Consumer Affairs Bureau Cites 30 Unlicensed Movers in Bay Area and Southern California Sweeps
SACRAMENTO — The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), part of California's Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), announced on July 9 that enforcement sweeps in the Bay Area and Southern California targeting unlicensed and uninsured moving companies resulted in 30 citations totaling $110,230, including two federal citations of $39,615 each. The operations, conducted last month following consumer complaints and ahead of the peak summer moving season, were held in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
During a sweep, investigators conduct unannounced inspections of companies believed to be violating laws and regulations, educating them on current requirements and issuing citations to those out of compliance. In California, movers must be licensed by BHGS if they transport goods within the state or handle moves that originate or end in California. Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured mover puts consumers at higher risk of fraud, unexpected price increases, and loss of or damage to belongings.
BHGS encourages consumers to verify a mover's license online, get a visual inspection in which the company reviews and documents items to be moved in person, and obtain a written estimate before hiring. (GSM, from a BHGS press release via the Department of Consumer Affairs, July 9)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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