Moving in Montreal? Here’s How to Avoid Scam Movers
Moving can be stressful enough without worrying about shady moving companies trying to take advantage of you. Unfortunately, in cities like Montreal, Laval, and the Greater Quebec area, scam movers are becoming more common.
These fake moving companies often lure people in with too-good-to-be-true prices, no contracts, and promises they never intend to keep. The result? Lost money, damaged goods, or worse — your belongings being held hostage until you pay extra fees.
To help you avoid this nightmare, we’ve put together 7+ proven tips to spot and avoid scam movers — and ensure your next move is smooth, safe, and stress-free.
1. Pay Attention to Phone Etiquette
The first red flag often comes from the first phone call.
Legitimate moving companies have trained staff to answer calls, explain services, and ask detailed questions about your move. If you call and feel like you’re speaking directly to a “muscle guy” instead of a customer service representative, be careful.
Pro Tip:
Ask specific questions like:
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Where is your office located?
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Are you registered with the Registre des entreprises du Québec?
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Do you have insurance and what does it cover?
If the answers are vague or defensive, move on.
2. Check Their Web Presence
In today’s world, any reputable mover will have a professional online presence.
While having a website doesn’t automatically make a company legit, how that website is built tells you a lot.
Look for:
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A real business address (verify with Google Street View)
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Photos of real staff and trucks, not just stock images
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Consistent branding and clear service descriptions
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Links to social media with active posts and customer interaction
If the website is bare, poorly made, or constantly changing names and logos — that’s a big red flag.
3. Read Reviews (But Watch for Fakes)
No moving company can please everyone 100% of the time, but they should have mostly positive, detailed reviews.
Look on:
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Google Business Profile
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Facebook Pages
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Yelp
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Moving review sites
Fake review warning signs:
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Multiple short, vague reviews in a short period
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Overly perfect language
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No mention of specific details about the move
4. Verify Business Registration
In Quebec, all legitimate moving companies must be registered with the Registre des entreprises du Québec (REQ).
You can check here:
https://www.registreentreprises.gouv.qc.ca/en/
A registered business will show:
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Official company name
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Registration date
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Address
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Owner’s name
If your mover isn’t listed — run.
5. Be Wary of “Cash-Only” Movers
Scammers prefer cash because it’s untraceable.
Legitimate movers offer multiple payment methods:
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Credit or debit
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E-transfers
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Company checks
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POS machine payments
If they insist on cash and refuse any form of receipt, it’s a clear sign to stay away.
6. Read the Contract Carefully
Scam movers often have hidden fees buried in their contracts.
Watch for things like:
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Huge deposits
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Charges per flight of stairs
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Weight-based surprise fees
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Vague delivery timelines
If they refuse to give you a written estimate or contract, don’t book them.
7. Avoid Suspiciously Low Prices
If a mover quotes you $50 for a full move, that’s a scam waiting to happen.
Professional movers in Montreal have trucks, equipment, staff, and insurance to pay for — prices will reflect that.
A low quote might mean:
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No insurance
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Poor handling of your belongings
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Surprise extra fees later
Bonus Tip: Choose Certified or Authorized Movers
For extra security, choose movers who are:
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Fournisseurs autorisés de l’IVAC (Indemnisation des victimes d’actes criminels)
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Fournisseurs CAVAC (Centre d’Aide aux Victimes d’Actes Criminels)
These designations mean the company has been vetted for professionalism, confidentiality, and service quality.
Why Choosing the Right Mover Matters in Montreal
Montreal’s moving season, especially around July 1st (Moving Day), is incredibly busy. Scam movers take advantage of this by:
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Offering last-minute availability
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Using unmarked trucks
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Demanding cash on the spot
Booking early with a trusted, registered moving company saves you from stress and risk.
FAQ – Avoiding Scam Movers in Montreal
1. How do I know if a mover is legitimate?
Check if they are registered with the REQ, have insurance, and offer a written contract.
2. Can I trust movers I find on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace?
Some are legitimate, but many scams start there. Always verify credentials first.
3. What if my belongings are damaged?
Legitimate movers have insurance to cover damages — scammers do not.
4. Should I pay a deposit?
Some companies ask for a small deposit, but avoid large upfront payments.
5. Are IVAC and CAVAC movers safer?
Yes, they are government-approved service providers with strict vetting.
Final Word
Moving is already a big change — don’t let a scammer make it worse.
By following these 7+ tips, you can choose a mover who will respect your belongings, your budget, and your peace of mind.
If you’re in Montreal, Laval, or anywhere in Quebec, Olympic Moving & Storage is a trusted, registered moving company — and an authorized IVAC & CAVAC provider.
Call us today: 438-260-7272
Email: info@demenagementolympique.com
