To avoid moving scams in Houston: verify TXDMV license at txdmv.gov/movers, demand a written flat-rate quote (not a phone estimate), never pay 100% upfront, never accept a vague ‘cash-only’ policy. Classic Houston scams include bait-and-switch pricing, mover’s-lien threats, and ‘held hostage’ furniture. Report scams to TXDMV Consumer Protection and the Texas Attorney General.

• 1. No TXDMV license number. Hard-stop deal-breaker. Every legit Texas mover has one. Ask for it before any other conversation.
• 2. Only gives a verbal quote — won’t put it in writing. If they won’t email a written quote, they plan to change the price.
• 3. Quote is dramatically lower than competitors. If three movers quote $500–$700 and one quotes $250, that one is scamming. Math doesn’t support it.
• 4. Demands large deposit upfront (more than 25%). Legit movers bill at completion. Deposits of 50%+ are a scam pattern.
• 5. Cash or wire only, no credit cards. Credit cards give you dispute rights. Scammers avoid them.
• 6. Uses a rental truck with no company branding. Legit movers have their own trucks with DOT numbers visible. A U-Haul with three strangers is not a moving company.
• 7. Vague business address, no website, no reviews. If they don’t show up when you Google the company, there’s nothing there.
• 8. Pressures you to sign blank paperwork. Bill of lading or estimate forms should never be blank. That’s how the price inflates on move day.
• 9. “Mover’s lien” language on phone or in writing. Texas law does allow a genuine mover’s lien, but scammers misuse this term to threaten. Red flag any time it’s said as pressure.

• 1. Written flat-rate quote. Email or PDF. Must include: company legal name, TXDMV number, total price, inclusions (truck, crew, stairs, drive time), exclusions (packing if separate), date, signature.
• 2. No-change guarantee. If it’s a flat-rate, the quote should state “final price — no adjustments on move day.” That’s our model.
• 3. Clear deposit / payment terms. Ideally no deposit. If there is one, cap at 25% and by credit card (not Venmo).
• 4. Cancellation policy. What happens if you cancel 48 hours out? 24 hours? Same day? Get this in writing.
• 5. Damage and insurance coverage. What’s covered if they break something? Basic coverage ($0.60/lb under Texas law) is automatic, but ask if full replacement coverage is available.

Already paid a scam mover? It’s not hopeless. Steps in order:

1. Dispute the charge immediately. Call your credit card company. Describe the scam (bait-and-switch, unauthorized charges). Card companies often reverse within 30 days.
2. File a TXDMV complaint. Go to txdmv.gov/complaints. Include all paperwork, photos, communications. TXDMV can revoke licenses and impose penalties.
3. File with Texas Attorney General. texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection. Consumer Protection division handles deceptive trade practices.
4. Better Business Bureau complaint. Won’t force restitution but affects the company’s public rating.
5. Google / Yelp reviews. Honest, factual account. Warns the next victim. Many scam companies get shut down by review cascade.
6. Small claims court. Texas small claims caps at $20,000. For most moves, that covers everything + treble damages if deception is proven.
7. Police report if your stuff was stolen. Hostaged furniture + cash extortion is a criminal matter. Houston Police Department, non-emergency line.