Moving day gone wrong: Missouri families expose shocking moving company nightmare—here’s how to keep your valuables safe

Moving is meant to be a fresh start—a chance to declutter and settle into a new home.

For some families, however, what should have been a simple transition turned into a stressful ordeal.

If you’ve ever hired movers, or even just considered it, this story is a must-read. Here’s a close look at what happened and how you can prevent a similar disaster.

A move that turned into a nightmare​

It all started with a too-good-to-be-true offer. Stephanie Mickles, a boutique owner in Missouri, hired Super Cheap Movers LLC for what she thought would be a straightforward $584 job. Instead, she found herself in a tug-of-war over her own belongings.

As the moving truck pulled up to her new home, her phone buzzed with a new invoice—this time for nearly $1,000. When she tried to pay via Venmo, the app flagged the transaction as suspicious. The movers then insisted she use a Cash App account with the eyebrow-raising name “shoefetishbygigi.”

Sensing something was off, Mickles called the police. But before help could arrive, the movers sped off with her inventory—merchandise she valued at over $10,000. She’s now suing to recover her losses, but the emotional toll is harder to quantify.

A 70-year-old mom targeted​

Sadly, Mickles wasn’t alone. Teresa Fuller’s 70-year-old mother also fell victim to Super Cheap Movers. Lured in by glowing Google reviews, she agreed to a $135-an-hour estimate. But once her valuables were loaded, the price ballooned to nearly $800.

The movers locked the truck and demanded payment to the same suspicious Cash App account. When the family refused to pay even more at the destination, the crew tried to drive off—only to be blocked by Fuller’s quick-thinking daughter, who parked her car in front of the truck until police arrived.

Also read: She lost $51K to a home repair scam—what happened and how to protect yourself

The alleged mastermind​

Treflin Duncan (also known as Markell Robinson) was finally arrested after showing up to court for a civil lawsuit. But both families worry he’ll be released before their belongings are recovered. “He has been going long with this deceptive practice of scheming individuals out of their money," Fuller said. Duncan faces a bench trial early next year, but for his victims, justice can’t come soon enough.

Why Moving Scams Are Rising​

Unfortunately, these stories are becoming all too common. As inflation squeezes household budgets, more people are searching for affordable movers online. Scammers are aware of this and quickly exploit it. Here’s how the typical moving scam works:

• Lowball Estimates: The company offers a rock-bottom price to hook you.
• Surprise Charges: Once your stuff is on the truck, the price suddenly skyrockets.
• Untraceable Payments: They demand payment through apps like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App—making it nearly impossible to recover your money.
• Hostage Tactics: Your belongings are held until you pay up, often under duress.

The mover “no-show” scam accounts for 26% of common moving scams, where companies simply disappear after collecting deposits, leaving families scrambling on moving day.

Also read: From fix-up to fleece: The dirty tactics of home repair cons and how to spot them

3 essential tips to avoid a moving disaster​

Don’t let your next move turn into a nightmare. Here’s how to protect yourself and your belongings:

1. Verify Licensing and Credentials​

• Interstate Moves: Movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can check their status at the FMCSA website.
• Local Moves: Even if you’re not crossing state lines, your mover should have state-level licensing. Ask for proof and verify it with your state’s consumer protection office.

2. Beware of Cash-Only or App-Based Payments​

• Legitimate moving companies accept credit cards and checks or provide invoices. If a mover insists on payment through Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App, consider it a major red flag.
• Never pay the full amount up front. A small deposit is standard, but the balance should be due upon delivery—after your items are safely inside your new home.

3. Get Everything in Writing—And Read the Fine Print​

• Insist on a binding estimate in writing. This locks in your price and protects you from mid-move price hikes.
• Don’t just rely on star ratings. Scam companies can game Google reviews. Sort reviews by lowest rating first, and check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and your state’s court records for complaints.
• Ensure the company provides a legitimate address, clear ownership information, and proof of insurance.

If something feels off—whether it’s a too-good-to-be-true price, evasive answers, or sketchy payment requests—walk away.

Read next:

• Scam warning: Six million hit with fake government texts—here’s how to protect yourself
• A Tampa man almost lost $15k to a “cash bag” scam—but one sharp move saved him just in time
• This 67-year-old’s story started with a phone call from the “FBI”... and ended with $400K gone

Key Takeaways

• Several Missouri families allege that a low-cost moving company, Super Cheap Movers LLC, stole their belongings and demanded extra payments before unloading goods, with one customer losing over $10,000 worth of inventory.
• The company’s owner, Treflin Duncan (also known as Markell Robinson), was arrested on active warrants after reports surfaced of customers being scammed, including a 70-year-old woman whose items were held hostage.
• Experts warn that moving scams are on the rise, often involving unreasonably cheap quotes, inflated charges mid-move, demands for cash payments through untraceable apps, and holding possessions hostage for more money.
• To protect against such scams, consumers should always verify a moving company’s licensing, be wary of cash-only payment methods, get a written binding estimate, and check for complaints beyond just online reviews.

Moving is stressful enough without worrying about crooks making off with your life’s treasures. Have you or someone you know experienced a moving scam? What tips do you have for staying safe? Share your stories and advice in the comments below—your experience could help someone else avoid a costly mistake.