Key points
- A price far below other quotes is the most common warning sign, not a bargain.
- Check the GSTIN on the GST portal: the legal name and address should match the company you are dealing with.
- Pay advances only to a business account in the company's name, and only against a receipt.
- If goods are held for extra money, call 112. For online payment fraud, call 1930.
The tricks fake movers use
Fake or dishonest movers rarely invent anything new. Knowing the usual patterns makes them much easier to spot on the first call.
12 checks before you pay any advance
None of these takes long, and together they rule out most fake operators.
How to verify a GSTIN in two minutes
Every registered business has a 15-character GSTIN. Checking it is free and does not need a login.
- 01
Ask for the GSTIN
A genuine mover will share it without fuss. It should also be printed on the quote and the invoice. - 02
Open the GST portal
Go to services.gst.gov.in and choose Search Taxpayer, then Search by GSTIN/UIN. - 03
Compare the details
Check the legal name, trade name, status (it should be Active) and the principal place of business. - 04
Watch for mismatches
A different name, a cancelled status, or an address in another state from the office you were told about are all reasons to ask questions.
Reading a quote: genuine or suspicious?
Signs of a genuine quote
- Company name, address, phone and GSTIN printed on it
- Each charge listed separately, with GST shown
- Floors, lift and parking distance mentioned
- Insurance offered as a separate, optional line
- Payment terms and cancellation terms written down
Signs to question
- A single lump sum with no breakdown
- Only a phone number, no address or GSTIN
- "Labour extra" or "actuals" with no rate given
- Full payment demanded before loading
- Terms that change once the truck is loaded
A word on fake bills for claims
Some people search for a "packers and movers bill" for a reimbursement claim without an actual move, or with a higher amount than was paid. Submitting a bill that doesn't match a real move is fraud against your employer, and the mover who issues it is committing it too.
A genuine move gives you everything a claim needs: a GST invoice in your name, the consignment note, the signed inventory and payment receipts. Our Moti Bagh page lists these for government transfer claims.
What to do if you've been cheated
- 01
Right away
If goods are being held or you are threatened
Call 112, the national emergency number. Give the truck number, the godown address if you know it, and the names and numbers you dealt with. - 02
Within a day
If you lost money online
Call the cyber crime helpline 1930 or report it at cybercrime.gov.in. Reporting quickly gives the best chance of your bank holding the money. - 03
Soon after
File a police complaint
At the police station where the pickup happened, with the quote, chats, payment proof, consignment note and inventory. - 04
For a dispute
Consumer complaint
Call the National Consumer Helpline on 1915, or file a case online through e-Daakhil (edaakhil.nic.in).
How we work
You can run every check above on us. Our addresses are on the branches page, and our phone numbers and email are on the contact page.
- A survey and a written, itemised quote before you book
- A signed inventory at pickup and delivery, and a consignment note
- A GST invoice and receipts for every payment
- Transit insurance offered and explained, never forced
Want a quote you can check?
Send your move details on WhatsApp and we'll reply with a written, itemised quote and our GSTIN.
