Verify Packers and Movers: Ultimate Checklist to Avoid Scams (2026)
Moving to a new home, whether within the same city or to a different state, is exciting. But the process of packing up your entire life into boxes is equally stressful. This stress multiplies tenfold when you have to hand over your precious belongings—from your grandmother’s crockery to your expensive LED TV—to complete strangers.
The logistics industry in India is vast, but unfortunately, it’s also largely unorganized. For every genuine, professional moving company, there are several fly-by-night operators looking to make a quick buck. Stories of hidden charges, damaged goods, delayed deliveries, and movers holding items hostage for extra money are all too common.
So, how do you distinguish between a reliable partner and a potential scammer?
At HomePackersMovers, we believe that an informed customer is a safe customer. While we pre-verify every mover listed on our platform, we also want to empower you with the knowledge to do your own due diligence.
Here is the ultimate, 1000-word checklist to thoroughly verify any packer and mover in India before you hire them.
1. The Digital Footprint Check (Online Verification)
In today’s digital age, a legitimate business cannot exist without an online presence. However, don't just look for a presence; look for credibility.
A. The Website Test: A professional company invests in a professional website. Does their website look professional? Does it clearly list their physical office address, landline number (not just a mobile number), and list of services? Be wary of websites that are just single pages with a contact form and generic stock photos.
B. Google My Business (GMB) & Reviews: Search for the company name on Google Maps. A verified GMB profile is a good sign.
Read the Negative Reviews First: Don't just look at the 5-star ratings. Read the 1-star and 2-star reviews to see what problems customers faced and, more importantly, how the company responded to them.
Spot Fake Reviews: If you see a sudden influx of 5-star reviews in a single week, all with generic text like "Good service," be suspicious. Genuine reviews usually have specific details about the move.
C. Social Media Presence: Check their Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn pages. Are they active? Do they post photos of their actual trucks, team, and packing process? An active social media handle shows they are engaging with customers and are not trying to hide.
2. The Physical & Legal Verification (The Most Crucial Step)
This is where most people get lazy, and this is exactly what scammers count on. Online profiles can be faked; legal documents cannot.
A. Verify the GST Registration Number: Every legitimate interstate mover must have a GST registration. Ask for their GSTIN number. Don't just take their word for it. Go to the official government GST portal (services.gst.gov.in) and use the "Search Taxpayer" tool to verify the number.
Does the business name match?
Is the status "Active"? If they refuse to share their GST number or say they "don't need one," run the other way.
B. The Office Visit (Mandatory for Local Moves): If the mover has an office in your city, visit it. A scammer often operates out of a small shop with just a table and chair, or worse, no office at all. A genuine mover will have a proper setup, their own packing materials stored, perhaps their own branded trucks parked outside, and permanent staff. A 15-minute visit can save you loads of trouble later.
C. IBA Approval (The Gold Standard): Look for movers approved by the Indian Banks' Association (IBA). The IBA has a stringent process for recommending transport operators to member banks. An IBA-approved mover is generally considered highly reliable and financially stable. While not all good movers are IBA approved, having this certification is a massive plus.
3. The Quotation & Pre-Move Survey
How a company handles the price estimation tells you a lot about their professionalism.
A. Demand a Pre-Move Survey: Never accept a final quote over a phone call. A professional mover will always insist on seeing your goods to estimate the volume. This can be a physical visit or a detailed video call survey. Without seeing the items, any quote is just a guess and is likely to change on moving day.
B. Written vs. Verbal Quotes: Never rely on verbal promises. Ensure the final quotation is given in writing (on company letterhead or official email). The quote should break down costs: packing charges, transportation, loading/unloading, taxes, and insurance.
Red Flag: If a mover gives you a price that is 30-40% lower than the average market rate, be extremely cautious. This is the classic "bait and switch" tactic where they hook you with a low price and then demand double on moving day before unloading your goods.
C. Understanding Insurance: Professional movers offer transit insurance. Ask for the policy details. Is it "all-inclusive" insurance (covers damages during packing/loading) or just "transit insurance" (covers damages only in case of truck accidents/fire)? Understand the claim process before paying the premium.
4. The Final Gut Check
Sometimes, despite all checks, something feels off. Trust your instincts.
Are they pushing for a large advance payment? A small booking token is normal, but demanding 50% or full payment before packing begins is a major red flag.
Are they using rented trucks? While small movers use rented vehicles, established companies often have their own branded fleet. Ask if the truck will be dedicated to your goods or shared with others.
Is the communication professional? Are they polite, answering your questions clearly, or are they evasive and aggressive?
Conclusion: Better Safe Than Sorry
Verifying a packer and mover might seem like a lot of work, but compare 1 hour of verification against the nightmare of lost or damaged belongings. It’s worth the effort.
The Smarter Alternative:
If all this sounds too overwhelming, we have a solution. At HomePackersMovers.in, we have already done the hard work for you. Every mover listed on our platform undergoes strict document verification (GST, office check, past performance).
When you request quotes through us, you are connecting with pre-screened, reliable professionals who value their reputation. Don't gamble with your household goods; choose verified partners for a stress-free move.