$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
military PCS move scam
Scammers target military families during permanent change of station relocations with fraudulent moving companies that exploit tight PCS timelines.
“moving scam”
↑ 288%Key indicators
Usually targetsMilitary families
Often hitsFreelancers and contractors
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$960
median reported loss
Typical range$60 – $6.0K
Recovery rate~15%
Scam breakdown
1
Fraudulent movers target military families by advertising on bases or military spouse forums, offering rates below the government reimbursement amount.
2
They exploit the strict PCS timeline, knowing the service member cannot easily delay the move.
3
Belongings are held hostage or arrive severely damaged, and the mover disappears before claims can be filed.
What to do first
Use only movers registered in the Defense Personal Property System or recommended by your installation's Transportation Office.
Related terms
PCS moving fraudmilitary relocation scamDOD move scamMoving and relocation scamsEmailRisingMilitary familiesRelocating workersFreelancers and contractorsSmall business ownersPayroll, HR, and finance teamsUnited StatesPCS moving fraudmilitary relocation scam
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Carlos, 35, a military families, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate moving and relocation scams situation while using Email. Fraudulent movers target military families by advertising on bases or military spouse forums, offering rates below the government reimbursement amount.
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: They exploit the strict PCS timeline, knowing the service member cannot easily delay the move.
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: Belongings are held hostage or arrive severely damaged, and the mover disappears before claims can be filed.
The outcome
Carlos realized something was wrong when company specifically advertises expertise with military moves but has no government contracts. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Use only movers registered in the Defense Personal Property System or recommended by your installation's Transportation Office. Carlos's experience shows why company specifically advertises expertise with military moves but has no government contracts and mover is not listed in the defense personal property system are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- Company specifically advertises expertise with military moves but has no government contracts
- Mover is not listed in the Defense Personal Property System
- Company pressures quick decisions citing PCS deadlines
- Pause before paying, clicking, or sharing information. Scammers rely on speed.
- Verify the sender, company, or agency using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
- Treat secrecy, urgency, and off-platform payment requests as strong scam signals.
What to do now
- ✓Use only movers registered in the Defense Personal Property System or recommended by your installation's Transportation Office.
- ✓Contact your installation's Personal Property Office for approved mover lists and assistance with disputes.
- ✓Report fraudulent movers to both FMCSA and the DOD Inspector General.
What to save before reporting
- ✓Save the message, profile, phone number, email, or URL that was used.
- ✓Keep payment confirmations, receipts, and account alerts before you dispute or delete anything.
- ✓Write down the timeline while the details are still fresh.
- ✓Keep the full sender address, domain, attachments, and—if possible—the raw email headers.
How big is this problem
You are not alone — this scam affects millions of people.
These numbers come from government agencies and official reports. If you have been affected, know that this is a widespread problem — not something that only happens to careless people.
FTC 2024 fraud losses
Imposters
Most common FTC fraud category in 2024
FTC says imposter scams remained the most commonly reported fraud category in 2024.
History and evolution
- This scam family tends to persist because the social-engineering pressure works even when the exact scripts, platforms, and payment methods change.
- The specific packaging evolves over time, but the core pattern usually stays the same: create urgency, control the channel, and push action before verification.
- The Government Accountability Office has reported on persistent problems with household goods moves for military families, including fraud and damage.
Recovery and follow-up
- ✓Save the messages, receipts, account alerts, and transaction details before you block or delete anything.
- ✓Report the scam through the official platform or government channel that best matches where it happened.
- ✓Use only movers registered in the Defense Personal Property System or recommended by your installation's Transportation Office.
- ✓Contact your installation's Personal Property Office for approved mover lists and assistance with disputes.
- ✓Report fraudulent movers to both FMCSA and the DOD Inspector General.
Why this pattern keeps working
Even when the story changes, most scams still use the same pressure pattern: urgency, authority, and a request to move money or data fast.
The Government Accountability Office has reported on persistent problems with household goods moves for military families, including fraud and damage.
OpenScam research
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. United States has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Central U.S. consumer fraud reporting portal.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FBI portal for internet-enabled crime reports.
Start identity theft recovery
IdentityTheft.gov
Official U.S. identity theft recovery plan builder.
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Military families, Relocating workers
Geographic concentration
United States
Primary channel
Email — Moving and relocation scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Military families are particularly vulnerable because this scam exploits trust in familiar brands, authority figures, and time-sensitive decisions. The growing number of reports suggests that awareness among this demographic remains low.
Sources and methodology
How we verify this information
OpenScam tracks scam patterns using a combination of government consumer protection databases (FTC, IC3, Action Fraud), platform-specific fraud reports, and verified consumer complaint data. Each entry is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources before publication.
Severity ratings are based on financial impact potential, reversibility of damage, and volume of reports across multiple reporting channels. Trend velocity reflects the rate of change in report volume over the most recent 90-day window.
This page was last verified on 2026-04-04. Red flags, recovery steps, and reporting resources are reviewed quarterly against current agency guidance.
Evidence and indicators
- The Government Accountability Office has reported on persistent problems with household goods moves for military families, including fraud and damage.
Source notes
- OpenScam research
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about military pcs move scam
How does the military pcs move scam work?+
Fraudulent movers target military families by advertising on bases or military spouse forums, offering rates below the government reimbursement amount. They exploit the strict PCS timeline, knowing the service member cannot easily delay the move. Belongings are held hostage or arrive severely damaged, and the mover disappears before claims can be filed.
What are the warning signs of military pcs move scam?+
Company specifically advertises expertise with military moves but has no government contracts Mover is not listed in the Defense Personal Property System Company pressures quick decisions citing PCS deadlines
What should I do if I encounter military pcs move scam?+
Use only movers registered in the Defense Personal Property System or recommended by your installation's Transportation Office. Contact your installation's Personal Property Office for approved mover lists and assistance with disputes. Report fraudulent movers to both FMCSA and the DOD Inspector General.
Who is most at risk for military pcs move scam?+
This scam primarily targets Military families, Relocating workers. It is most commonly reported in United States and typically appears on Email.
Is military pcs move scam on the rise?+
military PCS move scam is currently on the rise with growing reports. It has been reported across US. Last updated 2026-04-04.
Related scams
Similar scams to watch out for
Employment fraud
↑ 80%Fake job offer advance payment scam
A victim receives what looks like a legitimate remote job offer and is asked to pay upfront for equipment, training, or background checks.
What to do first
Verify the recruiter and company domain independently.
Targets
Job seekers
Seen in
Global
Employment fraud
↑ 100%Reshipping assistant work-from-home scam
A new hire is told to receive packages at home and forward them using labels provided by the employer.
What to do first
Do not handle goods or forward packages for an employer you cannot verify.
Targets
Job seekers
Seen in
Global
Employment fraud
↑ 80%Interview task equipment cheque scam
A fake employer sends a cheque for equipment during the interview stage and asks the candidate to forward part of the money to a vendor.
What to do first
Do not deposit employer cheques tied to urgent vendor payments.
Targets
Students
Seen in
U.S.
Help someone avoid this scam.
Scammers succeed because people do not talk about it. If you or someone you know has been affected, there is no shame in it — it happens to millions of people every year. Share this page with friends and family so they know what to look for.
Relevant collections