Relocating your home or office can already be stressful. The last thing you need is to fall victim to a moving scam, where unlicensed or dishonest movers take advantage of unsuspecting customers. Unfortunately, these scams are more common than most people think — ranging from inflated fees to stolen belongings or even complete ghosting after a deposit is paid.
At Parramatta Removals, we’ve served over 8,050 happy customers across Google, Product Review, Trustpilot and Facebook combined — and sadly, we’ve heard many horror stories from people who came to us after being scammed elsewhere.
Listen First: Quick Podcast Summary of This Blog
Here’s your guide to spotting the top red flags of a moving scam, so you can avoid a nightmare move and choose a professional, reliable removalist.
Trusted Removalists Packing for a Smooth Move
🚩 1. No Physical Address or Office Location
Legitimate movers will have a registered business address and often a local depot or office you can visit or verify online. Scam movers frequently operate under vague addresses or none at all. If you can’t find their actual location or they avoid giving one, that’s a major red flag.
✅ What to do: Always search the business name + “ABN lookup” or “NSW Fair Trading” to verify legitimacy.
🚩 2. Cash-Only or Large Upfront Deposits
Reputable movers may ask for a small deposit to secure your booking, especially during peak periods — but if someone asks for full payment or a large deposit in cash upfront, run.
Scam movers often collect your money and then:
Disappear completely
Fail to show up
Hold your belongings hostage for more money
✅ What to do: Use a traceable payment method (card or bank transfer), and never pay in full until your belongings are delivered.
🚩 3. No Written Contract or Agreement
If the mover refuses to provide a written quote, contract, or service agreement, you have no legal protection. Contracts protect both sides — and scammers avoid them for that very reason.
✅ What to do: Insist on a written quote and clear terms outlining scope of services, pricing, insurance, and responsibilities.
🚩 4. No Branding or Unmarked Trucks
Scam movers typically operate with unbranded rental trucks and no uniforms, making it easier for them to vanish. If they show up in a van with no business name, logo, or paperwork — you’re taking a big risk.
✅ What to do: Reputable movers like Parramatta Removals always use branded vehicles, uniforms, and ID-tagged team members.
🚩 5. Unrealistically Low Prices
Everyone loves a good deal, but if a quote is suspiciously cheap, there’s probably a catch. Scammers often bait customers with lowball estimates and then:
Add “surprise” fees on moving day
Charge by the hour with slow service
Demand extra cash mid-move
✅ What to do: Compare at least 3 quotes and check what’s included. Watch for vague “from” pricing with no breakdown.
🚩 6. No Insurance or License
A major red flag is when a company doesn’t carry Transit Insurance, Public Liability, or Workers’ Compensation. If your belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen — you have no coverage.
✅ What to do: Ask to see insurance certificates. Parramatta Removals provides full cover as standard.
🚩 7. Poor or Fake Reviews
Scammers might have no reviews, bad reviews, or suspiciously fake ones (overly positive, no profile pictures, vague details). Genuine businesses will have real, verifiable reviews across multiple platforms.
✅ What to do: Check Google, Trustpilot, and Product Review. Parramatta Removals proudly displays 8,050+ verified reviews.
🚩 8. Rude, Evasive or Pushy Communication
If the mover is:
Hard to reach
Gives unclear answers
Avoids your questions
Pushes you to book “now or lose the spot”
That’s a classic scam tactic — applying pressure while providing no clarity.
✅ What to do: Trust your instincts. A reliable mover will take time to explain everything clearly and professionally.
🚩 9. Name Switch or Multiple Business Names
Some moving scams involve changing the business name frequently to outrun bad reviews or complaints. If you see multiple names linked to the same ABN or the phone number leads to another company — that’s a concern.
✅ What to do: Look up the company on ASIC or the ABN Register. Consistency matters.
🚩 10. No Pre-Move Assessment or Inventory
A trusted Removalist will ask you:
What you’re moving
The access at each property
Any heavy or fragile items
Scam movers often quote without asking anything — then later inflate the price based on “unseen” items or access issues.
✅ What to do: Expect a basic checklist or pre-move form. At Parramatta Removals, we offer free virtual or on-site assessments.
🚩 11. No Cancellation or Refund Policy
Shady movers rarely offer a transparent cancellation or refund policy. If your plans change, they may keep your deposit without delivering any service.
✅ What to do: Ask about cancellations in writing before booking.
🚩 12. They Don’t Ask Questions
If a mover is willing to book a job without asking:
How many rooms/items you have
Whether there’s stairs, elevators, or driveway access
Any timing requirements
…then they’re either careless or a scam.
✅ What to do: Choose a mover who asks you smart questions — because they’re planning to do the job right.
🛡️ How Parramatta Removals Keeps You Safe
✅ Fully Licensed & Insured
✅ Transparent Quotes – No Hidden Fees
✅ 8,050+ 5-Star Reviews Across 4 Platforms
✅ Dedicated Move Coordinators
✅ Local Expertise Since 2005
✅ Up to 30% OFF All Packages This Month
Our team is trained, uniformed, and shows up in branded vehicles. Every move is covered by insurance and handled by professionals who respect your time, space, and belongings.
FAQs: Why Choose Parramatta Removals
Trusted by 8,050+ Customers | Rated 5 Stars | Serving Sydney with Stress-Free Moves Since 2005
❓1. What makes Parramatta Removals different from other movers in Sydney?
A: We’ve built a 15+ year reputation on reliability, customer satisfaction, and transparent service. Our “No Mess, No Stress” guarantee means every move is carefully planned, insured, and delivered by trained professionals. We don’t cut corners — we create seamless relocations that protect your belongings and your peace of mind.
❓2. Are you a licensed and insured removalist company?
A: Yes — we are fully licensed and insured. Every move is covered by Transit Insurance, Public Liability Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation. Unlike some unregistered movers, we offer complete protection at no extra cost to you.
❓3. How do I avoid being scammed by dodgy removalists?
A: Always watch for red flags: cash-only requests, no written quote, unbranded trucks, or no ABN listing. At Parramatta Removals, we offer clear documentation, branded trucks, a physical office, and 8,050+ genuine reviews across Google, Facebook, Product Review, and Trustpilot.
❓4. Can I get a written quote before the move?
A: Absolutely. We offer free written quotes with no hidden fees. Each quote is tailored to your move — including access, item list, travel time, and any packing or disassembly services needed.
❓5. How do I know your customer reviews are real?
A: Our reviews are publicly verified across multiple platforms. You’ll find consistent 5-star feedback from real people on Google, Trustpilot, Product Review, and Facebook. We proudly display over 8,050 reviews that reflect our commitment to stress-free service.
❓6. What’s included in your moving service?
A: Our packages include:
✔ Professional, trained movers
✔ Fully equipped branded trucks
✔ Protective wraps, blankets, and tools
✔ Assembly/disassembly (if requested)
✔ Insurance
✔ Transparent communication from booking to delivery
We also offer optional packing, unpacking, and storage solutions.
❓7. Do you charge any hidden fees?
A: Never. Our quotes are transparent and upfront. We don’t charge for stairs, fuel, or heavy items unless discussed in advance. You’ll know exactly what to expect — no surprises on moving day.
❓8. Do you perform pre-move assessments?
A: Yes. We offer virtual or on-site assessments to make sure we understand the access, inventory, and any special needs in advance. This lets us plan properly and ensures no last-minute price hikes.
❓9. What areas do you service?
A: We’re based in Parramatta and serve the entire Sydney region — including Western Sydney, Inner West, North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, and beyond. We also offer interstate relocations to and from Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and regional NSW.
❓10. What if I need to cancel or reschedule my move?
A: Life happens! We offer a flexible and fair cancellation policy, which we’ll share with you before you book. Just give us reasonable notice, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your new schedule — no penalties or stress.
❓11. Will I be dealing with the same team throughout the move?
A: Yes. From the moment you book, you’ll be assigned a dedicated Move Coordinator who will manage your move from start to finish. You’ll always know who to speak to and what’s next.
❓12. Why do people keep coming back to Parramatta Removals?
A: Our returning customers say it best:
✅ “Smooth, stress-free service from start to finish”
✅ “Polite, punctual, and professional movers”
✅ “Affordable but premium quality”
✅ “No damages, no drama, just a great move”
With our VIP Loyalty Program (worth $175) and up to 30% OFF all packages, there’s no reason to look elsewhere.
🛡️ Trust Built on Experience, Reviews & Service
Whether it’s your first move or your fifth, Parramatta Removals is your safe, smart and professional choice in Sydney.
A moving scam can cost you more than money — it can cost you time, peace of mind, and irreplaceable belongings. By staying alert to these red flags and doing basic checks, you can save yourself from a major headache.
Need a mover you can trust?
With over 15 years of experience and thousands of 5-star reviews, Parramatta Removals is the safe choice for your next move.
📞 Call us today on 1300 727 115 or
💬 Request a free quote online — and move the right way with professionals.
