Moving & Storage Disputes
California Moving Broker Fraud Claims

Moving Broker Scam? Get Your Money Back from Bait-and-Switch Moving Companies

You hired what you thought was a moving company. A different company showed up with a much higher price. You were scammed by a moving broker. California and federal law give you powerful remedies.

3x Damages
Fraud Treble Damages
$75,000
FMCSA Broker Bond
$10,000+
Per Violation Fine

! Red Flags: How to Spot a Moving Broker Scam

Moving brokers cost consumers millions each year through fraud and deception. Watch for these warning signs:

! No physical address - only PO Box or virtual office
! Generic company name (e.g., "National Moving Services")
! Won't provide DOT or MC numbers
! Unusually low quote compared to others
! Large upfront deposit required (25%+ or $500+)
! Quote given without in-home survey
! Contract mentions "assigning" to another carrier
! Different company shows up on moving day
! Price jumps dramatically after loading truck
! Pressure to sign quickly or lose the quote
!
Already Been Scammed? Document Everything NOW
Screenshot the broker's website, save all emails and texts, keep the original quote, photograph the actual company's truck and crew, and save the Bill of Lading. Evidence disappears quickly - these companies often shut down and reopen under new names.

S California & Federal Laws That Protect You

49 U.S.C. 14708 - Federal Moving Broker Requirements
Interstate moving brokers must be registered with FMCSA, maintain a $75,000 surety bond, and clearly disclose they are brokers, NOT carriers. Violations can result in $10,000+ fines per violation.
California Public Utilities Code 5109 - State Broker Registration
Brokers arranging California intrastate moves must register with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Operating without registration is illegal.
Civil Code 1572 - Actual Fraud
Fraud includes suggesting something is true when it is not, suppressing facts, making promises without intent to perform, and any other act to deceive. Moving brokers who hide their broker status commit actual fraud.
Civil Code 1709-1710 - Deceit
Anyone who intentionally deceives another and causes damage is liable. This includes false assertions, concealment, and false promises. Bait-and-switch pricing is actionable deceit.
Business & Professions Code 17200 - Unfair Competition Law (UCL)
California's UCL prohibits any unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practice. Broker scams violate all three prongs. You can recover money lost and injunctive relief.
Penal Code 484 - Theft by False Pretenses (Criminal)
Taking money through fraud is theft. Brokers who take deposits and disappear, or intentionally misrepresent services, may face criminal prosecution. Report to your local DA.
i
Brokers MUST Disclose They're Not the Mover
Federal law requires brokers to clearly disclose in writing that they are arranging transportation, not providing it themselves. Failure to disclose broker status is itself a violation - and evidence of intent to deceive.

! Common Moving Broker Fraud Types

Bait-and-Switch Pricing

Broker gives you a low binding quote online. On moving day, a different company shows up and demands 2-3x more money to load your belongings, or holds them hostage after loading.

Undisclosed Broker Status

You thought you hired an actual moving company with trucks and crews. The broker never disclosed they're just a middleman who sells your job to the lowest bidder.

Deposit Theft

Broker collects a large deposit (often $500-$2,000+), then disappears, never arranges any move, and won't return your money. Often operates under multiple company names.

Rogue Carrier Assignment

Broker assigns your move to an unlicensed, uninsured, or disreputable carrier. Your belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen with no recourse against the actual mover.

$ What You Can Recover

California and federal law provide multiple avenues for recovery from moving broker fraud:

Damage Type Amount/Calculation
Deposit Refund Full amount paid to broker (often $500-$2,000+)
Price Difference Actual amount charged minus original quoted price
Fraud Treble Damages Up to 3x actual damages under Civil Code 3294 for intentional fraud
FMCSA Fines (Interstate) Up to $10,000 per violation - reported to FMCSA
Broker Bond Claim Claim against broker's $75,000 FMCSA surety bond
Emergency Moving Costs Cost to hire legitimate mover after broker failed
Storage Fees If belongings were held hostage or delayed
Damaged/Lost Property Replacement value of items damaged by rogue carrier
$
The Broker's Bond is Your Safety Net
Licensed interstate brokers must maintain a $75,000 surety bond with FMCSA. If the broker won't pay, you can file a claim directly against their bond. Search the broker's MC number on FMCSA to find their bond company.

@ Demand Letter Template

Send this letter via certified mail with return receipt requested to both the broker AND the actual carrier (if different). Keep copies for your records.

DEMAND FOR COMPENSATION - MOVING BROKER FRAUD [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, CA ZIP] [Phone] [Email] [Date] VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED [Broker Company Name] [Broker Address] [City, State ZIP] MC Number: [Broker MC Number] [Actual Carrier Name - if different] [Carrier Address] [City, State ZIP] DOT Number: [Carrier DOT Number] Re: Demand for Compensation - Fraudulent Moving Services Move Date: [Date of Move] Origin: [Origin Address] Destination: [Destination Address] Original Quote: $[Original Quote Amount] Actual Charge: $[Actual Amount Charged] Dear [Broker Name/To Whom It May Concern]: I am writing to demand immediate compensation for fraud and deceptive practices related to my move on [Date]. FACTS: 1. On [Date you booked], I contracted with [Broker Name] for moving services from [Origin] to [Destination]. I was quoted a binding price of $[Original Quote]. 2. I paid a deposit of $[Deposit Amount] to [Broker Name] on [Date]. 3. At no point was I informed that [Broker Name] is a broker, not an actual moving company. Your website, advertisements, and communications represented you as a moving company that would perform the move. 4. On moving day ([Date]), a different company arrived: [Actual Carrier Name]. The crew demanded $[Actual Amount] - a difference of $[Price Difference] from my binding quote. 5. [Describe what happened - e.g., "I was forced to pay the higher amount to prevent my belongings from being held hostage" OR "The carrier never arrived and my deposit was not refunded" OR "The carrier was unlicensed and my belongings were damaged/lost"] LEGAL VIOLATIONS: Your conduct violates multiple state and federal laws: - 49 U.S.C. 14708: Failure to disclose broker status; FMCSA registration violations - California Civil Code 1572: Actual fraud through concealment and misrepresentation - California Civil Code 1709-1710: Deceit causing financial damage - California Business & Professions Code 17200: Unfair and fraudulent business practices - California Penal Code 484: Theft by false pretenses DAMAGES: Deposit Paid to Broker: $[Deposit Amount] Price Overcharge (Actual minus Quoted): $[Overcharge Amount] [Damaged/Lost Property, if applicable]: $[Amount] [Emergency Moving Costs, if applicable]: $[Amount] [Storage Fees, if applicable]: $[Amount] Subtotal Actual Damages: $[Subtotal] Treble Damages for Fraud (3x under CC 3294): $[3x Subtotal] TOTAL DEMAND: $[Total Amount] DEMAND: I demand payment of $[Total Amount] within fifteen (15) days of receipt of this letter. If you fail to respond or pay, I will: 1. File a complaint with FMCSA (for interstate moves) 2. File a complaint with California Public Utilities Commission 3. File a claim against your surety bond 4. Report you to the Federal Trade Commission 5. File a complaint with the California Attorney General 6. Commence civil litigation seeking all damages plus attorney fees Additionally, I am prepared to report your conduct to local law enforcement for investigation under Penal Code 484 (theft by false pretenses). Please contact me immediately at [Phone/Email] to resolve this matter. Sincerely, _______________________________ [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: - Original quote/estimate dated [Date] - Booking confirmation/contract - Payment receipts for deposit - Bill of Lading from actual carrier (if applicable) - Photographs of carrier truck/documentation - Screenshots of broker's website/advertisements - FMCSA search results showing broker status cc: FMCSA (if interstate move) California Public Utilities Commission [Surety Bond Company, if known]

🖩 Moving Broker Fraud Damages Calculator

Use this interactive calculator to estimate potential damages in your case. Enter your information below to get an estimate of recoverable damages.

Actual money lost or spent
Additional losses caused by the issue

📈 Estimated Damages Breakdown

Direct Damages $0
Consequential Damages $0
Emotional Distress (Est.) $0
Statutory Penalties (Est.) $0
TOTAL ESTIMATED DAMAGES $0
Disclaimer: This calculator provides rough estimates for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual damages vary significantly based on specific facts, evidence strength, and many other factors. Consult with a qualified California attorney for an accurate case evaluation.

* Evidence Checklist

Gather this evidence before sending your demand letter. Moving brokers often disappear quickly - collect everything now:

!
File a Credit Card Chargeback Immediately
If you paid the broker by credit card, file a chargeback for "services not rendered" or "not as described." You typically have 60-120 days. This is often your fastest path to recovery while pursuing other remedies.

! Where to File Complaints

Filing complaints creates official records and may trigger investigations:

Agency What They Handle
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Interstate moves. File at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov. They track complaints and can revoke broker licenses.
CPUC (CA Public Utilities Commission) California intrastate moves. Call (800) 894-9444 or file online.
FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Consumer fraud complaints. File at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
California Attorney General Consumer complaints. File at oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company.
Better Business Bureau Public complaint record. File at bbb.org.
Local Police/DA For theft by false pretenses (Penal Code 484). File a police report.

? Frequently Asked Questions

What is a moving broker vs. a moving company?
A moving company (carrier) actually owns trucks and employs movers who physically transport your belongings. A moving broker is a middleman who takes your money and booking, then hires an actual moving company to do the work. Brokers are required by law to disclose they are not the actual mover, but many hide this fact. The company that shows up on moving day is often different from who you thought you hired, with different prices and terms.
How do I know if I hired a broker or actual mover?
Check the FMCSA database at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov using the company's DOT or MC number. It will show whether they're registered as a "Broker" or "Carrier." Red flags include: company won't give DOT/MC numbers, no physical address, unusually low quotes, large upfront deposits, generic company names, and a different company showing up on moving day than who you booked with.
Can I sue a moving broker for fraud?
Yes. Under California Civil Code 1572 and 1709-1710, you can sue for fraud if the broker misrepresented themselves as an actual moving company, gave a bait-and-switch quote, or failed to disclose they were a broker. You may recover actual damages, and in cases of intentional fraud, treble (3x) damages under Civil Code 3294. You may also file complaints with FMCSA (interstate moves) or CPUC (California intrastate moves).
What is a moving broker bond and can I claim against it?
Licensed interstate moving brokers must maintain a $75,000 surety bond with FMCSA. If the broker defrauds you, you can file a claim against this bond to recover your losses. To find bond information, search the FMCSA database for the broker's MC number. California intrastate brokers must register with CPUC and maintain similar protections.
How do I check if a moving company is licensed?
For interstate moves: Search FMCSA's SAFER database (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) using the company's DOT or MC number. For California intrastate moves: Search CPUC's license database or call (800) 894-9444. Any legitimate mover will provide these numbers readily. Refusal to provide license numbers is a major red flag.
What should I do if a different company shows up on moving day?
First, document everything: get the actual company's name, DOT number, and driver information. Compare their Bill of Lading to your original quote. If prices are significantly higher, you can refuse service (but may lose your deposit to the broker). If you must proceed, note "under protest" on all documents and pay with credit card if possible. File complaints with FMCSA, CPUC, and the FTC. Send demand letters to both the broker and the carrier.

Dealing with a Moving Broker Scam? I Can Help.

For substantial losses or unresponsive brokers, I can assist with demand letters, bond claims, and litigation if needed.

Contact: owner@terms.law

~ Schedule a Consultation

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