Table of Contents

1. The Post-Pandemic Moving Landscape
2. The Numbers Don’t Lie: Moving Fraud is Rising
3. Common Scam Tactics You Need to Know
4. Red Flags That Should Make You Run
5. How to Verify a Legitimate Moving Company
6. What Sets Real Professionals Apart
7. Your Action Plan for a Safe Move

The Post-Pandemic Moving Landscape

The Toronto moving scene in 2025 looks nothing like it did five years ago. After COVID-19 shook up everything, we’ve seen an explosion of new “moving companies” pop up overnight: but here’s the catch: many of them aren’t actually movers at all.

These digital-first operations create slick websites, buy fake reviews by the dozen, and promise the world to unsuspecting customers. They’re essentially lead generators and marketing agencies masquerading as professional moving services. The real kicker? They often don’t even own a truck.

At CARGO CABBIE, we’ve been watching this trend unfold over our 15+ years in the business. What we’re seeing is a complete shift in how scammers operate: they’ve gotten smarter, more sophisticated, and unfortunately, more successful at fooling people.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Moving Fraud is Rising

According to DocShipper’s latest industry report, moving fraud cases have jumped a staggering 35% since 2024. The average victim loses around $2,800: money that’s often impossible to recover. But it’s not just about the cash; it’s about the stress, the ruined belongings, and the complete disruption to your life.

The Canadian Association of Movers has been tracking these trends, and the Better Business Bureau reports show a clear pattern: complaints spike during peak moving season (May through September) when people are desperate to find available movers.

For practical planning, check out our guides: 10 Tips for Hiring a Moving Company, 15 No-Nonsense Moving Tips from Toronto’s Top Moving Pro, and Tips for a Smooth Move Across Toronto. Decluttering before move day? Our Furniture Removal team can donate or dispose of items responsibly.

Here’s what makes 2025 different:

•  Scammers are using AI to create more convincing fake reviews
•  They’re targeting young professionals who research primarily online
•  Social media marketing makes it easier to appear legitimate
•  Lead generation networks make scams harder to trace

Common Scam Tactics You Need to Know

The Lowball Trap

This is the oldest trick in the book, but it still works. Scammers quote you 40-60% below market rate to get your signature. Once your stuff is on their truck (and you’re completely vulnerable), the price magically doubles or triples.

We’ve seen quotes jump from $800 to $4,000 between estimate and delivery. By then, your belongings are hostage, and you’re stuck.

The “No Final Price” Contract

Here’s a particularly nasty one: they get you to sign a contract that doesn’t specify a final price. The document literally says the final cost will be determined after loading. It’s like signing a blank check: and just as dangerous.

Digital-Only Operations

Many scam operations exist purely online. They’ll never meet you in person, won’t do proper estimates, and operate from virtual offices. When things go wrong, good luck finding them.

Bait-and-Switch Subcontracting

You hire Company A, but Company B shows up at your door. The original company has subcontracted your move to unknown operators who may not be insured, trained, or accountable to anyone. If you want a hands-off experience handled by vetted pros, consider our White Glove Service.

Red Flags That Should Make You Run

Knowing what to watch for can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of headaches. Here are the warning signs that should make you immediately look elsewhere:

Pricing Red Flags

•  Quotes significantly below competitors (40%+ difference)
•  Estimates given without seeing your belongings
•  Verbal quotes without written documentation
•  Demands for large cash deposits (50%+ upfront)
•  Estimates based on cubic feet instead of weight

Operational Red Flags

•  No local address or only P.O. Box listed
•  Generic email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.)
•  Aggressive sales tactics or high-pressure closing
•  Reluctance to provide references or credentials
•  No insurance documentation available

Online Red Flags

•  All 5-star reviews posted within a short timeframe
•  Generic, templated review language
•  Website created very recently
•  No real customer photos or testimonials

How to Verify a Legitimate Moving Company

Don’t just trust Google search results: scammers know how to game the system. Here’s your verification checklist:

Verification	What to Check	Why It Matters
Company is in CAM directory	Search mover at Canadian Association of Movers	Confirms legitimacy, not a fly-by-night operator
BBB rating and complaint history	Search company at Better Business Bureau	Exposes unresolved complaints, past issues
WSIB coverage and insurance documents provided	Request proof of insurance and WSIB	Protects you from liability and losses
Provincial business registration	Look up company in Ontario Corp Registry	Verifies legal existence, not just a website
Company provides local business address	Confirm physical address, not PO box	Indicates real location, not just digital front
Professional references available	Ask for recent customer contacts	Allows for direct feedback on service
Clear contract with final price	No blank fields, no “to be determined”	Prevents price gauging and contract traps
Licensed vehicles and branded trucks	Request truck/equipment photos	Shows professionalism, not random rentals
Crew is uniformed and trained	Ask about staff training and appearance	Indicates pride, accountability, and safety
Transparent process for issues/claims	Ask about claims process and problem handling	Ensures protection if something goes wrong

Trusted Sources for Verification

•  CARGO CABBIE CAM Member Profile
•  Canadian Association of Movers member directory
•  Better Business Bureau rating and complaint history
•  Provincial business registration databases
•  Worker Safety & Insurance Board coverage verification

What Sets Real Professionals Apart

After 15+ years in this business, we know what separates legitimate moving companies from the scammers. Real professionals don’t just move your stuff: they care about your experience and your peace of mind.

Transparency is Everything

Legitimate movers provide detailed, written estimates after thorough assessments. They explain their pricing structure, insurance coverage, and timeline clearly. No hidden fees, no surprise charges, no games.

At CARGO CABBIE, we believe honesty is the foundation of good business. We’ll tell you upfront what your move will cost, what’s included, and what isn’t. Period. If you’d rather skip the packing stress, our Packing Services can take care of it, and our Moving & Storage team can coordinate secure short-term storage when you need it.

Professional Standards

Real moving companies invest in proper equipment, trained staff, and comprehensive insurance. They have established business locations, proper licensing, and years of verifiable experience.

How They Handle Problems

Here’s the real test: how does a company respond when things go wrong? Read those one-star reviews carefully. Do they respond professionally? Do they take responsibility? Do they offer solutions?

A company’s character shows up most clearly when they’re dealing with challenges. That’s something you simply cannot fake.

Your Action Plan for a Safe Move

Ready to move with confidence? Follow this step-by-step plan:

Phase 1: Research (2-3 weeks before moving)

•  Get 3-4 detailed estimates from different companies (you can start with our Moving & Storage page)
•  Verify each company’s credentials and insurance
•  Read reviews from multiple sources, including negative ones
•  Contact references provided by your top choices

Phase 2: Compare and Decide (1-2 weeks before moving)

•  Compare written estimates line by line
•  Ask questions about anything unclear
•  Verify the final moving crew and equipment
•  Confirm insurance coverage details

Phase 3: Moving Day Preparation

•  Keep copies of all contracts and documentation
•  Document valuable items with photos and stock up on essentials from our Moving Supplies Store
•  Have contact information for company management
•  Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, speak up

 

The CARGO CABBIE Difference

We get it: choosing a moving company in 2025 feels risky. With so many scammers out there, how do you know who to trust?

At CARGO CABBIE, we’ve built our reputation one successful move at a time over 15+ years. We’re not a digital marketing agency pretending to be movers. We’re real people with real trucks, real insurance, and a real commitment to making your move as smooth as possible.

When you choose CARGO CABBIE, you’re choosing:

•  Transparent, honest pricing with no hidden fees
•  Comprehensive insurance coverage for your peace of mind
•  Experienced, trained professionals who care about your belongings
•  A company that stands behind our work and our reputation

Your move is more than just transporting boxes from Point A to Point B. It’s your stuff, your life, your fresh start. You deserve movers who understand that and treat it with the respect it deserves.

Ready to experience the difference that comes with choosing real professionals? Contact CARGO CABBIE today for your free, honest estimate. Because when it comes to your move, you shouldn’t have to choose between quality and affordability( you should get both.)