Twenty-five unlicensed New Jersey moving companies face charges following an undercover operation dubbed, "Operation Mother's Attic II." In connection with the undercover sting, 11 people were arrested, nine who had open warrants and two who were turned over to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

25 NJ Moving Companies Busted in Sting (Flickr: beej55)
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Investigators posed as consumers and sought out moving services with companies who were advertising on New Jersey Craigslist, Angie's List and other internet sites. The sting operation took place in late July.

"Predatory movers have been known to hold customers' property hostage as a form of extortion, then demand thousands of dollars more than the price their customers originally agreed to pay," Attorney General Jeff Chiesa said in a news release.

NJ's Division of Consumer Affairs received 119 complaints from consumers about moving companies in 2011, according to Acting Director Eric Kanefsky.

The following nj moving companies face charges:

  • Affordable Movers, of Oakhurst
  • All Country Moving & Storage, of Union City
  • Budget Minded Dependable Movers, of Somerset
  • Delbridge Moving & Cleanouts, of Bayonne
  • Eric Meekins, advertising as “Eric,” of Long Branch
  • Father & Son Moving & Storage, of Pemberton
  • General Movers, aka Hoboken Movers, aka Official Moving and Storage, of New York City
  • George’s Moving, of Boonton
  • Heavy & Light Moves, of Linden
  • JHR Group, of Newton
  • Lakeland Moving & Storage, of Ringwood
  • Marcus Hall Moving & Relocation, of Jersey City
  • Mary’s Moving, of Marlton
  • Me & My Small Truck, of East Brunswick
  • Move for Less, of Palisades Park
  • Move For One Flat Rate, of Piscataway
  • Movers Working Independent, aka MI JANTO 007, of Garfield
  • NJ Pro Movers, aka NY Pro Movers aka Stress Less Movers, of New York City
  • Ron’s Moving, of Willingboro
  • Shawn the Super Mover, of Manville
  • South Jersey Moving, of Blackwood
  • Tuck’s Moving Service, of Hackettstown
  • Umex Moving & Storage, of Plainfield
  • United Direct Movers, of Bloomfield
  • Woodbridge Moving, of Tinton Falls

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has some tips for movers here.

People seeking legitimate moving services are urged to call the Division of Consumer Affairs to verify if the mover is licensed 1-800-242-5846. Licensed moving companies carry bodily injury and liability insurance and they must keep their moving vehicles insured and in compliance with NJ's inspection laws. Licensed movers also must give customers a written estimate of the costs for moving services.

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