The Cynical Universe

(** IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED BY CHAMPIONS MOVERS, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT TKN.MOVINGADVICE@GMAIL.COM **)

As many of you already know last October I moved from San Jose to Cupertino and used CHAMPIONS MOVERS of Fremont, CA. Their quote was low and I didn’t do any kind of research on them because I didn’t realize that the moving industry has been infiltrated by rings of con-artists who manipulate the lax moving laws in order to defraud consumers out of large sums of money. I would suspect that 99% of people who hire a moving company are also unaware of just how corrupt this industry is and find out the hard way as I did.

I suspect that, unfortunately, many people who are robbed by Champions Movers are so repulsed by the experience that they would sooner forget it ever happened. Some of even said that they were too afraid of retribution from these criminals that they chose not to complain publicly about their nightmare experience.

Honestly, I too sometimes fear that these movers will try and do me harm. And let it be said here, plain and simple, that should any random or sudden accident befall me in the future, that it was, without question, the work of the criminals at Champions Movers. I state this here publicly for you all to read, so that you all can attest that in fighting these criminals I have exposed myself to the possibility of retribution from a company that clearly possesses no morals, and that should this “accident” precipitate, you contact the Cupertino Police Department accordingly on my behalf.

Nonetheless, for the past seven months I have dedicated vast amounts of time an energy to fighting this supposed moving company. I’ve contacted more people than I can possibly imagine with results that vary vastly. But while some of these agencies have failed to act accordingly, the internet has proven my potent weapon of choice. I have scoured the web for Champions Movers and fought to review them accurately at every corner of the web I could find. I’ve posted blog after blog about their scheming and am happy to say that over 4,000 people have read the collection of posts about Champions Movers.

Furthermore, I have had numerous people contact me regarding their experience with Champions and I have helped them accordingly. I have even posted a handful of their stories here. I have received a large amount of e-mails from people who thanked me for my posts, saying I helped them avoid a moving catastrophe by informing them how bad Champions was. Champions BBB profile has grown from 3-4 complaints to 14 and other review sites have followed suit in people coming forward against this scam.

It would be easy to wonder if I was making a difference or not, but Champions Movers proved I was by taking my personal information and submitting it to various websites requesting moving quotes, thus spamming my cell phone and e-mail with a huge volume of unwanted moving quotes. Their continued childish antics can only imply that my internet prowess is somehow siphoning business from their scam.

Champions Movers robbed me of $1,359 by submitting forged documentation to Chase Manhattan (who foolishly accepted it despite my objections) proving that their goal was simple: steal consumer’s money at all cost and without regard to ethics or the law.

Well, Mr. Kadesh, proud owner of Champions Movers, do you like math? I do. Let’s assume you rip everyone off for $1,400. And let’s assume that, of the roughly 1,000 people who found my site using Google, 100 of those internet users were potential customers. Potential customers that opted to avoid your nightmare after they read my blogs.

By my estimations I may have just cost you $140,000.

Is that why you have time to sign me up for moving quote spam all day, because business is a little slow for you these days? Or is it just straight spite at this point? Maybe it’s both. So, Mr. Kadesh, I hope you are enjoying my $1,359.

Because I am enjoying taking my money back- and them some- out of your ass.

In fact, nothing gives me greater pleasure than to continue my fight against your rogue operation. And I will do just that until you are shut down for good. And when you retreat like a cockroach to some other city to setup a new moving scam, guess what? I’ll be hot on your heals, posting blogs, calling agencies, making sure that I protect others from your con-artistry.

And that’s why I do it, Mr. Kadesh. Not just because you ripped me off, but because the thought of others going through what I went through disgusts me. Moving isn’t a fun experience, let alone being conned into a moving scam like the one that you operate at Champions Movers. Just because innocent consumers contract you to move them does not give you the right to take advantage of them. Just because your only talent is manipulating the system to steal from your customers does not justify you in doing so.

You, Mr. Kadesh, are little more than a con-artist. Your business, Champions Movers, is little more than a rogue moving operation who preys on unknowing consumers. And I am here to stand in your way of those consumers. I will fight the good fight- honestly, openly, legally- all principles foreign to you. And I will win the good fight. I will win because when you strip away the layers of this puzzle, you are left with two irrefutable facts: You are wrong and I am right.

The thorn in your side,
Thomas K. Nikl

(** IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED BY CHAMPIONS MOVERS, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT TKN.MOVINGADVICE@GMAIL.COM **)

WOW! CHAMPIONS MOVERS of Fremont, CA is finally marketing themselves with some honesty. And apparently Hitler has endorsed them as his moving company of choice!! What do you think of Champions Movers’ new ad?

(** IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED BY CHAMPIONS MOVERS, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT TKN.MOVINGADVICE@GMAIL.COM **)

Hi Thomas,

My moving nightmare:

I had no experience with moving companies, so I was completely blind-sided by what occured with Champions Movers. I had decided to move on from my job to another, so I had been in the job market searching. I came across a great opportunity in Southern California that I could not pass up. The interview process was very intense and fast-paced. I got an offer and my start date was in three weeks. I scrambled to tie loose ends in San Francisco and started the moving process. I did an Internet search and used a comparison tool to find movers in the SF Bay area. Among several choices was Champions Movers. I called a few of the choices and they were all about the same as far as price per pound. Where some seemed a little lower in price, there were other fees that in total equalled the others. So, my decision had to do more with how quickly I could get my belongings down to Orange County. I was a bit surprised at how long it might take with some companies, but in retrospect they were at least realistic and honest. This was not true with Champions Movers. In my opinion, Champions Movers has an interesting way to lure you in with regard to delivery promises. When I indicated that I needed my belongings at a certain date, they not only said it was possible (within one or two days of that date), they (the representative I spoke with) indicated they guaranteed it. This was the start of ‘they will say anything and everything’ to get your business with empty promises. I decided that Champions Movers was my best hope to get my belongings before I physically moved. Again, in retrospect, this was a calculated tactic as once they have someone’s belongings they can then say and do anything such as rack up fees and charges. A date was set for pick of my belongings.

On the day of pick-up, Champions Movers was actually on time. Things went down hill from then. Movers arrived, three of them. I understood that if the movers needed to box or package something I hadn’t, there would be an extra cost. However, they took way too much liberty in putting many things in boxes that I don’t believe should have. They also charged for tape and it seemed they used as much tape as possible. What I don’t believe Champions Movers indicates on their website is they also charge labor for putting additional items in boxes, etc. This is not known until all your belongings are on their truck. Hence, they could charge you up with additional costs/fees and if you disagree, well, they have your belongings and won’t give them up until you pay. The mover who seemed to be in charge did talk much or explain or mention additional charges as they started racking up. A good and honest company would have had someone assess what additional costs/fees would be made outside normal. Again, you don’t know this until all belongings are packed and on their truck.

I physically departed SF the day before they indicated my belongings would be delivered in anticipation of being able to unpack and organize my new apartment a few days before I had to begin my new job. Because Champions made me believe my belongings would be delivered when they said, even within 1-2 days, I only packed a few things in my car to get me by if there was the extra 1-2 days. When I called the first day I thought they would deliver, Ben, I believe his name was could not tell me one way or the other if my belongings would be delivered or when they might. On day 2 of not getting a call (Champions Movers never called me to explain or say anything regarding any delays) from Champions Movers, I called again. This time, I was a bit upset and demanded that they tell me where my belongings were and when they would be delivered. I spoke again with Ben during this call and he he mocked my concerns and couldn’t say anything as to delivery of my belongings. He simply said, “don’t worry, be happy”. Day 3, 4 and 5 were same as far as not getting any information as to when my belongings would be delivered. By this time, I had to buy brand new work clothes as I had none for the start of my new job. I also had nothing but an air matress to sleep on for the 5 days delay in my delivery. By day 4 and 5, I was very angry and let Champions Movers I would be contacting the authorities if they didn’t delivery my belongings. Again, Ben mocked me and told me he could give me the FBI’s phone number if I wanted.

On day 5, I finally got a call, not from Champions Movers, but the actual delivery drivers. Champions Movers indicates they don’t have contract movers, but these movers confessed that they are in fact independent movers and they work with Champions Movers as well as other movers. These mover also indicated that there is not official date that they pick up people’s belongings, it is more to do with when they have a full truck. When the movers arrived, they were in a very large truck that they couldn’t fit through the complex to get to my apartment. They indicated they would have to charge for the long haul to my apt. I asked if I refused to pay what would happen. They said they have instructions from Champions Movers to take my belongins to storage. I asked them where and they said they couldn’t tell me. Since the drivers where not at fault for the mess at this point, I explained to them of the problems I was having trying to get any answers regarding my move from Champions Movers. They agreed this was unprofessioinal and sympathized. I decided to pay them the additional long haul fees because it would go directly to them, not Champions Movers.

With all the additional packing charges, long haul fees and the extra clothing I had to buy, I paid about $1200 more than the original quoted fees. Champions Movers never made at anytime any effort to apologies or even to get in touch to ask how the move went or explain or address any of my concerns. I called about a week or two later and I asked to speak to the owner. They told me he was out of the country and he would call me back, but that he might be out of the country for a few weeks.

In my opinion, Champions Movers attitute and business practice from the outset is to say anything to get your business and then use the leverage of holding your belongings to rack up the fees. They have no customer service skills to boot.

(** IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED BY CHAMPIONS MOVERS, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT TKN.MOVINGADVICE@GMAIL.COM **)

Hey Thomas,

I was able to uncharacteristically find my receipt quickly, so here are the details:

I did not get a bottom-line quote, just the quote of $85/hour (I negotiated this down based off a competitor’s offer). I anticipated total costs of around $900 (figuring 8 or so hours to move a 2 bedroom apartment). The total bill was:

Packing materials: $479 (!!!)
Hours: 11 totaling $935
Grand total: $1414

After we arrived at our destination residence, the head mover detailed all of the charges to collect payment before transferring our furniture into the apartment. He started by quoting about $650 for packing materials, and when I almost fell over, he reduced it to the $479. I still felt sick about it.

When I produced my American Express to pay (which was stated clearly on the quote that they accept), they initially said they couldn’t process it because their AMEX equipment was “down.” This was the one silly item that I stuck to my guns on, and I wouldn’t back down until they finally relented and accepted the AMEX payment (after several calls back and forth with headquarters).

Damage:

• Significant wall damage (gouged drywall) and paint damage on the walls and front door
• Scratches to leather on couch
• Wood damage on bottom support of another couch
  
• Corner surface damage to mattresses (despite the mattress covers, for which we paid handsomely)
  
• A few broken dishes

None of the damage was significant enough that I felt it was worth the time to complain (I could just see the frustration that would be involved, and given that I felt so cheated already, I had no interest in prolonging this misery).

One other point of frustration - they ended up refusing to move my piano into the destination residence, saying that this required 4 guys given the amount of steps, etc. So, we ended up having to put it in our very damp garage and hire other movers to move it (which, incidentally, took only 2 guys and cost us $200). However, they never inquired ahead of time to determine whether there were “specialty” items that might require more movers.

I have not attempted to contact the company - again, I just felt “had” here because they had clearly stated all of the packing materials charges up front. The ambiguity, however, is with respect to their choice to use the supplies when our possessions were already secured in boxes. I believe we asked them pack ONE item. The rest was gratuitous use of packing supplies.

These are all of the details I can think of. What else can I do to help? Would it be helpful for me to contact CPUC directly?

Thanks

(** IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED BY CHAMPIONS MOVERS, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT TKN.MOVINGADVICE@GMAIL.COM **)

Movers were hours late. 4 random dudes showed up with a Ryder truck about 7:30pm when they were supposed to be there between 2 and 5pm. I asked them about purchasing additional insurance. I was told they would have to come back in 2 days. I was leaving the next day. They tried to get me to sign a part of the contract that said they wouldn’t be responsible for any damages the movers caused to the residence or the property if the space was small. I refused to sign. I followed them to the truck stop for a weight. Because it was 10:30 at night by this time, I was too tired to realize that all four men were sitting in the truck when it was weighed. Naturally, the weight on my stuff was 550 pounds heavier than it should have been.

They were supposed to be at the new house by December 1. They didn’t show up until 2 weeks later. I requested several times for a reweigh. The driver argued with me and basically told me no. I called the “dispatcher” and the driver was told to reweigh. When he got to the area, he couldn’t get over the little bridge to the house. I had told them when I arranged this move that they would probably need to shuttle to this location. The dispatcher said it didn’t look like this was necessary. The cost for a shuttle was $300 if I did need it. The driver told me he would come back in 2 days with a smaller truck and it would cost me $500. I refused and found a small box truck and had them unload onto that. I unloaded my own furniture after paying them $250 more than the estimate because of the extra weight caused by the 4 men. They broke a leg off an antique piano stool as well as crappy service. This company is nothing more than a call center that contracts out to other shysters.

What a rip!

(** IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED BY CHAMPIONS MOVERS, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT TKN.MOVINGADVICE@GMAIL.COM **)

Here’s another e-mail from a fellow consumer who fell prey to the Champions Movers SCAM!

Hi Thomas,

I wish I had been more cynical and checked scam sites before we hired
Champions Movers. We moved into our new place in San Diego a couple of
weeks ago and I think you may find our story interesting. I won’t go
into too many details, but basically:

1. Our quote went from $1,100 to $2,900.
2. Overcharged us 3 times in the order of $500
3. They were SIX days late. We had no clothes, furniture, kitchen
items, etc. We had to go to a hotel. I missed three days of work.
3. We called the police when they wouldn’t unload our furniture when
they arrived because they wanted pre-payment. They eventually unloaded
the furniture when they tried to leave and the police told them he
would arrest them for theft.
4. Tried to make me pay the difference in cash. I refused, paid by
check, rang the office and said unless they were willing to give us an
accurate invoice I would cancel the check.
5. They refused, I canceled the check.

They are now threatening legal action unless we pay the full amount.
We had our lawyer talk to Champions Movers and they are completely
unwilling to do anything.

If you are interested in the full story or have any advice for us, I
would be interested to hear from you.

Kind Regards