09/23/2026
How to Avoid Moving Scams and Rogue Movers on Moving Day!
What is a hostage load scam, and how do rogue movers extort extra money from people on moving day? In this video, we break down the predatory tactics fraudulent moving companies use to hold your furniture and household goods hostage, plus we explain how you can spot a rogue mover in under two minutes.
Before you hire a moving company, learn the exact red flags of moving scams so you can ensure your mover is properly licensed and insured.
Moving scams are on the rise, but protecting yourself comes down to knowing how to verify licensed, insured, and reputable moving companies before you book them for your move.
In this video, you will learn:
• What a "hostage load" is and how rogue movers operate.
• The most common moving company scams and hidden fee tactics.
• How to check USDOT and state licensing credentials to verify legitimate movers.
• How to avoid unlicensed "rogue" movers.
Whether you're planning a local move or relocation, watching this guide will help you avoid moving fraud and hire professionals you can trust.
Professional Training Course: www.movingandstoragetraining.com
All Essential Moving Equipment can be found here: https://amzn.to/4adexS7
All essential packing supplies can be found here: https://amzn.to/4rfH5lr
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Disclaimer: The information contained within this video is part of the Stumpf Moving & Storage new employee training course. This course is designed to teach our new employees how to professionally prepare and load furniture into a moving truck. All video educational sessions are accompanied by extensive hands-on training. Stumpf Moving & Storage makes no representation or warranty, express or implied. Your use of the site, video, and information within is at your own risk. Further, this site may contain links to third party content, which we do not warrant, endorse, or assume liability for. We never recommend moving or packing anything yourself. We always recommend hiring a licensed and trained professional to pack, load, and transport anything you need moved. This content is for entertainment purposes only, so do not try this at home.
For four generations Stumpf Moving & Storage, Co. has been a family owned and operated business committed to moving household goods, offices and pianos. The Stumpf Family has provided quality service to the Pittsburgh area and Southwestern Pennsylvania families and businesses since 1936. For more information on who we are and the services we provide, you can follow the links below! 👇
www.stumpfmovingandstorage.com
/ stumpfmoving
/ stumpfmovingandstorage
Time Stamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - How Rogue Movers and Scammers Pray on People.
01:44 - The Federal License a Moving Company is Required to Have.
03:05 - Local (Statewide) License a Moving Company is Required to Have (Pennsylvania PUC).
03:53 - The Difference Between a Mover and a Broker.
05:00 - How to check the Federal License of a Moving Company.
05:30 - How to check the Local (State) License of a Moving Company (Pennsylvania PUC).
05:50 - Warning Signs and Red Flags of Rogue Movers and Scammers.
06:30 - How to File a Federal Complaint Against a Moving Company.
07:11 - How to File a Local (State) Complaint Against a Moving Company (Pennsylvania PUC).
07:40 - Other Helpful Tips to Check if Your Mover is Legitimate.
09:00 - Red Flags of Social Media Mover Recommendations.
10:00 - Outro
