Oregon Legal Research Blog
Oregonian story: “Beaverton police, ODOT officials crack down on illegal movers during sting,” April 26, 2012, by Rebecca Woolington.
Excerpt: “Beaverton police and Oregon Department of Transportation officials cracked down on illegal movers during a sting Wednesday involving five unlicensed movers.
Each of the movers was cited and accused of not complying with consumer protection and safety laws, said Officer Mike Rowe, a Beaverton police spokesman. … Moving is a regulated industry in Oregon, according to ODOT. To offer moving services for money, people need to be approved by the state. That includes having a business license, undergoing a criminal background check, completing a household goods carrier license application through ODOT, and possessing liability and property damage insurance, among other things.
Illegal movers often advertise online, where they will say they will help people move for a fee, Rowe said.
“Consumers who choose an unlicensed mover whether intentionally or unintentionally may have little or no recourse for loss or damage to their property, may be charged higher than normal fees, and may be at higher risk for property or identity theft,” Rowe said in a press release….” [Link to Oregonian article.]
Link to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) “Consumer Guide to Moving.”