How to Vet a Packers and Movers Company

India has 50,000+ companies calling themselves "packers and movers" — but only 15-20% are professionally run, GST-registered, and insurance-backed. Here's a 15-step verification process that takes 30 minutes and saves you from ₹50,000+ losses.

The 15 Verification Steps

Step 1: Verify GSTIN at gst.gov.in

Every legit Indian business has GSTIN. Visit gst.gov.in → search by GSTIN → confirm "Active". Most scam movers have no GSTIN or "Inactive" status.

Step 2: Check IBA Approval

IBA (Indian Banks Association) certifies movers who handle bank/govt employee transfers. IBA-approved = quality + insurance baseline. Ask for the certificate.

Step 3: Verify Physical Office

Real movers have offices, not just phone numbers. Visit before booking, even briefly. If they refuse to share office address: walk away.

Step 4: Read 50+ Google Reviews (sort by lowest rating)

Don't read top reviews — they're curated. Sort by 1-star reviews. Patterns of complaints (consistent damages, hidden charges, rude crew) are red flags.

Step 5: Demand Itemized Written Quote

Quote should list: truck, crew hours, packing materials, insurance, taxes — separately. Ballpark "₹15,000 all-inclusive" without breakdown = scam in 70% of cases.

Step 6: Verify Insurance Policy Number

Ask for insurance policy number + insurance company name. Call the insurance company to verify the mover's account is active. 50% of "insurance" claims by cheap movers are fake.

Step 7: Get a Customer Reference

Ask the mover: "Can I speak to a customer who moved last week?" Real movers happily provide references. Scammers ghost.

Step 8: Search the Phone Number on TrueCaller

If the number is flagged "Spam" or "Scam" by 100+ users: walk away. If it's a personal number (not business): suspicious.

Step 9: Verify Their Truck Fleet

Ask: "How many trucks do you own? Can I see them?" Most cheap movers don't own trucks — they sub-contract. Sub-contracting = your stuff is in someone else's truck = harder accountability.

Step 10: Confirm Crew Strength + Skill Level

For 2BHK: 4+ packers minimum. For office moves: IT-trained crew specifically. Ask: "Are these full-time employees or daily wage?" Full-time = better trained, better accountable.

Step 11: Check for FSAI/MSME Registration

Bonus credibility signal. Most legit movers also have these. Available on official portals.

Step 12: Demand Pre-Move Survey

Real movers do an on-site survey to give an accurate quote. Ones that quote sight-unseen will inflate at delivery. Free survey = professional. Refusing survey = avoid.

Step 13: Get Pickup + Delivery Date Guarantees in Writing

"We'll deliver in 5-7 days" → useless. "We'll deliver by Nov 15, ₹1,000/day penalty after Nov 17" → real commitment.

Step 14: Negotiate Penalty for Damage

Real movers accept: "If anything is damaged beyond insurance, you owe me an additional 20% of damaged item value." Builds in extra incentive to handle carefully.

Step 15: Inspect the Mover's Truck Before Loading

On move day, inspect the truck — clean? proper sealing? no major dents? Refuse to load if truck is in bad shape — request replacement.

Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away

• Quote 50% lower than 2 other movers — bait-and-switch
• No GSTIN or "Inactive" status
• No physical office
• Cash-only payment
• Refuses to provide insurance policy number
• Phone number changes every 3-6 months
• "Discount only if you book today"
• No itemized quote
• Demands 100% upfront
• Has only 1-2 Google reviews (or 50+ identical-sounding 5-star reviews from yesterday)

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

1. File FIR at local police station with all written evidence
2. Complain to Consumer Court (small claims, district consumer commission)
3. Report to MSME ombudsman if registered
4. Post detailed reviews on Google, JustDial, ConsumerComplaints.in
5. If insurance was claimed by mover, contact the insurance company directly