Here’s what usually happens. You go online to find a company that can move your car or motorcycle. You find one that looks legit and offers a great price — maybe even better than you expected. They ask for a small deposit, maybe a couple hundred bucks, and you send it through a digital wallet app like Cash App or something similar. They give you a pickup date, but when the day arrives, nobody shows up. You try reaching out to them, but they’re suddenly impossible to contact. It’s only then you realize the company isn’t real, and the money you sent? Gone.
In some cases, it gets worse. The company actually picks up the vehicle and promises to deliver it. But then, out of nowhere, they say there’s an issue with the payment even if you already paid and demand more money. If you refuse, they hold your vehicle hostage, saying it’s in a storage unit and won’t be released unless you pay hundreds more. One person reported that they were asked for $900 just to get their motorcycle back, even after paying through PayPal. When they refused to send more money, the scammers threatened storage fees, and to this day, the vehicle is still missing.
So, what can you do to avoid falling into a trap like this? First off, don’t rush. Take your time to look into the company. Don’t rely only on what their website says check for real reviews, see if they’ve got complaints, and try to find them on trusted platforms like BBB.org. If a deal looks too cheap compared to others, it’s probably not a deal it’s a warning sign.
Also, be careful about how you pay. Try to avoid using payment apps or wire transfers, especially with companies you’ve never used before. Credit cards are generally safer since they give you a chance to dispute the charge if something goes wrong. And remember if something feels off, it probably is.
Moving is already stressful enough. The last thing you need is to lose money or your vehicle to a scam. A little caution now can save you a major headache later.
Additional Reference Link : https://www.movebuddha.com/blog/car-shipping-scams
