From Base to Base — Keep Scammers Out of Your PCS Move

Military Consumer Month 2025 

If your family is gearing up for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), you’re probably balancing a long checklist—packing, paperwork, housing, school enrollment, maybe even saying goodbye to a beloved community. But there’s one more thing to watch for: scammers looking to take advantage of military families on the move. 

During PCS season, fraudsters target families who are making fast decisions under pressure. From fake rental listings to shady moving companies, they’re counting on you being too busy to double-check. But a few smart steps can help you protect your finances, your personal information, and your peace of mind. 

PCS Scams That Target Military Families 

1. Fake Rental Listings 
Looking for housing in a new city—especially from a distance—makes it easy for scammers to step in with a great-sounding listing. They might post fake homes online using stolen photos and ask for deposits before you even tour the place. 

Tip: 

• Use reverse image search (Google Lens is an option) to check if the pictures are lifted from somewhere else. 

• Search the address and contact info on the internet — if it’s linked to multiple ads or sketchy websites, back away. 

• Ask your base housing office, friends, or military spouse groups if they’ve heard of the listing. 

• Never send money or personal details before verifying the rental and the landlord. 

Landlord Verification: 

• Work with a licensed real estate agent or property management company whenever possible. You can verify their license through your state’s official licensee website. Realtors and property managers can assist with verification of ownership and legitimacy as part of their fiduciary duty to protect your interests. 

• Verify property ownership using public tax or deed records. Ask the landlord for a copy of their ID and request a video call to confirm their identity. 

• If the area requires a rental license, check the local county or city housing website to confirm that it’s valid. 

***Caution*** Scammers often post fake but legitimate-looking listings on trusted websites like Zillow, Trulia, and others. 

2. Moving Company Scams 
Some scammers pretend to be moving companies. They give you a great quote, then disappear after taking a deposit—or load your belongings and demand extra money to return them. 

Tip: 

• Use BBB.org and ProtectYourMove.gov to verify companies. 

• Don’t rely on a fancy website alone—check out licenses, reviews, and complaints. 

• Pay with a credit card for extra protection, and avoid paying full fees upfront. 

3. Vehicle Transport Fraud 
Shipping your car to your next duty station? Some scammers pose as auto shippers, take your money, then ghost you. 

 Family Tip: 

• Verify the transporter with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

• Look up the company on BBB.org for reviews, complaints, and scam reports. 

• Watch out for transporters who won’t provide contracts or ask for full payment upfront. 

4. Job Scams Targeting Military Spouses 
Scammers know military spouses often look for remote work during PCS. Fake job offers may involve impersonated companies or vague roles—and often ask for personal information, have setup fees, and send you fake checks 

Tip: 

• Look up the company and the job post online. 

• Be cautious if the “employer” pushes you to act fast or requests payment. 

• Use BBB Scam Tracker to search similar scam reports. 

• Never deposit a check in your bank and then reimburse those funds to the check owner. Even if the funds clear, you will still be held accountable for those funds if the bank determines that the check is fraudulent later.  

How to Keep Your Family Safe During PCS 

Slow Down and Verify 
Scammers feed on urgency. If something feels off, pause and talk it through with a trusted friend or family member. 

Stick with Trusted Resources 

• Use verified rental sites, government websites, and military verified sites. 

• Look for BBB Accredited businesses when hiring movers or shippers. 

• Check BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker to see if others have reported a company or situation like yours. 

 Keep Your Info Secure 

• Hand-carry important documents like birth certificates, passports, and orders. 

• Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on key accounts. 

• Set up mail forwarding to your new address to avoid missed bills or identity theft. 

Talk About It with Your Community 

Scammers count on silence. The best way to fight fraud is to start a conversation with your fellow military families. 

Tip: 

• Share your experiences with your FRG, local spouse groups, or base social media pages. 

• If you spot or experience a scam, report it on BBB Scam Tracker. Even if you didn’t lose money—you might prevent someone else from losing money or personal information. 

Final Thought 

PCS season brings new adventures—and sometimes, unexpected stress. But by staying alert, asking questions, and sharing what you know, you can keep scammers out of your move and start this next chapter with confidence. 

Wherever you’re headed next, protect what matters most—your family, your finances, and your peace of mind.