It’s not uncommon to hear stories of people’s belongings being lost or damaged when they move. Even if your belongings do arrive safely, you may still find that some of your belongings are missing once you’ve made it to your new home in Dubai—and you’ll have to deal with the headache of figuring out how to get them back. To help ensure your move goes smoothly, follow these tips to scam-proof your move to Dubai.
Get personal recommendations
When you’re moving your life from one place to another, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. But you don’t need to feel like a helpless victim! Make sure you talk with friends or family who’ve already moved for tips on finding a good home service provider. Keep in mind that just because someone is local doesn’t mean they are legitimate, so make sure you choose a company that has its credentials backed up by positive feedback and reviews. As always, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! The internet makes it easy for scammers to take advantage of people who aren’t careful.
Verify Licenses of Moving Companies
You’ll want to verify that any moving company in Dubai you work with has a valid license from either UAE’s Ministry of Labor or Ministry of Transport. Always call and ask how long they’ve been in business, how many employees they have, whether any complaints have been filed against them, etc. A legitimate company will be willing and able to provide you with these answers right away. If not, consider it a red flag. Also research their registration details online – if something doesn’t check out, move on to another mover. It may seem like extra work but your safety and peace of mind are worth it.
Go through reputable agents
It’s natural for anyone moving abroad to feel excitement at all of the possibilities awaiting them. But remember, you’re not dreaming in your own home—you are trusting a third party with helping you adjust and relocate. If possible, do some research before you start talking with potential agents. Check online reviews and customer service feedback on reputable websites like Yelp or Angie’s List. We highly recommend movers and packers in JBR when moving in JBR. Also ask friends, family members, or co-workers who have moved recently about their experiences; they can give honest insight into both your questions and concerns as well as an agent’s reputation and professional aptitude. Finally, make sure any quotes or agreements are signed in writing by both parties—don’t agree to anything verbal or through email without receiving a copy yourself.
Research the company, owner and other employees
Before you accept any moving job, it’s a good idea to research as much as possible about who you’ll be working for. Are they real? Do they have a good reputation? Are there legitimate complaints against them? Is there an easy way to get in touch with other people who have worked for them in the past? This can save you headaches and help guarantee that your employer is a legitimate person or company. You don’t want some guy pretending he’s hiring but really planning on robbing you of all your possessions once you arrive in your new home country. Trust me—it happens more often than most people think. And once something like that happens, getting justice is difficult, if not impossible. So do yourself a favor and take time to investigate before you say yes.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Most businesses in Dubai accept credit cards, which is great for anyone planning a move. But not all businesses use legitimate methods for accepting payments. If you’re going to pay using a credit card, make sure that you’re using an SSL (secure socket layer) connection on your bank’s website and a site seal like VeriSign or Thawte. If a business doesn’t seem legitimate, don’t use it; instead look elsewhere for what you need. It may take more time to find a place that uses secure payment methods, but it will be worth it when you avoid getting scammed. Also, if you have any doubts about a company, contact your bank directly before doing business with them. They can help you verify whether or not they are legitimate.
Save everything
If you live in a high-demand area and have a good lease, it’s tempting to pack up as soon as you put your house on the market. But unless you’re in a full-time job with benefits and flexible hours, moving before you’re ready can be stressful—and expensive! Unless you have a lot of flexibility at work, don’t make any plans for vacations or getaways until your new home is secured. This way, if something comes up before closing day, there are no surprises that will cost extra cash. Also know that when finalizing offers on both houses, most sellers like to see proof of funds for your next place in order to feel comfortable about their offer. Make sure you have all of your paperwork together so that you can show them what they need to see. And lastly, do not move into an apartment without first getting renters insurance. It’s cheap and easy to do online and is well worth it for peace of mind during what could otherwise be a very nerve-wracking time.
Don’t give up your old home until you have a new one
The waiting game of selling your home and buying a new one can be long, especially if you don’t already have an apartment lined up. If you want to avoid trouble—like forking over extra money for rent because you can’t afford to wait any longer—get started on finding a place before you actually sell your house. It may cost more in realtor fees, but it’s far less expensive than paying rent while still living at home with Mom and Dad. Use tools like Craigslist and Trulia when searching for apartments so that you don’t end up being scammed by fake listings or brokers who offer good deals that aren’t all they seem. And, above all else, trust your gut: Don’t sign anything until you know exactly what you’re getting into. Moving to a new city is stressful enough without having to worry about getting duped.
As tempting as it might be to tell everyone in your social circle that you’re leaving town. Even share photos of your condo as soon as you find a buyer for it. Don’t post updates about your old home online. This leaves room for scam artists posing as potential buyers to send you emails. Just saying they’ve sent checks for thousands of dollars more than their agreed-upon amount. They asking you to wire back their extra money. In reality, these crooks have only sent checks drawn from stolen accounts. Once those accounts are shut down, you will be stuck with no place to live and no way to recover what was stolen from you.