Consumer Alert- False Information Provided By Unlicensed Companies

The Federal Maritime Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) recently received reports of unlicensed international moving companies misrepresenting their Commission license status on websites and advertisements. In several instances, unlicensed companies have posted the Commission’s seal on their websites or have listed the organization number of a licensed company with a similar name to the unlicensed company to lure unsuspecting consumers.

The FMC suggests that consumers protect themselves by taking the following steps:

• Make sure that companies are listed on the Commission’s list of FMC-Licensed & Bonded OTIs.
• Ensure that the company name and contact information provided on the company’s website matches the information in the Commission’s list of FMC-Licensed & Bonded OTIs.
• If you have questions regarding the licensing status of a potential company that you are considering to help you with your international move call the Commission’s Office of Transportation Intermediaries at (202) 523-5843.
• When companies claim to be agents for FMC-licensed and bonded companies, make sure that all shipping paperwork references a FMC-licensed and bonded company that is providing your ocean transportation.

If you have additional questions about international moving, or if you need assistance with resolving problems associated with your international move, please contact CADRS at 202-523-5807 or complaints@fmc.gov.