Moving Scams in Montreal: Red Flags & How to Avoid Them
Common Moving Scams in Montreal
Every July 1st — Quebec's unofficial Moving Day — complaints about fraudulent movers spike. The most common scam is the "hostage load": movers quote a low price, load your belongings onto the truck, then demand two or three times the original estimate before unloading. Some companies operate under constantly changing names to dodge negative reviews on Google and the OPC complaint registry.
Another frequent tactic involves phantom companies that advertise aggressively on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace. They collect a large cash deposit, then either never show up on moving day or arrive with a rented U-Haul and untrained workers who damage your furniture. The CNESST has flagged dozens of unlicensed operators in the greater Montreal area in recent years.
Red Flags That Signal a Fraudulent Mover
Watch for these warning signs: no physical address or only a P.O. box, a quote given over the phone without an in-home or video survey, demands for a large cash deposit upfront, no written contract, and no CNESST licence number. Legitimate movers in Quebec must carry liability insurance and be registered with the CNESST. If a company refuses to provide proof, walk away.
Be skeptical of estimates that are dramatically lower than competitors. If three companies quote $1,200–$1,500 and one quotes $500, that bargain price is almost certainly a bait-and-switch setup. Check the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) database for complaints before signing anything.
How to Protect Yourself from Moving Scams
Always get at least three written estimates based on an inventory walkthrough. Insist on a binding or not-to-exceed quote in your contract. Pay by credit card when possible — it gives you chargeback rights if the company fails to deliver. Photograph your belongings before loading and keep an inventory list handy.
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On moving day, never let the truck leave your sight with your belongings until you have a signed bill of lading. If a mover tries to renegotiate the price mid-move, document everything, refuse to pay extra, and contact the OPC immediately at 1-888-OPC-ALLO. Filing a police report also creates a paper trail that strengthens your case.
