All American Van Lines, Preferred Relocation moving scam, cross-country move, rip-off, changing price Teaneck New Jersey

I had booked a cross-country move through All-American Van Lines (located supposedly in Florida). Everything seemed fine until right before the move, when suddenly they told me everything was actually through a company called "Preferred Relocation." Spend two seconds on Google and you will find Preferred Relocation (located in a private home in New Jersey, however that works) are prolific moving scammers. I found this out WAY TOO LATE and that is why I want you to find out now.

I should have stopped everything then, but I had already paid a substantial deposit, also I think I was just too gullible and trusting.

I had had a "binding estimate" from the movers, however when they showed up they claimed I had 1/3 more items than I said I would (which is a LIE, I had actually shipped additional boxes via UPS just so I would not go over my estimated inventory!). They then informed me it was going to cost me over $600 more than the estimate.

I should have made them take everything off the truck then and there, but I didn't. I had already paid them a ton of money, plus I was relocating from the east coast to the west coast, my lease was ending within 48 hours, all of my stuff had to go somewhere.

After the stuff was on the truck, have I heard from them? No. Will they answer my phone calls or emails? No. I finally got someone on the phone ("Justin E.") who just gave me someone else's number ("Alex") and told me he couldn't do anything about it. I have left messages for "Alex," but based on what other people on the net are saying, I am terrified to even talk to him, I don't think it is going to do any good except give me more stress and misery. They are calling me a liar and saying I did not email or call them, and that they always return their messages (they do always return their messages -- UNTIL THEY HAVE YOUR MONEY. After that, good luck!).

I don't know what to do. I moved here to go to school. I have very little money of my own. Based on everything I am reading on the internet, all I have to look forward to is several months of extortion (like I have the money!) and not having my stuff. I am trying to use the limited resources I have to get a lawyer, and I am filing complaints with the government as well as with less official places online like this. I don't think anything can actually be done, I just hope that other people in similar situations will not be as naive as I was and will be helped by knowing things like this.

Anonymous
Anonymous, California
U.S.A.