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  On 06-14-2018, BBB serving Connecticut became aware of Flagship Van Lines as part of a national racketeering enterprise to defraud and steal money from consumers.  The business was named in a news report as being associated with other businesses under investigation - Unified Van Lines and Presidential Movers, among others.  Starting 06-04-2018, consumers started submitting complaints that confirmed much of the operating procedure used by this and similar companies in their schemes.  As of 08-01-2018, BBB has received 45 complaints in two months.

  The scheme consists of a common pattern of activity.  When consumers first contacts the moving company to assist with a move (mostly long distance), they receive friendly service, assurances of quality work, and a reasonable quote for the move, which they approve using a binding contract.  Everything moves smoothly and as expected until their household goods have been loaded onto the truck and begins its journey to their new home.  However, the transport is met with supposed delays in delivery.  The company then contacts the customers about the costs being much greater than expected and tries to renegotiate the contract.  Because all of their possessions are now held hostage by the moving company, the customers feel pressured into agreeing with the new terms including significant increases in cost.

  On 07-31-2018, the Office of the US Attorney in Cincinnati OH, along with the FBI and the USDOT Office of the Inspector General (USDOT OIG), held a press conference announcing indictments of individuals connected to this scheme and named 14 businesses across the country as targets of the investigation, including Flagship Van Lines.  Consumers who have fallen prey to this scheme should contact the USDOT OIG hotline at 1-800-424-9071.

  On 08-01-2018, BBB CT discover that Flagship Van Lines in CT changed its name to Blessed Movers on July 20, 2018.  Because the businesses in this scheme are known to change identities often, BBB urges consumers to fully research organizations with whom they intend to conduct business, especially in transactions that tend to make them vulnerable before completion, as they are when moving their households.