Editorial: Moving against fraud

Friday, Aug. 13, 2004 | 8:57 a.m.

The cross-town moving business in Las Vegas is in steady demand, but many people on the move are being taken for a ride.

Moving companies that aren't certified by the state outnumber those that are, wrote Sun reporter Jen Lawson on Thursday. And, as many consumers have discovered, dealing with uncertified movers can turn into a nightmare. Unscrupulous movers who avoid state certification also avoid buying insurance policies and setting up legitimate payroll systems. Their workers are apt to be untrained and working under the table. When they cause thousands of dollars worth of damages to household goods, there is no way for the consumer to recover the loss. The illegal movers are also known for loading customers' furniture, then shaking them down for more money than agreed upon.

Lawson's report included interviews with many people who have been victimized by such movers. It also included encouraging news -- the Nevada Transportation Services Authority and other state agencies are taking off the gloves in dealing with these fraudulent movers. After patiently going the usual route -- including warnings and fines -- state authorities realized they were getting nowhere, as the companies ignored them or resumed their illegal businesses under new names. The state agencies have now formed a task force to pursue the fraudulent moving companies and have already filed a criminal complaint against one of them. This is the type of action we like to see on behalf of Nevada's consumers.