I obtained quotes for moving and storage from an AOL moving service, so I thought it was legitimate. I got a call from "Transworld Moving" and a salesperson named "Ashley Judd, " who swore it was her real name. I exchanged email and phone calls with "Ashley" over the course of two weeks while I got competitive bids from other companies.
I sent her my entire bill of lading from a move six months earlier with United Van Lines (which were stellar), and I had exactly the same furniture and belongs for this move. United had charged me $5,600 to fully pack and move me. "Transworld's" estimate for the same belongings was $3,686 for moving me from Knoxville, TN to Atlanta, GA, and $297 per month for storage with one month free. I thought it was a good deal. My move date was set for Sept. 29.
When the date arrived, the trouble began. The mover didn't show up. I got a call at 11 P.M. That night from an independent contractor who said Transworld contracted with him for my move (without my approval). He had NO information about my move — not the original quote, amount of belongings, storage agreement, NOTHING. He showed up with a truck that was too small for my things.
AFTER he and his buddy loaded my furniture on the truck, I was told it was going to cost $6,500 — almost double my estimate AND that they didn't have a storage facility! I stood with the driver while he made arrangements with a Public Storage facility in Knoxville, TN and later confirmed that my things were actually delivered there.
However, Advanced Moving Systems has the only keys. And now they are demanding $8,000 to move me and $1,500 per month for storage costs. When I asked what it would take to get my keys (to end this nightmare and move with a reputable company), they said $3,060. I asked for confirmation in writing.
THEN they sent me a "LATE NOTICE" saying I owed them $3,060 for storage within the next 10 days or they would put a lien on my things and begin selling them! Mind you, my only written agreement says I'm not due to pay them anything until my things are DELIVERED.
These guys are foreigners who don't speak much English, rude beyond belief, and truly scam artists with no regard for our laws. I have been amazed beyond belief already, yet it just keeps snowballing. I have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the FTC, but they totally ignore them. When I said I was getting a lawyer, the Advanced guys laughed and increased my costs again (twice).
They have possession of literally everything I own and I am fearful of what may happen. This clearly is a scam they are perpetrating against everyone who contracts with them. All of our reports filed on this site and with the Better Business Bureau are remarkably similar. They have it down to a science and our government is letting them get away with it! It's quite literally a CRIME! Someone please help!
Kerri
Atlanta, Georgia
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