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Hiring Packers and Movers: How to Avoid Hidden Charges and Scams

Get written quotes from 3 to 5 movers after a survey of your home, avoid paying the full amount before the move, and be wary of a quote far below the rest. The most common complaints are hidden charges, damaged goods and movers holding goods back until you pay more.

Common problems

  • Hidden or extra charges added to the quote
  • Goods damaged, lost or stolen
  • Services promised but not delivered
  • Goods held back until you pay more than agreed
  • Late delivery
[1]

How to compare movers

  • Get quotes from 3 to 5 movers and ask each for a survey of your home.
  • Check each quote for charges left out, such as packing material, loading, floors without a lift or GST.
  • Be wary of a quote much lower than the others.
  • Check the company's address, registration and reviews.
  • Pay a small advance, not the full amount, before the move.
[1]

Keep a record

Keep the quote, the contract, the inventory list, any insurance papers and the bills, and take photos of your goods before packing and after delivery. You will need them for any claim or complaint. [1]

Where to complain

  • National Consumer Helpline: call 1915, or use WhatsApp, SMS, the NCH app, the website or the Umang app, in 17 languages.
  • Consumer commission: cases can be filed online through e-Daakhil.
  • Online payment fraud, such as a fake mover taking an advance: call 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in as soon as possible.
[2]

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Questions

How many quotes should I get from packers and movers?

Get 3 to 5 written quotes, each after a survey of your home.

Should I pay packers and movers in advance?

Pay a small advance, not the full amount, before the move.

Where can I complain about packers and movers?

Call the National Consumer Helpline on 1915, or file a case with the consumer commission through e-Daakhil. For online payment fraud, call 1930.

Sources

  1. How to take legal action against fraud packers and movers, iPleaders
  2. Lok Sabha answer on the National Consumer Helpline and e-Daakhil, Department of Consumer Affairs (2024)
  3. Lok Sabha answer on helpline 1930 and the cyber crime reporting portal, Ministry of Home Affairs (Feb 6, 2024)

This guide is general information, not legal advice. It summarizes the sources above, which were last checked on October 23, 2026. Talk to a lawyer or the National Consumer Helpline about your own situation.

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