CMPD Speaks Out About Recent Moving Company Scams, 3 Charlotte Families Out Thousands Of Dollars
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — At least three Charlotte families have lost thousands of dollars in personal belongings in the past six months, including items that were irreplaceable, due to moving company scams, according to CMPD Detective Richard Taylor.
The images above are of three individuals of interest in these scams. Police ask anyone who recognizes them to call 911 immediately.
At a weekly CMPD press conference on August 4th, Detective Taylor spoke about the recent moving company scams that caused these local families to lose thousands and said just in the last month alone, there have been two instances where suspects lied about being professional movers.
The families involved in these instances collectively lost over $100,000 in personal belongings, including family heirlooms that are irreplaceable, according to a news release.
Detectives say during their investigation they discovered the scammers had a website that appeared to promote the services of a legitimate moving business.
Detectives also discovered that upon initial contact with their suspect, the scammers would send out a seemingly knowledgeable person to speak with the victim before a crew would arrive to pick up the furniture, household items, and other belongings.
Once the scammers loaded the items into the moving vehicles, police say they asked for partial payment for their services.
After receiving this partial payment, detectives say the scammers would fake a mechanical issue with their moving vehicle to justify taking a different route and disappear.
Police say the families were unable to make contact with the moving company after this point.
These cases are occurring nationwide and oftentimes involve crossing state lines, which is why CMPD says they are working alongside federal partners to investigate them.
Police encourage community members to use a local company that someone they trust has recommended (to avoid these types of scams).
Police also recommend doing background work on everyone you hire as well as checking with the North Carolina’s Utility Commission and Better Business Bureau.
