Toronto Police Service
News Release

Friday, March 19, 2010 - 10:06 AM
55 Division
416-808-5500

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of some moving companies defrauding customers.

It is reported that:

- some moving companies will quote a very low cost, then have the client sign a contract on the day of the move, which is usually not read by the client,

- they ask for a deposit up front, before any work has been done,

- as they are halfway through the job, they increase the cost of the job,

- if a client refuses to pay the increase, the company threatens to hold the client's property in storage or to unload their possessions into the street until the customer pays in full,

- the moving companies will advertise in local papers, free newspapers and on the internet.

Here are some tips to help you avoid being taken advantage of:

- when hiring a company, contact the Better Business Bureau and the Consumer Protection Branch to see if there is a complaint history for the company,

- use a moving company that has been used by friends or family or ask the company for verifiable references,

- limit the amount of any deposit that you provide to a moving company,

- beware of very low rates which are often too good to be true,

- ask for contracts prior to the date of the move,

- when presented with a contract, read it thoroughly, and don’t sign anything you disagree with or don’t understand,

- you have the right of refusal to the services of any moving company.

Check this Ontario government website for consumer protection information.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
Constable Tony Vella, Public Information, for Detective Kevin Hooper, 55 Division