Moving company scam suspect released, could continue operating in Puget Sound area, police warn
REDMOND, Wash. - Detectives arrested and released a man who was operating a moving company scam that resulted in the loss of thousands of dollars in personal belongings for two local families.
According to Redmond Police Department, 29-year-old Thinh Quang Lu was arrested on March 24, and charged with two counts of criminal impersonation and two counts of theft. Lu was taken into custody at King County Correctional Facility and was released the next day. Redmond Police believe Lu is still attempting to operate in the Puget Sound area.
The moving company, "Seattle Moverss LLC", posed as a reputable moving company with connections to Seattle Professional Movers – complete with a business license, address, and phone number. Authorities say Seattle Professional Movers has no affiliation with Seattle Moverss LLC or Thinh Quang Lu.
Redmond Police are urging you to be aware of this company and protect yourself against moving scams by following these guidelines:
- Work with insured and federally registered companies.
- Get estimates from at least three moving companies.
- Consider that if a deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
- Finalize and get a contract from the company before they arrive.
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Authorities say a Redmond couple was scammed when they hired the moving company through Craigslist in February. The family said the moving company loaded a truck with their belongings, left the pickup location, but never arrived to the destination in Bellevue. For several hours, the couple tried calling the moving company, but there was no answer. When the couple finally heard back, the movers told them they had been in an accident, and said they would not deliver the couple’s belongings without additional payment. The couple refused to pay, and the company stole $40,000 worth of personal belongings.
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A Kirkland couple experienced a similar experience in January. The couple hired Seattle Moverss, LLC to move them to Fall City. The company arrived at the new residence, but refused to pull into the driveway unless the couple paid additional fees. The couple transferred the money using Zellepay, but their bank placed a hold on the transfer. The moving company told the couple they would continue charging additional storage fees until the payment went through. Eventually, the moving company stopped returning calls.
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