Top 5 Best Ways to Avoid Moving Company Scams 1) Locate and verify the moving company's operating license. All professional moving companies will be able to give you their U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) license and Motor Carrier number. 2) Find and verify addresses. Search the company's website for the address of their headquarters. If you can't find the address, ask for it and then search online to ensure it is a valid address. 3) Get an in-home estimate. In order to avoid 'low-ball pricing scams', be sure to get an in-home estimate. A mover must see the amount of items you need to move to give a reliable estimate. 4) Check references. Call the Better Business Bureau or the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) to check references. 5) Don't pay full amount up-front. Credible moving companies will not ask you to pay for the full moving costs up-front