Several unlicensed movers fiend after undercover investigation
By: Amanda Wallace
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... An undercover operation called Operation Safe Move led to fines for several unlicensed movers in New Jersey totaling $125,000, Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs said Wednesday. [09/25/2024] Their statement said that over a three-day period in June, [2024] investigators with the Office of Consumer Protection posed as customers seeking to move their belongings form a storage unit in Monroe Township to another location in the state. The investigators identified and hired numerous unlicensed movers advertising Online.
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The movers hired by the investigators arrived at Monro location on June 12, [2024] expecting to find a storage unit full of items to move. The announcement said they were met instead by a team of investigators seeking verification of license.
..... Ultimately, 21 movers were assessed $5,000 each in civil penalties for operating without licenses.
..... "Unlicensed movers can be a consumer's worst nightmare," Platkin said. "These rogue operators are doing business outside regulatory oversight and often lack the necessary skills, experience, and insurance to protect the belongings entrusted to them. By proactively identifying and putting a stop to these businesses, we're reducing the risk they post to New Jersey residents."
..... Penalized movers form North Jersey include:
* Mateusz L. J. Services LLC, Lodi.
* Hope Trucking and Moving, East Orange.
* AJS Moving Services LLC, Bayonne.
* First Class Express Movers, Jersey City.
* Tommy's Moving, Hoboken.
* Good Mood Moving, Haskell.
* Signature Van Lines, Paterson.
Two companies, Tera Movers LLC of Newark and Piece of Cake Moving of Queens, were cited as second-time offenders and assessed civil penalties of $10,000 each, the attorney general's statement said.
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All movers that perform residential moves that begin or end in New Jersey are required to be licensed by the division's Regulated business Unit under New Jersey's law and regulations. Movers are also required to observe a series of statutes and regulations. Additionally, licensed movers must provide the division with proof of motor vehicle registration and insurance coverage, include their license number on the outside of their vehicle, and costs of the move. The attorney general said there are about 309 licensced movers in New Jersey.
..... "New Jersey's legal and regulatory requirements are in place to protect the consumers and their possessions," said Cari Fais, acting director of the Con suer Affairs Division. "We urge residents to make sure they hire a mover from the pool of businesses licensed to provide services in compliance with those requirements."