The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has launched Operation Protect Your Move, a nationwide initiative aimed at cracking down on fraudulent interstate household goods (HHG) movers and brokers. The enforcement initiative will address complaints about HHG moving company and broker compliance with federal safety and consumer protection regulations and statutes.
"Americans deserve a fair deal when they move into a new home—and we’re cracking down on moving companies that hold people’s possessions hostage," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "This initiative will build on last year’s progress holding scammers accountable and is another example of the measures the Biden administration is taking to better protect consumers."
FMCSA Acting Deputy Administrator Sue Lawless added, "We take our consumer protection role seriously and aim to help educate and protect those who may be moving their household goods from one state to another. We are committed to this work, and we are putting forth even more resources to make a greater impact, including increasing the number of HHG investigators on staff and establishing additional partnerships with state attorneys general offices."
In 2023, FMCSA conducted similar operations targeting moving companies as well as three HHG broker-focused operations in Nevada, New York/New Jersey, and Florida. These operations uncovered over 1000 violations of FMCSA regulations, leading to enforcement actions such as issuing Letters of Probable Violation or revoking operating authority. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil penalty enforcement case stemming from the 2023 operation which is currently pending in federal court in California.
As part of its efforts to combat moving fraud ahead of the busy summer season, FMCSA is also launching an education campaign called Protect Your Move. This campaign aims to raise consumer awareness about household goods moving scams.
Consumers planning interstate moves are encouraged by FMCSA to use its free online resources for research and planning purposes. If consumers experience moving fraud, they can file a complaint against the moving company or broker through the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database.
For more information about FMCSA’s efforts to stop household goods moving fraud and to access helpful resources, visit ProtectYourMove.gov.
The primary mission of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is to prevent crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving large trucks and buses. FMCSA develops safety and regulatory standards for commercial driver’s licenses; analyzes data and sponsors research; conducts enforcement and education; partners with nonprofit organizations, local and State governments, and other stakeholders to support innovative commercial driver training, safety inspections, enhanced compliance and enforcement initiatives. Furthermore, FMCSA provides education on household goods consumer protection and conducts enforcement to protect consumers.
