Every summer, the moving season reaches its peak in France — and with it, that of scams. According to an investigation by the DGCCRF carried out in 2025, 64 % of moving companies inspected show irregularities, and eight out of nine matchmaking platforms do not fully comply with their transparency obligations toward customers. A figure that highlights the scale of a sector where individuals' vigilance remains the best protection.
Increasingly sophisticated methods
Fraudsters no longer limit themselves to artificially inflating an invoice. Several techniques recur regularly according to reports collected by consumer protection associations :
- The “no-show” : the truck is loaded, the deposit cashed, but the team never shows up at the delivery address
- The “furniture held hostage” : upon arrival, additional cash fees are demanded under threat of leaving with the client's possessions
- Hidden subcontracting : the contract is signed with a registered company, but an uninsured and unqualified subcontractor shows up on the day
- The impersonation of a SIRET number or the simple absence of registration in the Register of Road Carriers (RTR)
A legal risk for the customer as well
Beyond the financial loss, French law provides for a consequence often little known: knowingly choosing an undeclared mover exposes the customer themself to prosecution for recourse to undeclared work. Penalties can reach 45 000 euros in fines and up to three years' imprisonment. A reality that calls for caution, especially since administrative inspections target the summer period first, when demand explodes and some unscrupulous professionals take the opportunity to hire undeclared labor.
How to identify a reliable moving company
Several simple checks can rule out the vast majority of scams even before signing the estimate :
- Check the company's registration with the Register of Road Carriers and with the RCS
- Require a detailed and free estimate, ideally prepared after a technical visit to the property
- Ask for a valid professional insurance certificate covering the transport of goods
- Be wary of abnormally low prices, often indicative of undeclared labor
- Favor companies displaying recognized industry labels
Moreover, the customer has a right of reservation of 10 days after delivery to report any damage observed to their belongings, a period not to be allowed to lapse in case of a dispute.
To explore the legal aspects related to consumer disputes, find our section Law, Lawyer & Justice. Individuals actively searching for new housing can also consult our section Real Estate, Buying, Selling & Renting, while our practical everyday advice is grouped in the section Practical Life & Society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of moving companies show irregularities?
According to a DGCCRF survey carried out in 2025, 64 % of inspected moving companies showed irregularities, and eight out of nine matchmaking platforms did not respect their transparency obligations.
What does a customer risk by using an undeclared mover?
French law considers that knowingly resorting to a mover not registered in the carriers' register constitutes recourse to undeclared work, punishable by a fine of up to 45 000 euros and three years' imprisonment.
How long do you have to report damage after a move?
The customer has a right of reservation of 10 days after delivery to report in writing any damage observed to their belongings to the moving company.
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