A Southern California couple relocating to North Carolina says their moving company raised the cost of the job dramatically after the move was already underway — then refused to deliver their belongings unless they paid more.
John Nelson and his wife contracted with a moving broker for their move from Oceanside in San Diego County, agreeing to a package priced at just over $16,000 that included full packing services. Nelson said he also paid a $7,000 deposit in advance.
When the movers showed up at the couple’s home in late May, however, Nelson said they claimed the household had far more items than initially estimated and raised the total charge to $32,000.
“When you move, it’s an exciting thing…you never expect for somebody to take your stuff and not deliver it,” Nelson told CBS 8.
Nelson said he felt pressured to accept the new price because backing out would have meant losing the $7,000 he had already put down.
The couple said they informed the movers that they would not be at their new home in North Carolina until June 10, but the company allegedly tried to deliver the shipment on June 3 anyway.
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Because no one was available to receive the belongings, Nelson said the company added another charge for redelivery.
“They’ve got $30,000 and they’ve got our stuff… and they’re basically holding it for ransom,” he said.
Nelson also questioned whether the failed June 3 delivery attempt was legitimate after reviewing video of the truck arriving outside the home.
“I think they just pulled up an empty truck to stage a charade,” he said.
With their belongings still missing and no resolution in sight, the couple has filed police reports in both Oceanside and their new city, as well as complaints with several agencies, including the Better Business Bureau.
The BBB has warned consumers planning a move to thoroughly research moving companies before signing contracts and to keep detailed, itemized inventories of everything they are shipping.
According to the BBB, the moving broker involved has received 280 complaints over the past three years.
“As far as I’m concerned, they’ve got stolen property that’s crossed state lines,” Nelson said.
