Consumers warned about moving companies

#Middlebury #BBB

Editor’s Note: WTNH reported Aug. 2 that Flagship Van Lines is one of 14 moving companies suspected of ripping off consumers.

The Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut on Aug. 2, 2018 cautioned consumers about a moving company based in Guilford, Conn. – Flagship Van Lines LLC.

According to consumers’ complaints, Flagship Van Line’s moving crews have arrived on the incorrect day or haven’t shown up at all, increased prices after deposits were paid, and refused delivery of items until a higher price was paid.

One complaint said, “Flagship Van Lines driver has stolen my household … Flagship Van Lines is holding my personal goods and basically asking for extortion.”

BBB has received over 40 complaints against the company since June 2018.

Last month, WMAR News Baltimore reported that a man connected to several moving companies who have been investigated by the FBI is affiliated with Flagship Van Lines.

On July 31, the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Ohio held a press conference announcing that 12 people have been indicted for conspiring in a racketeering enterprise to defraud customers. These people have had affiliations with several different moving companies around the U.S., including Connecticut-based Flagship Van Lines. Five people have been arrested.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office estimates over 900 people have been victims of this scheme between April 2013 through July 2018. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the FBI were both involved in this investigation.

According to the Connecticut Office of the Secretary of State website, Flagship Van Lines has now changed its name to “Blessed Movers LLC.” This change was filed on July 20, 2018 and includes the same Guilford, Conn., address and owner as Flagship Van Lines.

Complaints received by BBB in regards to Flagship Van Lines have not only been from Connecticut consumers, but from across the country. Because of the length of time of business, volume and unresolved complaints, and failure to have a required competency license Flagship Van Lines currently holds an F rating on their BBB Business Profile page.

Victims of this scheme are encouraged to contact the Inspector General’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-424-9071 or email hotline@oig.dot.gov.

Visit bbb.org to check the reputation of a business or charity, file a complaint, write a review or find additional consumer resources.