Vancouver Moving Company Fined For Deceiving Customers

Canadian Van Lines is facing penalties totaling more than $14,000 after a Consumer Protection B.C. Investigation that they were deceiving their customers. Also known as Coronation Van Lines, the company was found to be engaging in deceptive business practices. They knowingly and repeatedly made false pick-up and delivery promises to their customers and refused to issue required refunds, according to Tatiana Chabeaux-Smith, the spokesperson for the investigation. They used non complacent contracts, misrepresented their business location, and failed to provide the investigation with required information.

Through the investigation, Consumer Protection B.C. said they were able to arrange almost $5,100 in customer refunds and ordered the company to pay $1,500 in inspection costs. In addition, they issued a $7,500 administrative penalty against company officials James Mahama who also uses aliases James Johnson, Stephen Hume and James May, and Bakari Gregorio Usseni, also known as Greg Davis.

Canadian Van Lines has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau and was the subject of a public warning in July. The BBB received customer complaints ranging from failure to show up at arranged times, and refusing to complete the move until additional money was paid.  

Protect yourself

It's easy to be sucked into a rogue moving company and end up with stolen items, late deliveries, and an overall horrible experience. Make sure that before you book a moving company you complete a thorough background check, read other customer reviews, and understand how to spot a moving scam before you get caught in one.

Photo courtesy of cbc.ca.