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Real Van Lines LLC Real Movers Total Scam- Price Inflators Atlanta, Georgia
Self and family were relocating from Charlotte, NC to Nashville, TN. I researched several companies because I didn't want to get scammed, but I did anyway. I located one moving company called "Neighborhood Movers", which seemed like a good company. Locked binding quote of $1750 for large 2 bedroom at 4500 lbs, 655 cu ft and they took a credit card deposit over the phone of $426- I felt good about it. About 2 days later I get a call from another moving company "Real Movers"- Nathan. I advised them that I already had moving company and didn't need their services. The man on the phone (Nathan) asked me what the moving company was charging and I gave him the total $1750 and the details.
He told me that he could beat that price and since "Neighborhood Movers" were charging me by the weight. They could inflate the cost because I would not be there when the truck was waived and the it would be beneficial to me if I was charged by cu ft (I didn't consider that). He told me he could do the move for $1350 based on the same information I provided "Neighborhood Movers" A large 2 bedroom 655 cu ft, etc.- All I would have to do is pay 50% upon pick up and 50% upon delivery. He did not need any money down, just have the 50% upon pick up. So I thought to my self it was a better deal. I called "Neighborhood Movers" and cancelled my order with them.
Over the course of the week. I attempted to communicate with Nathan over when to complete packing list like I did with "Neighborhood Movers and confirming address for delivery. I kept all emails- he never responded by email but called my phone and advise no they did not need packing list (should have known then something wasn't right for them not to need packing list) and he would update my apartment number and he did update that. I thought all was well--UNTIL the day of move. Movers arrived; person named Alex was the lead mover; I gave him "postal money order for $675 half of the orignal price. I walk him around and showed him what needed to be taken and not taken he states okay. I even asked him how long he was in the field he was in -told me 5 years.
It took them about 2 hrs to lead my furniture and he gets about 90% of my furniture on the truck then tells me he has bad news for me. I was over the 655 cu ft. I asked him how much he tells me I need to give him another $720- Now mind you. (1) If he had been doing this for 5 years then he should have known before if I would be over the 655 cu ft. (2) I have to turn keys in to this place by the following day and sign for keys to new place in TN the day after. Kids and I were driving out once they loaded the furnitue. I told him I did not have $720 and he would need to come up with a solution or better yet let me get Nathan on the phone because that is not what I agreed to. Now this is the funny part. Can't get anyone on the phone now.
Alex advises he can take a personal check for the difference. Under "duress" I give him a check and tell him not to cash it until that Friday (my payday). I was able to turn keys in to the apartment in NC and barley get to TN. HOWEVER they are now stating I need to pay $1395 upon delivery. - Money I don't have. And to top that off they are charging me almost double the orignal quote I got from Nathan. I did get a phone call from dispatcher asking if I still wanted them to deliver my furniture at the schedule delivery date. When I advised that I did not have $1395 to pay he told me they can hold my furniture; however I would be accessed a $375 a month storage fee. And I would need to send them an email to cancel the delivery date.
--As it stands now- I don't have my furniture- the kids and I are on sleeping on the floor. I can't get anyone on the phone since I sent the email. I don't know what is going on. A few friend have told me to contact the Attorney Generals office. That is my next step as well as seeking legal advise. I just want my furniture at the agreed upon rate of $1350. And if you do the math $675 +$720= $1395. I already paid in full and then some. I want my furniture. IF anyone knows of a way for me to get my furniture please, please, please reach out to me. Thanks
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Walter
Beaverton,Oregon,
USA
Some advice that maybe will help.
#3Consumer Comment
Tue, June 21, 2011
Seems their website is as bogus as their company. Not sure if the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association) can be of any help but you can try. I would also check with the DOT (Department Of Transportation) in your state to even see if they are licensed to move household items. (I would guess they're not)
It just seems to me that this is a common scam nowadays. I wish you good luck in getting justice.
robinnola314
Beale AFB,California,
United States of America
What I have Done to get my furniture Back
#3Consumer Suggestion
Tue, May 17, 2011
I have listed the same complaint against this company. I have filed a complaint with the FMCSA website and complaint database. This the Department of Transportation. They have been pro-active but have somewhat limited authority, so just last week have also sent a completed package to the Altanta police department (stolen property?) and the Georgia Consumer Protection Agency(unethical business practices). Because now it looks like Real Van Lines are also in Birmingham Alabama I have sent packages to the Birmingham Police Department and the Alabama Consumer Protection Agencies. I am not sure if I will ever get my belonings back but I am not going without a fight. Everyone effected by this company should at a minimum file a complaint with the FMCSA and the Georgia Consumer Protections agency. I am not sure legal action will work becuase this company seems to mock the US legal system.