This week, federal officials revealed their latest efforts in combating fraudulent moving companies, which led to over 60 enforcement actions. Some movers may face the consequence of losing their licenses, although this measure, as discovered by Newsweek, frequently proves ineffective in shutting down these businesses.
Launched in April, Operation: Protect Your Move concentrated investigators’ attention on companies receiving the highest number of complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Many consumers accused these companies of holding their belongings “hostage” in return for steep fees, a troubling trend that garnered 3,644 complaints in 2022 alone.
The operation’s announcement followed a request from Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, urging Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to take stronger action against moving company scams. Blumenthal’s letter was prompted, in part, by a February investigation by Newsweek, revealing the challenges faced by DOT officials in combating the escalating issue of fraudulent movers, especially without the authority from Congress to make arrests or impose fines for moving company violations.
According to the release announcing the operation’s outcomes, investigators from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducted over 100 investigations across 16 states during the three-week operation period. However, the release did not offer specifics regarding the 60 enforcement actions taken.
FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson emphasized the agency’s commitment to safeguarding consumers during interstate household goods transportation, stating, “FMCSA takes very seriously its responsibility to help protect consumers when moving their household goods across state lines.” She underscored the importance of collaboration with federal and state partners to maximize effectiveness in combating scam movers.
Although the release highlighted FMCSA’s collaboration with state attorneys general to pursue civil fines against moving companies, it did not mention any new criminal investigations, which fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Newsweek’s investigation revealed that despite thousands of complaints annually, DOT investigations have resulted in only 13 criminal cases and six civil cases against fraudulent moving companies since January 1, 2017.
