“How do I know this moving company isn’t going to scam me?” is a question we hear a lot at Two Chicks Moving, especially from people who found a mover through a random online ad or a rock-bottom quote that seemed too good to pass up. Moving scams are a real problem nationwide — rogue operators take deposits and disappear, hold belongings hostage for extra cash, or show up in an unmarked truck with no insurance at all. As a mover in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, and Bonita Springs, here’s exactly how to check whether a moving company is legitimate before you hand over a deposit or a house key.
Q&A: How Do You Know If a Moving Company Is Legitimate?
The short answer: a legitimate mover can prove who they are, where they’re licensed, and how they’ve performed for other customers — and they’ll hand over that proof without hesitation. Here’s what to check.
- Verify their license before you book
Any company doing interstate moves must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and carry a USDOT number. You can look that number up for free on the FMCSA’s SAFER company snapshot database and confirm the operating status reads “Authorized.” Local, intrastate movers in Florida aren’t required to carry a USDOT number, but they should still be able to produce a state business license and proof of commercial auto and cargo insurance on request.
- Check for a real address and a real reputation
A legitimate mover has a physical business address you can find independently, not just a phone number and a P.O. box. They should also have a track record: a healthy volume of reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau, ideally with specific details rather than generic five-star praise. A company with zero online history, or one with a pattern of complaints about prices jumping after the truck is loaded, is a company to walk away from.
- Watch for the classic red flags
A few warning signs show up in almost every moving scam story: a quote given over the phone or online with no in-home or video walk-through, a demand for a large cash deposit before the move, a contract that shows up blank or unsigned, pricing based on cubic feet instead of weight or a flat hourly rate, and a company name that changes slightly from what you searched for. If a mover hesitates to answer questions about licensing or insurance, that hesitation is the answer.
- Get more than one written estimate
Comparing two or three written, itemized estimates is still the simplest scam filter there is — it shows you the going rate for your move and makes an unrealistically low bid obvious. Once you’ve picked a mover, insist on a written agreement that spells out the services, pricing structure, and delivery expectations before moving day, not a verbal promise made over the phone.
At Two Chicks Moving, our crews are full-time and background-checked, and we’re glad to walk any customer through our licensing and insurance before booking. You can see how our local moving services work, or head straight to a free, no-obligation quote once you’re ready to compare.
Local Area Guide: Waterside Shops in Naples Wraps Up a Big Summer Refresh
If you’re settling into Naples this year, there’s a fresh reason to make Waterside Shops your first stop: the upscale open-air mall at 5415 Tamiami Trail North just wrapped up a summer refresh that added six new stores and three new dining venues, according to The Naples Press. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood opened its doors on June 7, Christian Dior debuted a standalone boutique, and Peter Millar moved into the former White House Black Market space with its premium sportswear and golf apparel. The mall also kept things casual for shoppers, offering complimentary lemonade on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer.
More is on the way, too: Buck & Rider, the seafood concept known for its raw bar and open kitchen, is planned to open at Waterside Shops in early 2027, adding to what’s shaping up to be one of the busiest retail and dining stretches in Naples. It’s a good sign for anyone relocating to the area — a well-established shopping destination that keeps investing in new tenants rather than standing still. If you’re moving to Naples, take a look at our Naples movers page to see how we can help make the move itself one less thing to worry about.
