Every year, thousands of families in India lose money, time and belongings to fake packers and movers. The pattern is almost always the same: a very low quote online, a friendly call, an advance payment, and then either no truck at all or a truck that holds your goods hostage for extra money halfway to the destination.
The good news is that fraudulent movers leave clear warning signs. This guide walks you through the 10 biggest red flags, simple checks you can do in 15 minutes, and what to do if something goes wrong, so you can hire a moving company with confidence.
Why Fake Packers and Movers Are So Common
Setting up a moving “company” online costs almost nothing. A fraud operator only needs a website that copies a well-known brand name, a few paid ads and a phone number. Because most people move only a few times in their life, they don’t know what a fair price or a proper process looks like, which is exactly what these operators rely on.
10 Red Flags of Fake Packers and Movers
1. The quote is far below everyone else
If three companies quote between ₹18,000 and ₹22,000 for your 2BHK and one quotes ₹8,000, that is not a bargain. It is usually a hook, and the real bill appears once your goods are already loaded. Our packers and movers charges guide shows what realistic pricing looks like.
2. No physical survey or video survey
A genuine mover needs to see what you are shifting before giving a firm price. A company that quotes a fixed amount over a two-minute call, without asking about furniture, appliances, floors or lift access, is guessing, or planning to change the price later.
3. They ask for a large advance
A small booking amount is normal. Being asked for 50% or more upfront, especially to a personal UPI ID or a bank account in an individual’s name, is a major warning sign. Pay only to an account in the company’s registered business name.
4. No proper office address
Check that the address on the website is a real, visitable office or warehouse, not just a locality name. Look it up on Google Maps and Street View. Fraudsters often list only a mobile number, or an address that turns out to be a residential building or an empty plot.
5. The name copies a famous brand
Many fake companies use names that differ from established brands by a single letter or word, or add “India”, “Logistics” or “Relocation” to a known name. Always compare the website domain, GSTIN and phone numbers with the brand’s official website.
6. No GST number or a GST number that doesn’t match
A registered moving company should show a GSTIN on its quotation and bill. You can verify any GSTIN for free on the official GST portal (Search Taxpayer). If the legal name on the portal doesn’t match the company you are dealing with, walk away.
7. No written quotation or vague terms
Insist on a written, itemised quotation that lists packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking, insurance and taxes separately. Vague lines like “all-inclusive charges” or “as per actual” leave room for surprise add-ons later.
8. No proper consignment note (LR/bilty)
On moving day, a genuine mover gives you a consignment note (also called a lorry receipt, LR or bilty) with a serial number, the company’s details, the vehicle number, and the pickup and delivery addresses. This document is your proof that your goods were handed over. Never let a truck leave without it.
9. Insurance is “included” but never explained
Transit insurance should come with a clear declared value for your goods and written terms on how to claim. If the company can’t tell you who the insurer is or how claims are settled, the “insurance” may not exist.
10. Pressure and urgency
“Only one truck left this week”, “price valid for one hour only”, “pay now to lock the slot” — pressure tactics are designed to stop you from comparing options. A reliable mover will give you time to decide.
A 15-Minute Checklist Before You Book
- Get at least three written quotes after a physical or video survey.
- Verify the GSTIN on the GST portal and match the legal name.
- Check the office address on Google Maps and read recent reviews, including negative ones.
- Confirm the company’s official website and phone number, and ignore look-alike ads.
- Ask for sample documents: quotation, consignment note (LR) and insurance terms.
- Pay only a small advance, and only to an account in the company’s name.
- Save every conversation, quote and payment receipt.
For a full timeline of what to do in the days before shifting, see our moving checklist for the last 2 weeks.
What to Check on Moving Day
- The crew arrives in the company’s branded vehicle, or the vehicle number matches what you were told.
- You receive an itemised inventory list and a signed consignment note before loading finishes.
- Fragile items are packed with multi-layer materials. Our guide on how to pack fragile items shows what good packing looks like.
- You have the driver’s and supervisor’s phone numbers, and the expected delivery date in writing.
- Take photos of expensive items and their condition before they are packed.
What to Do If You’ve Been Cheated
If a mover demands extra money before unloading, stops responding, or doesn’t deliver your goods, act quickly:
- Don’t pay any unplanned amount under pressure. Ask for the demand in writing.
- Keep the consignment note, quotation, chats and payment proofs safe.
- Register a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline (dial 1915 or use the NCH website/app).
- File a police complaint, sharing the vehicle number and phone numbers you have.
- If you paid by card or UPI, report the transaction to your bank immediately.
How North South Packers & Movers Keeps Your Move Transparent
At North South Packers & Movers, every move starts with a free survey and a written, itemised quotation — no hidden charges. You get a proper consignment note, transit insurance with clear terms, and trained, background-verified crews who handle packing and unpacking end to end. Whether you need household shifting within the city or long-distance moving to another state, you’ll know the price and the process before we start.
Planning a move? Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if packers and movers are genuine?
Verify their GSTIN on the GST portal, visit or map-check their office address, read recent reviews, compare the website and phone number with official listings, and insist on a written quotation and consignment note.
How much advance should I pay packers and movers?
Keep the booking advance small, and pay the balance in stages as agreed in writing. Avoid paying most of the amount before your goods are loaded, and never pay to a personal account.
What is a consignment note (LR) in shifting?
A consignment note, also called a lorry receipt, LR or bilty, is the document a mover issues when they take charge of your goods. It records the company, vehicle, addresses and goods, and is essential for tracking and insurance claims.
Where can I complain about fraud packers and movers?
You can register a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline (1915), file a police complaint, and approach the consumer commission if needed. Keep all quotes, receipts and chats as evidence.