Movers Holding Your Belongings Hostage? California Demand Letter for Moving Overcharges

!! EMERGENCY: What To Do RIGHT NOW If Movers Are Holding Your Goods

If movers have your belongings on their truck and are refusing to deliver unless you pay an inflated price, take these steps immediately:

1

CALL THE POLICE - Report Extortion

Call 911 or local police non-emergency. Tell them: "A moving company is holding my belongings hostage and demanding money beyond the agreed contract." Request a police report. Under Penal Code 518, this may constitute criminal extortion.
2

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING

Record video of the movers refusing to deliver. Get names and truck numbers. Photograph the truck with your belongings. Save all text messages and call records. Note exact time, location, and what was said.
3

DEMAND ITEMIZED WRITTEN CHARGES

Ask for a complete written breakdown of all charges. Compare to your original binding estimate. Under California law, they cannot demand more than 110% of a binding estimate at delivery.
4

IF YOU MUST PAY - PAY UNDER PROTEST

If you need your belongings urgently (medications, work equipment, etc.), pay by CREDIT CARD only (enables chargebacks). Write "PAID UNDER PROTEST - AMOUNT DISPUTED" on any receipt. Get a receipt for every dollar paid.
5

FILE CPUC COMPLAINT IMMEDIATELY

Call CPUC Consumer Affairs: (800) 649-7570. File online at cpuc.ca.gov. They can investigate, fine the company, and revoke their license. Also file with the California Attorney General.

SS California Laws That Protect You

Public Utilities Code 5200-5238 - Rate Regulations

California regulates household goods carriers through the CPUC. Movers must file tariffs, provide written estimates, and cannot charge rates higher than filed. Violations can result in fines up to $7,500 per offense and license revocation.

Public Utilities Code 5164 - Binding Estimates (110% Rule)

For binding estimates, movers can ONLY collect up to 110% of the estimated total at time of delivery. Any amount above 110% must be billed separately and paid within 30 days. Demanding more at delivery violates California law.

Penal Code 518 - Extortion (Criminal)

Extortion is obtaining property from another through force, fear, or threat. Refusing to release someone's belongings unless they pay inflated, unauthorized charges may constitute criminal extortion - a felony punishable by 2-4 years in prison.

Civil Code 3300 - Contract Damages

You can recover damages for breach of the moving contract, including overcharges, storage fees incurred while goods were held, temporary housing costs, and consequential damages from delayed delivery.

Business & Professions Code 17200 - Unfair Competition Law

Bait-and-switch pricing, deceptive estimates, and predatory practices by movers violate California's unfair competition law. Victims can seek restitution and injunctive relief.

Check If They're Licensed

Verify the mover's CPUC license at cpuc.ca.gov. Unlicensed movers operating in California are committing a crime. If they're unlicensed, report to CPUC AND local law enforcement immediately - you have even stronger legal protections.

!! Common Moving Scams & Overcharge Tactics

Recognize these common tactics used by dishonest movers to inflate your bill:

Bait-and-Switch Pricing

Low initial quote to win your business, then dramatic price increase on moving day or at delivery. "We didn't realize you had so much stuff" or "stairs/distance not included."

Hostage Goods

Loading your belongings, then refusing to deliver until you pay an inflated price. Threatening to auction or store your goods at your expense if you don't pay immediately.

Hidden Fees & Charges

Surprise charges for fuel, long carry, stairs, elevator, shuttle trucks, packing materials, or "bulky items" that weren't disclosed in the original estimate.

Unlicensed/Rogue Movers

Operating without CPUC license, demanding cash only, no real business address, refusing to provide written documentation. Often found on Craigslist or with suspiciously low quotes.

Red Flags Before You Book

Large deposit required upfront, refuses to do in-home estimate, quote is dramatically lower than competitors, no physical address, requests cash payment, generic email (@gmail.com), or name doesn't match CPUC records.

$ What You Can Recover

California law allows you to recover all damages caused by moving company overcharges and hostage situations:

Damage Type	What You Can Claim
Overcharge Refund	Full amount above 110% of binding estimate, or any amount above non-binding estimate not disclosed in writing before move
Storage Fees While Goods Held	Full refund of any storage fees charged while company held your belongings hostage
Hotel/Temporary Housing	If you were displaced from your new home because belongings weren't delivered
Emergency Purchases	Clothes, toiletries, medications, work equipment you had to buy while goods were held
Lost Wages	Time missed from work dealing with the situation or waiting for delayed delivery
Emotional Distress	Significant in hostage situations - courts recognize the trauma of having all possessions held
CPUC Penalties	Company may face fines up to $7,500 per violation, license suspension or revocation

Credit Card Chargeback

If you paid by credit card, immediately dispute the overcharge with your card company. Explain the movers violated the binding estimate and California law. Credit card companies often side with consumers in these disputes.

@ Demand Letter Template

Send this letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep a copy for your records.

DEMAND FOR REFUND - MOVING OVERCHARGES AND UNLAWFUL CONDUCT [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, CA ZIP] [Phone] [Email] [Date] VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED [Moving Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State ZIP] CPUC License #: [License Number or "UNLICENSED"] Re: Demand for Refund - Overcharges and Hostage Situation Move Date: [Date of Move] Origin: [Origin Address] Destination: [Destination Address] Original Estimate #: [Estimate Number] Dear [Company Name/Owner]: I am writing to demand an immediate refund for overcharges and unlawful conduct in connection with my household goods move on [Date]. FACTS: 1. On [Date], your company provided a binding estimate in the amount of $[Original Estimate Amount] for my household goods move. 2. On moving day/at delivery, your employees demanded $[Final Amount Demanded] - an increase of $[Overcharge Amount] ([Percentage]% above the binding estimate). 3. Your company [describe what happened - e.g., "refused to unload my belongings from the truck until I paid the inflated amount" / "held my belongings in storage for X days demanding additional payment" / "demanded cash payment with no receipt"]. 4. The following items are/were being held: [List key items - furniture, clothing, medications, work equipment, family heirlooms, etc.] 5. [If you paid under protest:] I paid the demanded amount of $[Amount Paid] under protest and duress to recover my belongings, which include essential items such as [medications, work equipment, children's items, etc.]. VIOLATIONS OF CALIFORNIA LAW: Your conduct violates multiple California laws: 1. PUBLIC UTILITIES CODE 5164: For binding estimates, movers may only collect up to 110% of the estimated total at delivery. My binding estimate was $[Original Amount], meaning maximum at delivery was $[110% Amount]. You demanded $[Amount Demanded]. 2. PUBLIC UTILITIES CODE 5200-5238: Operating outside filed tariffs and charging unauthorized rates. 3. PENAL CODE 518: Refusing to release my belongings unless I paid unauthorized charges constitutes extortion. 4. BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE 17200: Bait-and-switch pricing and deceptive practices. DAMAGES: Amount Paid Over 110% of Binding Estimate: $[Amount] [If applicable:] Storage Fees While Goods Held: $[Amount] Temporary Housing Costs: $[Amount] Emergency Purchases: $[Amount] Lost Wages: $[Amount] [Other documented damages]: $[Amount] TOTAL REFUND DEMANDED: $[Total Amount] DEMAND: I hereby demand payment of $[Total Amount] within fifteen (15) days of the date of this letter. If I do not receive payment within 15 days, I will: 1. File a formal complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission requesting investigation, fines, and license revocation 2. File a complaint with the California Attorney General 3. File a police report for extortion under Penal Code 518 4. Commence civil litigation seeking the above damages plus attorney fees and punitive damages 5. Report your company to the Better Business Bureau and post reviews warning other consumers This letter serves as written notice of your violations and my intent to pursue all available remedies. Sincerely, _______________________________ [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: - Original binding estimate dated [Date] - Bill of lading / contract - Final invoice showing charges - Payment receipts (with "PAID UNDER PROTEST" notation) - All text messages and email communications - Photos/video of delivery refusal (if applicable) - CPUC license verification printout cc: California Public Utilities Commission California Attorney General [Local Police Department - if filing report]

🖩 Moving Overcharge Hostage Damages Calculator

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

Direct Financial Loss ($) Actual money lost or spent

Consequential Damages ($) Additional losses caused by the issue

Emotional Distress Level

Statutory Penalty Type

📈 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

V Original binding estimate - The written quote you received before the move with itemized costs
V Bill of lading - The contract/receipt signed at pickup showing inventory and agreed terms
V Final invoice - The bill presented at delivery showing all charges demanded
V Payment records - Credit card statements, receipts, bank records showing amounts paid
V All communications - Emails, text messages, voicemails with the company
V Video of delivery refusal - Recording of movers refusing to unload or demanding extra payment
V CPUC license verification - Printout from cpuc.ca.gov showing company's license status
V Photos of truck/employees - License plates, truck numbers, employee names/photos
V Police report - If you filed one for extortion
V Temporary housing receipts - Hotels, Airbnb if you were displaced
V Emergency purchase receipts - Clothes, toiletries, medications bought while goods were held

California is a Two-Party Consent State

California requires all parties to consent to recording. However, recording in public (like your driveway) or when movers are committing a crime may be permissible. At minimum, take detailed notes and photos. Consult an attorney about recordings.

>> What Happens After You Send the Letter

Days 1-5: Company Receives Letter

Legitimate companies often respond quickly to avoid CPUC complaints. Rogue companies may ignore it.

Days 5-15: Response Period

Company may offer partial refund, full refund, or refuse. Document all responses in writing.

Day 15: Deadline Passes

If no satisfactory response, file CPUC complaint, credit card dispute, and consider small claims court (up to $12,500).

Ongoing: CPUC Investigation

CPUC can investigate, fine the company, and revoke their license. This often motivates settlement.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal for movers to hold my belongings hostage?

No, it is generally illegal. In California, holding someone's belongings hostage to extort payment beyond the agreed estimate may constitute extortion under Penal Code 518. Movers can only hold goods for non-payment of legitimate charges. If they're demanding inflated prices not in the original estimate, this may be criminal conduct. Call police and file a report for extortion.

What should I do if movers demand more money at delivery?

First, stay calm and document everything. Record the conversation if possible. Ask for an itemized written explanation of all charges. If they have your goods on the truck and refuse delivery, call police (potential extortion). Pay "under protest" in writing to get your belongings, then immediately file complaints with CPUC and demand a refund. Never pay cash without a receipt.

Can movers charge more than the estimate?

For binding estimates in California, movers can only require payment of 110% of the written estimate at delivery. Any amount above that must be paid within 30 days. For non-binding estimates, the final cost can be higher, but major increases (especially double or triple the estimate) may indicate fraud. Get everything in writing before the move.

How do I report a rogue moving company in California?

File complaints with: (1) California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) at cpuc.ca.gov or (800) 649-7570 - they can fine or revoke licenses; (2) California Attorney General; (3) Local police for extortion/theft; (4) Better Business Bureau; (5) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if it was an interstate move.

Should I pay the inflated price to get my belongings?

This is a difficult decision. If your belongings include essentials (medications, work equipment, children's items), you may need to pay to get them back. If you do, pay by credit card (allows chargebacks), write "PAID UNDER PROTEST - DISPUTED AMOUNT" on any receipt, and immediately pursue refunds through CPUC complaints, credit card disputes, and demand letters. Getting your belongings doesn't waive your right to recover overcharges.

What is the 110% rule for California movers?

Under California Public Utilities Code 5164, for binding estimates, movers can only collect up to 110% of the estimated cost at the time of delivery. Any charges above 110% must be billed separately and paid within 30 days. If movers demand more than 110% before releasing your goods, they are violating California law. This rule protects consumers from bait-and-switch pricing.

Being Extorted by a Moving Company? Get Help Now.

For hostage situations, large overcharges, or unresponsive companies, I can help you recover your money and hold them accountable.

Contact: owner@terms.law

CAL Schedule a Consultation

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