How to Avoid Fake Packers and Movers: 7 Red Flags of Moving Fraud

Fake packers and movers almost always reveal themselves the same way: no verifiable office, phone-only quotes, a demand for large cash advances, and no proper Lorry Receipt. If any two of those appear together, walk away.

The 7 red flags

1. No physical office you can visit — a mobile number and a Facebook page is not a moving company.
2. A quote without a survey — nobody can price a home they haven't seen; low phone quotes are bait.
3. Large advance in cash — professionals take a token advance against a written booking, most of it payable at delivery.
4. No GSTIN on the quotation — no GST registration means no paper trail when something goes wrong.
5. No Lorry Receipt (LR) — the LR is your legal proof that a carrier holds your goods. Without it you have almost no recourse. Our bill for claim page shows what genuine documents look like.
6. Vehicle swap stories — goods loaded into one truck, then "transferred" en route. Insist on a dedicated vehicle for full-home moves.
7. A name suspiciously similar to a known brand — fraud operators imitate established company names with one word changed. Verify the GSTIN matches the exact trade name.

What should I do if I've been targeted?

Stop payment immediately, document every call and message, and file a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline (1915) and at the local police station with the vehicle number from the LR — this is exactly why the LR matters.

How do I verify a mover is genuine?

Cross-check three independent signals: the GSTIN on the official GST portal, the office address in person or on Google Maps, and detailed reviews mentioning real localities. Our full guide on how to find the best packers and movers walks through each check.

Kaushik Logistics operates from verified offices in Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad — you're welcome to visit before you book, and every move ships with a written quote, LR, and insurance options. Talk to us before you commit to anyone.