We’re coming into a time of year when Americans tend to move a lot and real estate activity picks up. Consumers have targets on their backs when it comes to hiring a moving company. The moving industry has been infiltrated by criminals who engage in a series of practices that eat up your wallet in a move. There are several different scams out there, but one of the most common we hear about involves the bait-and-switch of moving quotes. A moving broker or broker’s representative gives you a quote on how much a move is going to cost. Then, when the movers actually get there, you’re told it’s going to cost much more. And, the greatest abuses happen to people with very nice stuff. Typically, these thugs will hold the goods hostage until you pay more. Another variation is that a very polite sounding company shows up at your house, loads up your goods very carefully and then takes off with your goods forever. They usually sell it off or fence it for money. There are legitimate movers out there. But the government has very little power in overseeing the state-to-state moving industry. The FBI has gotten involved and busted several rings in Florida, but it still goes on in great numbers. If you work for a big company, be sure to use the company’s mover. If you don’t work for a big company, be sure to hire a mover from AMSA, the certified mover’s association. AMSA’s Web site, moving.org. And before you start the moving process, check out movingscam.com.The site lists all of the rogue movers that have ripped people off, as well as tips on how to avoid getting ripped off.