Part of our Choosing & Vetting a Mover guide
How to avoid international moving scams
Red flags when you hire an overseas mover, and the license and contract checks that protect your shipment and deposit.
Short answer
Avoid international moving scams by confirming the company's FMC license in the official registry, refusing quotes that are not based on a written inventory, avoiding large cash or wire deposits, and checking reviews on several platforms. A quote far below the others is a warning sign, not a bargain.
International moves involve a deposit, a long transit, and often a second set of charges at destination. That combination attracts both careful companies and bad actors. Use the checks below before you pay anyone, then review the companies listed on our 2026 rankings, where we publish FMC license numbers and the public ratings we could verify.
Red flags
- A quote much lower than others, given without an inventory or a survey (in person or by video).
- A large deposit demanded before you have a written estimate and a contract.
- Unclear or missing destination charges, or a refusal to itemize them.
- No FMC OTI license for a company that would arrange ocean freight of household goods from the United States.
- Reviews that describe goods being held until extra fees are paid, or pressure to sign a settlement that limits your right to comment.
- A website phone number or address that does not match the license record.
Checks before you book
- Search the company, and the legal or trade name on the quote, in the FMC's licensed OTI list.
- Read the brand's own BBB profile, including accreditation and complaint history, when one exists. Do not assume one brand's BBB page covers another name.
- Read recent 1-star as well as 5-star reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp, and note the date and the location of the listing.
- Get a written, itemized estimate and contract. Confirm whether it is binding.
- Pay by card when possible, so you have a dispute path if the job is not performed as agreed.
For the difference between a full container, a shared container, and air freight, see the shipping methods guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if an international mover is legitimate?
Confirm an active FMC license in the FMC OTI list, a physical address, a written inventory-based quote and consistent reviews on several platforms.
What is the most common international moving scam?
A lowball quote followed by extra charges once your goods are held, often with large upfront cash or wire deposits.
Get free quotes from licensed movers
One short form for International Moving Company. Pick items from the inventory list or upload a quick video walkthrough. Your request is shared with Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers so you can compare their quotes. Free, no obligation.