Within the past couple of years, there has been a exponential growth in the number of complaints regarding moving fraud, especifically with regard to interstate moving companies. Many customers have been swindled out of large sums of money and been left with all of their belongings. One basic tenet of the consumer world is "If it sounds too good to be true, then it most probably is".

Other than that generic statement regarding consumer safety, there are a number of warning signs that you as a potential customer for a moving company should be looking out for.

* The moving company refuses to give you an on-site estimate, and will only communicate via phone or email.

* The moving company assures you that ALL of the items that you are moving are covered by their insurance.

* You see their company listed on movingscam.com.

* You are unable to trace the moving company's history. This generally means that the moving company has changed its name frequently.

* The company's website does not offer a local business address

* The company refuses to accept credit cards. They perform their business on a cash-basis only, which means that they are not paying taxes. It doesn't necessarily mean that the company is fraudulent, but that plus other warning signs make a pretty compelling case that you should stay away. These moving companies will often require a large cash deposit as well.

* On moving day, if the moving truck arrives at all, it is generic and not branded with a company logo.

* When you ask the moving company representative or customer service representative questions about their services, they are over-helpful and eager.

* By federal law, moving companies are required to supply their clients with a copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move", which is a small book explaining exactly that. If your moving company does not provide you with the booklet, that should be a red flag to you.

The vast majority of victims of moving scams never take action against the companies, never get their money back, and are stuck hiring a moving company that will be more expensive because of the short notice. Doing your homework beforehand can decrease the chance of you becoming part of the increasing number of moving fraud casualties.