Moving season is just ahead of us, and that means rogue moving companies are getting ready to try to get your business. Most people don't make a big family move until school is out, but right now is the time to start thinking about the moving company you'll hire.
Atlanta has a big problem with rogue moving companies. The city is ranked in the top 10, so it's up to the consumer to do homework before you hand over all of your worldly possessions to complete strangers.
A business that called itself Real Movers is classic rogue mover. State and federal regulators logged so many complaints against the company it was considered rogue. One family reported to the BBB that Real Movers gave them one estimate, but once they had their belongings on a truck out of state, the price changed.
"We feel like we've been tricked and manipulated by these people, and it's really frustrating.," said Lindsey Wolny in an interview in 2011.
Anne Ferro runs the Federal Motor Carrier Administration -- the regulators for interstate movers. At the industry's annual meeting, she said her number one rogue carrier red flag is when they refuse to make a house call for your moving estimate.
"We can do this over the phone. We don't have to come out to your home. Make them come to your home. You're going to need to pay a deposit. No, don't do it," said Ferro.
She says they offer a low estimate, get a deposit, pick up your things then the price escalates.
So what can you do? Do your homework. The Better Business Bureau tracks the industry. Also, you can call the Georgia Department of Public Safety for a guide to licensed movers.
And now you can look for a "ProMovers" seal for those who earn it.
"The industry realized because of the Internet rogues that we need to, as an industry, to give the consumer some reliable starting point when they shop for a mover," said John Bisney of the American Moving and Storage Association.
Homework up front is better than dealing with this kind of customer service when you are desperate to get back your belongings. It pays to get estimates, at least three of them. If one of them is much lower than the others, be suspicious. Below is a list of resources to help you plan your move:
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:42:27 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:56:24 GMT
Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap.
Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap. If you have more than one child who needs braces, you have quite an expense on your hands—but FOX 5 I-Team reporter Dana Fowle found some ways to make it a little more manageable.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:44:05 GMT
Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
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Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:34 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:34:51 GMT
Married to Medicine is the hottest new thing on Bravo, and the reality series is based right here in Atlanta!
Married to Medicine is the hottest new thing on Bravo, and the reality series is based right here in Atlanta! Mariah HuQ, who is both a star and producer of the show, joined Good Day live to tell us all about the first season, and give us a preview of the upcoming reunion show.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:27:50 GMT
Memorial Day is almost upon us, and you can almost hear the grills firing up already!
Memorial Day is almost upon us, and you can almost hear the grills firing up already! But before you get ready to host that big holiday weekend cookout, the grilling pros at The Cook's Warehouse has some advice for those who need it-- like Good Day's Paul Milliken.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:44 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:44:55 GMT
It's graduation season AND it's also #ThrowbackThursday, so what better time to go back to the archives? Today's victim: the one and only Buck Lanford.
It's graduation season AND it's also #ThrowbackThursday, so what better time to go back to the archives? Today's victim: the one and only Buck Lanford. He agreed to take us back to his senior year at South Gwinnett High School-- and somebody had a WHOLE LOT of hair!
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:31:33 GMT
You've probably been to a yard sale or two in your life, and you might have found some great deals. But would you know how to get the most out of your own yard sale?
You've probably been to a yard sale or two in your life, and you might have found some great deals. But would you know how to get the most out of your own yard sale? Good Day's Tacoma Perry talked to an expert who shared some great tips for how to make your yard sale a huge hit.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:27:37 GMT
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:37:15 GMT
You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person.
You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person. But Paul turned up the heat when he enlisted the help of two actresses from the new movie Operation Heat to play a little prank on his unsuspecting coworkers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:30 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:30:53 GMT
Does your summer road trip include mouth-watering stops at mom-and-pop eateries? Ours does, and it'll be even better with the help of a new Southern Living book!
Off the Eaten Path: Second Helpings is dedicated to finding the best meals in the south-- and it features some great restaurants right here in north Georgia. Good Day's Paul Milliken checked out two of those gems-- The Hil in Serenbe, and Weaver D's in Athens! As usual, he didn't leave hungry.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:17:14 GMT
The new season of Masterchef features a local contestant from the metro area! Jessie Lysiak is from Social Circle, and she's about to make her big debut on the hit FOX show.
The new season of Masterchef features a local contestant from the metro area! Jessie Lysiak is from Social Circle, and she's about to make her big debut on the hit FOX show. But first, she stopped by Good Day to cook us up one of her favorite recipes.
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