NEWARK – The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs is citing 19 unlicensed moving companies with violating state law, and assessing civil penalties of up to $2,500 each, as the result of an undercover sting operation.
Under the Division’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the sting also resulted in the arrest of several moving company employees o allegedly were in the United States in violation of law. – including one who had previous criminal convictions for sexual abuse of a minor and criminal possession of a loaded firearm.
\”This sting operation – and our partnership with ICE and the New Jersey State Police – is protecting New Jerseyans from significant potential harm, even as it helps prevent consumer fraud,\” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said. \”Moving companies must comply with our laws. Consumers should learn as much as possible about any moving company – including learning whether it is registered – before entrusting its employees with their belongings.\”
The sting operation took place in early November 2014. It began with Consumer Affairs investigators who posed as consumers seeking to make an ordinary household move. They booked appointments with unlicensed movers who used online listings to solicit work.
The unlicensed companies sent moving crews to the location of the undercover investigators’ fictitious address in Wyckoff, and unwittingly into the second phase of the sting. Upon arriving at the address, the unlicensed movers were inspected by Consumer Affairs investigators, as well as ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers, New Jersey State Police, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
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