5 Ways to Verify If a Packers and Movers Company Is Genuine in India

India's moving industry has a fraud problem. Fake operators use professional-looking websites, steal positive reviews, and offer suspiciously low quotes — only to disappear with an advance payment, deliver goods weeks late with serious damage, or demand extra cash on delivery while holding your belongings hostage. Here are five concrete steps to protect yourself.

Verify the GST Registration Number

Any legitimate business providing taxable services in India must be registered under GST. Ask the company for their GSTIN and verify it yourself at gst.gov.in. Enter the number and confirm it matches the company's registered name and address. If a company cannot provide a GSTIN, or the number does not verify, do not proceed.

Also confirm that the company issues a proper GST invoice — not a handwritten receipt. A genuine invoice shows the company name, GSTIN, HSN/SAC code, and a breakdown of the taxable amount.

Check Their Google Business Profile

Search the company's name on Google and study their Business profile. How many reviews do they have? Over what time period were they posted? Are there responses from the company to negative reviews? A genuine business with years of operation will have reviews spread across months and years — not a sudden cluster posted within a short window, which typically indicates purchased or fake reviews.

Read through the negative reviews carefully. Are there recurring patterns — damaged goods, hidden charges, delayed delivery, unresponsive staff? One bad review is noise; five reviews saying the same thing is a clear pattern worth taking seriously.

Visit or Call the Physical Office

Many fraudulent operators exist only online, with a rented virtual address or a completely fictitious address on their website. Before booking, call the office number (not just a mobile) and ask to verify the address. If possible, visit in person. A company with no physical premises, no employees answering the phone, and no way to walk in and speak with someone face to face is not a company you should trust.

Ask Specific Questions About Fleet and Insurance

Ask whether the company owns its vehicles or uses subcontractors. Ask for the vehicle registration number that will transport your goods. Ask what transit insurance is included, what it covers, and what the claims process looks like — specifically: what happens if my goods are damaged and I want to file a claim?

A genuine company will answer these questions clearly and confidently. A fraudulent one will deflect or give vague answers. The insurance question is particularly revealing — companies that do not actually provide insurance will be evasive about the details.

Never Pay More Than 10 to 20 Percent as an Advance

Legitimate packers and movers typically require a booking advance of 10-20% of the total quote, with the balance payable on delivery. If a company demands 50%, 70%, or 100% upfront before any goods have moved, treat this as a serious red flag. Always pay by digital transfer — UPI, NEFT, or card — rather than cash. Digital payments create a paper trail that is invaluable if you need to pursue a complaint or legal action.

Udaan Packers and Movers: Verified and Trusted Since 2014

Udaan is a GST-registered business with a verified physical presence, transparent pricing, and a 4.9-star Google rating built over more than a decade of genuine customer service. We provide full GST invoices, include transit insurance on every booking, and our terms are clear and in writing before any payment is requested. Call 9503066820 or visit udaanpackersmovers.com.