Alertes récentes - le 9 août 2022

Breaking - Moving Scam Investigations

Here are just a few of the more recent headlines.  Click here for more information on these companies and the current police investigations into their practices.

Investigation 2 - Toronto Police 55 Division

July 1, 2022

• Toronto Police Service 55 Division: Man arrested in moving company scam in Cosburn Avenue & Pape Avenue area, Toronto.  This is a different operation than the operation arrested on June 24th.

Investigation 1 - Toronto Police 41 Division

On June 24, 2022, Toronto Police arrested two Toronto men in connection with a moving scam. The two men, Cemal Ozturk and Dogan Celik, were allegedly operating “several budget moving companies under different names”, including 12282569 Canada Inc., O’Canada Movers, Roadway Moving and Storage Inc., SafeBound Moving and Storage Inc., Canadian Principal Movers, All You Can Move, Right on Track Moving, New Vision Moving and Greenway Moving. 

All of these companies are known to CAM and are believed to be different identities of one company named Move Me Again (this is largely based on information provided by consumers).

July 4, 2022

• CTV News - Windsor: Police release list of suspected fraudulent company names in 'moving scam' Chatham-Kent police warned the public of a “moving scam” and how to not fall for it.

• Chatham-Kent Police Service: Fraud Alert – Moving Scam On May 13, 2022, and June 24, 2022, the Chatham-Kent Police Service received reports of two incidents of “moving scams.” In these incidents, individuals entered a contract with the moving company based out of Toronto, ON, and the agreement included a cost for the move. However, after the move had begun, the victims received communication from the company advising more money was required to complete the move or the belongings would not be delivered. The incidents relate to companies recently named by the Toronto Police.  Victims in the C-K area are asked to contact the non-emergency number 519-352-1234.

June 29, 2022

• Toronto Sun:: Woman arrested in alleged moving scam

• Global News:: Toronto woman arrested, charged in connection with moving scam: police

• CP24:: Police charge third suspect in Toronto moving scam

• CityNews:: 3rd suspect wanted in major Toronto moving scam investigation surrenders to police

• Toronto Police Service, 41 Division:: Two men arrested in a moving scam, Woman now also wanted, Amethyst Jones, 27, arrested On Tuesday, June 28, 2022, Amethyst Jones, 27, of Toronto, turned herself in to police. She is charged with: 22 counts of False Pretense; 22 counts of Fraud Over $5,000; 22 counts of Mischief Over $5,000; 22 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime; Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence. Police are in the process of sorting the victims' property for return to their owners.

 

WE ARE THE ONE! The Canadian Association of Movers is the only official national trade association representing moving and storage companies in Canada. We urge you to #KnowYourMover and do your research before hiring a moving company. Visit Enquiries About Movers for a simple list of companies that are not CAM members and about which consumers have contacted CAM.

Canadian Association of Movers urges you to #KnowYourMover and do your research before hiring a moving company.

 

• Moving Scams
• Alertes récentes
• Delays
• Moving Fraud
• Vérifiez les références d’un déménageur
• Utilisation frauduleuse du logo de l’ACD et/ou relation d’affaires sous-entendue avec l’ACD
• Détournements de marque
• Other Alerts

 

ALERTES : Moving Scams

Moving scams - what you need to know

Moving scams are on the rise in Canada and seniors are being targeted. Nancy Irvine, President of the Canadian Association of Movers talks with Toronto lawyer Rocco Scocco about the anatomy of the rise of these scams, how he got involved and is taking on these unlawful companies and what help is now available for victims as a result of his dogged determination. Here's a three-part interview, total length is 34.21 minutes.

• Part 1 – How the Scam Works
• Part 2 – How to Protect Yourself
• Part 3 – The Rise of the “Gas Station Bandit”

 

Seniors targeted in growing number of 'devastating' scams

Global News, March 25, 2022 - Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) and RCMP warn seniors of various scams that are targeted toward older Canadians - of which only 30% are being reported.

“This was the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life, literally, and it was a really costly mistake,” says Kathleen Finlay, who hired a moving company that advertised specifically for seniors to move all of their family’s belongings. After being satisfied with the initial estimated cost the company provided her, Finlay said she was severely overcharged and had her items held hostage.

Hear more of her story by clicking here.  Join CAM, Organize Anything, and CARP to learn more about Moving Seniors Safely Week from March 28-April 3 . Free webinars can be found here.

 

CBC Marketplace episode on Moving Scams!

CBC TVs Marketplace aired a story on moving scams on Friday, March 4th on CBC TV and CBC Gem. The episode featured Toronto lawyer Rocco Scocco (who has been instrumental at getting media and legal attention for moving scams) as well as CAM President Nancy Irvine. There are three different heartbreaking situations that CAM was asked to comment on. Marketplace is in its 49th season and has done two previous shows on moving scams in 2015 (watch video) and 2017 (watch video). These shows have been viewed over 10 million times combined.

Here's a link to the episode view the episode, as well as a link to a detailed article on the show and the scam that took place read the article.

 

ALERTES : Récentes

Better Business Bureau warns of moving scams. The Better Business Bureau is telling people to be aware of moving scams in this short news clip from the Newfoundland Herald (5 mai 2022). And here's more from the BBB and CAM: Global News Canadians warned to be aware of fly-by-night moving companies (10 mai 2022). Here's a warning for Airdronians (17 mai 2022).

April 26, 2022 - Stuck in California, this McGill student paid movers to ship his stuff home. 2 years later, it's still missing  Shippers, ASAP Moving and Transport and Canpar Express, say they can't find any trace of Randy Li's 21 boxes that contained thousands of dollars worth of valuable goods, even though each box had a unique tracking code. Here's the CBC Montreal News report.

April 21, 2022 - Disappointed Winnipeggers urge caution when hiring a moving company  Eight customers of Buff Moving and Storage say they scheduled the company to help them move, paid a deposit but received no services. Read the CBC News report here.

April 14, 2022 - Toronto resident feels scammed after paying nearly $1,000 to movers  A Toronto resident feels defrauded after her moving bill doubled during the moving process. The moving company, WeePack Movers, says the final invoice can sometimes be higher depending on the time and number of items involved. Police have been investigating a moving scam where a customer's belongings are held hostage in order to extort money. Check out the CityNews report here.

*update* March 3, 2022 - 'Lost the good memories': Calgary couple details 'horrible' experience with moving company  Understand your moving protection before you move!

December 17, 2021 - A couple who moved to Calgary from Regina in the summer lost everything after a Canada’s Leading Van Lines (CLVL) truck carrying their belongings caught fire during transport.  The couple claims the insurance company, Claimspro, was not cooperative and ultimately told them the moving company’s insurance wouldn’t cover the damage and loss and that they should file with their home insurance provider and still pay for their move upfront - even though the service didn't happen.   Read the CTV Calgary report here. Read the updated Nation World News article here.

December 6, 2021 - Toronto police issue warning of online moving scam  The Toronto Police Service has issued a warning over an online moving scam after multiple victims came forward reporting being asked to pay hundreds of dollars more.  Check out the CityNews report here.

October 8, 2021 -  Police would like to warn the public about concerns related to the hiring of companies to move you between properties.  
Since September 2021, there were five incidents in the Ajax/Pickering area in which police were called to a dispute between members of the public and employees of moving companies. In each instance, the citizen reported entering into a contact with a predetermined and written quoted price to complete the move of their possessions between properties. After their possessions were loaded on the moving truck the employees demanding additional funds to complete the move. The demand came with the threat to unload the truck where it was. In one case the citizen refused to pay the additional amount and their possessions were unloaded onto the parking lot of a gas station.

Consumers must always be vigilant when entering into a contract (may it be verbal or written). Ensure you fully understand the meaning of the contract wording and determine the true cost before signing. Moving residences is stressful enough.

The Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services provides consumer protection tips and file complainants at https://www.ontario.ca/page/hiring-mover

See the original press release here.

 

ALERTES : Consumers are facing delays and additional costs

Lockdowns, travel restrictions, mandatory isolation requirements, flooding and labour demands are causing delivery schedule changes (mostly delays), as well as unexpected temporary storage requirements - all of these can result in additional costs and changes in plans that consumers will have to bear, possibly without any notice.  CAM recommends that you keep an open dialogue with your mover throughout your relocation, and to get any anticipated changes to your costs in writing so you have a clear understanding of the impact of any federal, provincial or local restriction being imposed. 

Also, moving scams in Canada are on the rise as unscrupulous operators take advantage of consumers when they are vulnerable and stressed over their move.  They take advantage of COVID by saying that they can't come and look at your move because they aren't allowed in your home.  That simply isn't true - there are many options to verifying how much you are moving.   The result can be unbearable painful for you - doubling or tripling your price (because the shipment was much larger than they expected), holding your items hostage until you pay exorbitant fees, massive damage to your items that will not be repaired or replaced, and unfortunately, theft.  We encourage you to do research on the moving company you are choosing by contacting CAM (Find a Mover) to get a selection of movers in your area that have been vetted and are considered certified professional movers.  You can read more about moving scams in our consumer alert section of the website.

November 17, 2021 - BC floods and mudslides will cause delays (and potential increased costs) in moving.  Torrential rain that set off flooding and mudslides in Southern British Columbia have closed highways, trapped people in vehicles and forced the evacuation of some communities.  Large sections of highways and railway tracks near Vancouver have been damaged or destroyed, essentially cutting many areas off from the rest of Canada.
 
November 1, 2021 *update* - While the supply chain is stabilizing as COVID restrictions loosen worldwide allowing for greater flow of traffic and an increase in workers, consumers should continue to anticipate delays and increased costs on certain items and services as a result of the global supply chain challenges.  CAM urges you to get your quote in writing and keep communication lines open with your mover so you are aware of what is happening with your move.

July 22, 2021 *update*  While all below is still applies as we improve our vaccination rate and weave in and out of restrictions, the moving industry is under tremendous pressure this moving season with unprecedented demand, challenges with accessing moving materials (due to supply chain delays) and, like every industry in the world, labour shortages.  You may not be able to book a credible moving company on a specific date.  CAM recommends that you book your mover early and remain in contact with your chosen moving company on a regular basis so you can be apprised of any changes to your moving plan.

 

ALERTES : Moving Fraud

The moving industry in Canada has been unregulated since the mid-1980s and scam artists, disguised as legitimate moving companies, are taking advantage of people, especially students, new Canadians and seniors. It is believed that fewer than 10% of victims report fraud to the BBB, Consumer Protection or law enforcement.

If you are a consumer considering a move, do careful and extensive research to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate mover. After all, you are allowing someone you don’t know to drive away with almost everything you own. While the vast majority of movers care about reputation and customer service, not all do. Check out movers in advance with the BBB and find out if they are a member of the Canadian Association of Movers. If they aren’t on CAM’s member list, send an email to admin[at]mover.net or call CAM at 1-866-860-0065 to find out if CAM has any complaints against them.

Read about the many tricks deceptive movers use.

 

ALERTES : Vérifiez les références d’un déménageur

L’ACD exhorte fortement les consommateurs à faire preuve de diligence raisonnable avant d'embaucher un déménageur, tout comme ils le feraient avant d’acquérir tout autre service important. Ce n'est pas comme si vous alliez simplement acheter une paire de chaussures. Vous allez confier tous les biens personnels de votre vie à quelqu'un que vous ne connaissez probablement pas.

Pour éviter les problèmes de déménagement, l'ACD vous recommande de contacter le Better Business Bureau de votre localité (ou l’Office de protection du consommateur au Québec) ou de consulter le répertoire des membres de l'Association canadienne des déménageurs pour confirmer que votre déménageur est une entreprise de confiance et fiable.

Vous pouvez également consulter la liste de mise en garde des consommateurs du gouvernement de l'Ontario: Le ministère des Services gouvernementaux et des Services aux consommateurs.

 

ALERTES : Brand Misrepresentation

Utilisation frauduleuse du logo de l’ACD et/ou relation d’affaires sous-entendue avec l’ACD

Les entreprises suivantes ont sous-entendu une relation d’affaires avec l'Association canadienne des déménageurs, soit en affichant le logo CAM/ACD sur leurs sites Web, soit en suggérant qu'elles sont membres de l’ACD ou certifiées par l’ACD. Ces entreprises NE SONT PAS membres de l’ACD et nous vous recommandons de vérifier attentivement les plaintes et réclamations dont elles ont pu faire l’objet.

• En anglais seulement
• EBL Déménagement (Mirabel, QC)
• A number of companies in the Montreal area are fraudulently displaying the CAM logo on their websites and are NOT CAM members. Here are 2 of them: Montreal Movers Group and West Island Movers. Always verify the mover's credentials before hiring them.
• Niagara Moving & Storage Inc. (Niagara Falls, Ontario)
• Ali Movers (Toronto, ON)

 

*new* 10 août 2022 - Ezine The Daily Tribute has posted false information indicating that "High-Level Movers is a Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) member. This membership shows that they adhere to professional industry standards for moving services in Calgary."  This company is not a CAM member and the professionalism of their services is unknown to CAM.  We urge you to do your research and verify the identity and reputation of the mover before you hire them.

9 juin 2022 - Oskaloosa First Presbyterian posted false information indicating that "A-ZIP Movers...in London, Ontario...are accredited members of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM)". This company has not been accredited by CAM and is not a CAM member.  CAM confirms that AMJ Campbell Van Lines and Sprint Moving Service, both in London, ON and also mentioned in the article, are both certified moving companies and members of CAM.  We urge you to do your research and verify the identity and reputation of the mover before you hire them.

Détournements de marque

Les entreprises opérant de façon frauduleuse utilisent souvent des noms de marque réputés dans leurs affichages et annonces en ligne. Les consommateurs sont ainsi amenés à croire qu'ils ont embauché une entreprise de déménagement professionnelle, mais c’est une autre entreprise qui se présente le jour du déménagement, au moment où le consommateur n'a pas d'autre choix que de procéder au déménagement. L'expérience se termine généralement par la prise en otage des biens du consommateur afin d’en exiger plus d'argent, des retards de livraison et des pertes ou dommages aux biens personnels auxquels vous tenez tant.

Vérifiez toujours les affiliations déclarées d'un déménageur avant de procéder à son embauche.

Pour le moment, les alertes aux consommateurs sont en uniquement en anglais.

Read CAM's press release Canadian Association of Movers Warns Public about Brand Hijackings (PDF 24Jan2017). Here's an article out of the United States about this same problem (January 12, 2018).

May 24, 2022 - A company known as Stallion Packers & Movers, also as Fortune Packers & Movers, has been infringing on the identity of reputable CAM member Stallion Movers Inc. (Kitchener, ON). Neither Stallion Packers & Movers nor Fortune Packers & Movers are a certified professional mover member of the Canadian Association of Movers. CAM strongly urges consumers to verify the identity and reputation of the company they plan to engage before hiring them.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is a professional moving and storage company operating in Canada from Alberta to Nova Scotia with the exception of the province of Quebec. They are members in good standing with CAM. There are organizations that are piggy-backing on the solid reputation of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. Always verify the credentials of your mover before hiring them.

• Two Guys and a Truck operating in Edmonton, AB is falsely using the image of a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® truck in their promotion. Two Guys and a Truck is not the same company as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® which is a reputable CAM member. Always verify your prospective mover's credentials and affiliation. (April 30, 2021)
• CAM has been advised by a number or unsuspecting consumers that they inadvertently contracted with TWO MEN AND A MOVING TRUCK due to the similarity in names. This company is not associated with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® nor are they a member of the Canadian Association of Movers.
• Two Men Trucks Moving Company – Toronto, ON is not TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® which is a reputable CAM member. Please see the attached PDF.
• The images and logos of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® and other companies in the Halifax area have been hijacked by Smart Moves (aka Smart Movers & Packers) in their ads on Kijiji. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is a reputable CAM member and has no relationship with this other company.
• A local organization in the Hamilton/Halton, ON area is representing themselves as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® which is a reputable CAM member. Always verify the credentials of your mover before hiring them.
• An organization operating in the Toronto area is using the name of the reputable mover TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. The company in this ad is NOT CAM member TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.
• Another organization operating in the Toronto area is using an adaptation of the name of the reputable mover TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. The company in this image is NOT CAM member TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.

Phillips Family Moving & Delivery (Deer Park, NY) is NOT a CAM member. However, they are using an old logo of CAM member Phillips Moving & Storage (Toronto, ON), as well as falsely displaying affiliation with North American Van Lines. Phillips Moving & Storage (Toronto, ON) is a reputable and professional company and a long-standing CAM member. Always verify the credentials of your mover before hiring them.

 

Autres Alertes

Universal Moving & Storage Inc. of 506 Turnbridge Road in Mississauga ON L5B 3M3 has been providing fraudulent insurance paperwork to their clients stating that they are currently insured by McLean Hallmark Insurance Group Ltd. (now known as NFP Canada). NFP Canada confirms that Universal Moving & Storage is NOT insured by them. Consumers are urged to carefully check this company’s claims.

 

 

ALERTES : More Reading

April 27, 2021 - Winnipeg Free Press: New scam creates nightmares. CAM is seeing increased reports of illegitimate moving companies with shady practices. On national moving month this May, they and the Better Business Bureau want to help consumers stay safe as we kick off the busiest moving season of the year. One common scam involves companies low-balling customers with a price, only to jack it up once the customer’s belongings are already loaded.

April 9, 2021 - CAM Member Target of Fake Google Reviews: Nibia Movers, a reputable CAM member located in Calgary, AB, is being victimized by fake google reviews. Always check with the BBB and CAM to get accurate reputation information and to verify the credentials of your mover before hiring them.

March 26, 2021 - Identity Fraud: A local organization in the Bradford, ON area is representing themselves as Bradford Moving & Storage which is a reputable CAM member.  Always verify the credentials of your mover before hiring them.

March 8, 2021 - CBC News: Sudbury police investigating complaint about alleged scam involving movers. The Canadian Association of Movers says the pandemic has created an opening for disreputable moving companies to profit and the Sudbury police say they are investigating a complaint of a moving company allegedly holding a customer's shipment hostage for higher payments than estimated.

March 4, 2021 - The Sudbury Star: Sudbury police warn of moving company scams. "Whether you are moving across town or across province, choosing a mover should not be taken lightly, police said. Finding a trusted and reliable mover is even more important, however, during the current COVID-19 pandemic."

January 11, 2021 - Listowel Banner: Fraudulent moving company rips woman off for $500, leaves her stranded in Listowel. This consumer got scammed for $500 by Triple Star Movers Inc. and had to sleep in her pickup truck while keeping an eye on all her belongings at the side of the road.

January 4, 2021 - CBC Nova Scotia: These customers were promised shipping containers. Now they're out thousands of dollars. The two companies identified in the article are Box Containers LLC and BigMax Containers.