rather than providing a quote based solely on a phone call or online form.

3. No Physical Address or Office in Denver

Another major red flag when hiring movers in Denver is the absence of a physical office or address. Reputable moving companies will have a local presence and be listed with a verifiable address on their website, Google My Business profile, and other directories.

Scam movers often operate without a fixed location, making it difficult for customers to track them down if issues arise. Before hiring any company, look up their address online and, if possible, visit the location. A quick Google Street View search can also confirm whether the address is a legitimate business location or just a residential property.

Additionally, check if the company is registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A legitimate Denver moving company should have a BBB profile with reviews and a rating that reflects their reputation.

4. Poor or Fake Online Reviews

Online reviews can be incredibly helpful when choosing a moving company, but they can also be misleading. Scam movers often inflate their ratings by posting fake positive reviews while burying negative ones.

To spot fake reviews, look for patterns. If a company has dozens of five-star reviews posted within a short period, often using similar language, that’s a red flag. On the other hand, if you find consistent complaints about unexpected charges, damaged belongings, or rude behavior, take those reviews seriously.

Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau are great places to start. Also, don’t hesitate to ask the moving company for references from previous customers. A reputable mover will gladly provide them.

5. Requesting Large Upfront Payments

While it’s common for moving companies to request a small deposit to secure your booking, any company demanding a large upfront payment should be viewed with suspicion. Scam movers often ask for significant deposits, only to disappear before the moving day or hold your belongings hostage until you pay even more.

In Colorado, reputable movers typically request no more than 10-20% of the total estimated cost as a deposit. The remaining balance is usually due upon delivery. If a company insists on full payment upfront, walk away.

To further protect yourself, pay the deposit with a credit card rather than cash or a wire transfer. Credit card payments offer more protection if you need to dispute charges later.

How to Avoid Moving Scams in Denver

Avoiding moving scams in Denver starts with diligent research. Always verify licensing through the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, read reviews from multiple platforms, and get written estimates from at least three companies.

Ask detailed questions about the company’s policies, including how they handle disputes, damages, and delays. A reputable Denver moving company will be transparent and happy to provide clear answers.

It’s also wise to check if the company is a member of professional organizations like the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) or the Colorado Movers Association. Membership in these organizations demonstrates a commitment to ethical business practices.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed by Movers in Denver

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a moving scam in Denver, act quickly. Start by filing a complaint with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, which regulates intrastate movers. You can also report the company to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if the move crosses state lines.

Additionally, contact the Better Business Bureau and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. If the company is holding your belongings hostage, consider reaching out to local law enforcement for guidance.

While recovering losses from a moving scam can be challenging, documenting everything, contracts, estimates, emails, and payment receipts—will strengthen your case.

Protect Your Move by Spotting the Warning Signs

Hiring movers should make your relocation easier, not more stressful. By understanding the red flags when hiring movers in Denver, you’ve equipped yourself with the knowledge to avoid common scams and choose a moving company you can trust. From spotting lowball estimates to verifying licenses and reading authentic reviews, you now know what to look for and what to avoid.

Protecting your belongings and your peace of mind starts with being informed. Moving doesn't have to be a gamble when you work with reputable, licensed professionals who value transparency and customer satisfaction.

If you're planning a move in the Denver area and want to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience, reach out to Careful Carriers Moving today. Our team is dedicated to honest pricing, reliable service, and keeping your move hassle-free from start to finish. Contact us now to get a personalized quote and take the first step toward a safe and successful move.