Protect your valuables when you hire a mover
Recent
Oregon case shows how vital it is to choose household goods movers carefully
SALEM – When someone steals from
you – money, your backpack from your car, your lawnmower from your garage, or a
valuable package from your front door – it can be costly, infuriating, hurtful and
even traumatic.
But it could be worse – when you
lose your most valuable possessions, family heirlooms and photos, as well as other
irreplaceable personal treasures. One way that can happen: Hiring the wrong
person or company to transport your household possessions when you move from
one home to another.
Using a mover that doesn’t possess
a valid certificate of authority issued by the Oregon Department of
Transportation (ODOT) is a risk not limited to the quality and reliability of
service. Those offering moving services without a valid certificate of
authority may not have the required insurance for unexpected damage or loss
occurring during the move.
Some may only be interested in
stealing any advance deposit paid by the consumer. Others may also be
interested in the value of your property or as leverage to extort additional
money from you after taking possession of your belongings. Being faced with the
threat of never seeing your belongings again, unless you pay a demanded amount
exceeding what was originally agreed to, is not uncommon and may not ensure
return of your property. This practice is especially concerning today because
more consumers are using the Internet to locate and select a mover.
The Internet is easy and
convenient, but its use requires due diligence on the part of the consumer
because the true identity, location and credentials of a moving company can
easily be concealed or misrepresented. Illegal movers can create websites and
other advertisements that mislead consumers into believing they are doing
business with a reputable, licensed and insured mover holding a valid
certificate of authority when, in reality, they are not. Use of fictitious
names and locations by illegal movers in their advertising is not uncommon. If
problems arise during the move, identifying and holding those responsible for
any loss or damage to property can be a real challenge for both consumers and
regulators.
Find out how to choose a mover
with consumer tips from ODOT here:
https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/Pages/HouseholdGoodsMoving.aspx
Oregonians targeted
One recent case in the Portland
area could affect anyone in the state and beyond because the targets were people
who are moving households. A group based in the Portland area has caused many
people heartache and financial loss in the past three years. This particular
company does not have a valid certificate of authority but may be continuing to
operate illegally.
The company has advertised as
“Assured Moving” or “Affordable Assured Moving” but might be using other names.
The individuals involved are Jaison Anderson, his sister Alicia Anderson, and Rayme
Brady. Mr. Anderson has used the name Jaison Shangle.
Work by the Oregon Department of
Justice, the ODOT Motor Carrier Transportation Division, and DMV Business
Regulation and Fraud Prevention revealed multiple violations of state moving
regulations and deceptive business practices by the Andersons, including:
- Jaison
Anderson was denied application to operate as a legal household goods
mover because he has a criminal background that does not allow him to work
in the household goods moving industry.
- Jaison
Anderson has attempted to own or operate moving businesses through friends
and relatives, including both Ms. Anderson and Ms. Brady
- Anderson
promised to donate one customer’s belongings to a local charity, but would
not provide evidence of the donation to the customer or return the customer’s
belongings.
- Employing
movers who had been convicted of theft, burglary, sex crimes, and drug
crimes.
- Customers
whose property was delivered were often unable to locate some items or
found that their goods had been damaged.
“I was the
lead investigator for the Motor Carrier Transportation Division that targeted
unlicensed moving activity in the state of Oregon,” said Jessica Miller of DMV
Business Regulation and Fraud Prevention. “I facilitated unlicensed enforcement
operations which identified this individual as an illegal mover. The investigation
of this company and individuals led to the complaint being filed with the
Oregon Department of Justice.”
Miller
collaborated with the City of Milwaukie and DMV Business Regulation investigators
regarding unlicensed dealer activities. DMV imposed a civil penalty of $25,000
that has not yet been paid and has been forwarded to ODOT collections.
State action to protect Oregonians
As a result, the Motor Carrier Transportation Division has denied
applications by Jaison Anderson to become a household goods mover, as well as
cited him and his associates on multiple occasions for operating illegally in
the industry.
In partnership with ODOT, the Oregon Department of Justice filed suit in
Clackamas County Circuit Court against Mr. Anderson, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Brady,
and their associated businesses. Ms. Brady entered into a settlement agreement
with DOJ called an assurance of voluntary compliance. This agreement:
- Prohibits Ms. Brady from again applying with ODOT
for a permit to transport household goods in Oregon.
- Prohibits Ms. Brady from again offering moving
services in Oregon again. This includes, moving household goods or
transporting other goods.
- Requires Ms. Brady to pay $25,000 to the state if
she violates the agreement.
DOJ also sued the Andersons and Assured Moving and obtained a judgment
that:
- Prohibits them from offering or performing moving
services in Oregon or receiving payment for doing so without authority from
ODOT.
- Prohibits them from claiming to be associated with
a charity without first having the charity’s written consent to do so.
- Requires them to perform background checks on their
movers.
- Requires them to pay $40,000 to the state.
Who Oregon
allows to be household goods movers
In order to do business as a household goods mover legally in Oregon,
you must apply for a certificate of authority with the ODOT Motor Carrier
Transportation Division. Only applicants who meet the “fit, willing and able”
standard in Oregon law (ORS 825.110) are eligible.
Under state law, “fit” means that
the applicant, during the previous five years before the application, “has not
been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a period of time in
excess of one year under the law under which he or she was convicted.”
ODOT may also deny an applicant
due to a pattern of violations of state and federal laws or regulations, or if there
are two or more customer complaints of failure to resolve loss or damage
claims.
ODOT monitors movers to make sure
they have obtained authority to do business, reviews and approves or denies
applications, conducts on-site reviews of household goods movers, and
participates with local law enforcement in investigations. From time to time,
the ODOT and law enforcement conduct joint operations in which they pose as
customers and contact advertised movers to see if they have authority to do
business as household goods movers in Oregon.
Kim Toews, ODOT Household Goods
Program Manager, encourages all consumers prior to scheduling your move, to
visit our website to locate certified movers, where the mover can operate, and
to know your rights if damage or loss occurs. If you have questions regarding
moving and your rights, please call the Economic Regulation Unit at
503-378-5309.
Find out more about household
goods movers – with tips for customers and for people interested in becoming a
mover – here: https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/Pages/HouseholdGoodsMoving.aspx
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