ODOT warns: Protect your valuables when you hire movers

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 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. Jaison. 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.