Moving Co. Busted for Alleged Lack of License

A Hackettstown moving company was one of 25 businesses facing fines by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office Wednesday after a three-day long sting operation.

Tuck’s Moving Service was charged by Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs during ‘Operation Mother’s Attic II,’ a program that took place from July 23 to 26, for allegedly being unlicensed.

Tuck’s could face a fine of up to $2,500.

The Division of Consumer Affairs posed as consumers and solicited moving services via online advertisements on Craigslist, Angie’s List and other venues, authorities said.

The moving companies then headed to a site in Highland Park, and were confronted by officials who inspected the vehicles for transportation compliance and investigated driver records as well.

“Predatory movers have been known to hold customers’ property hostage as a form of extortion, then demand thousands of dollars more than the price their customers originally agreed to pay,” Attorney General Chiesa said. “We are enforcing New Jersey’s licensing laws in order to protect consumers from this type of abuse, and protect the interests of the many movers who operate honestly and in compliance with the law.”

As a result of the sting operation, 11 individuals from the 25 companies were arrested; nine of which were wanted on open warrants or unpaid traffic fines or child support. Two were wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and turned over to that agency’s custody.