Complaint filed against Flat Rate Movers

A local moving company is back on the I-Team's radar. The company name has changed, but the I-Team's Dana Fowle says it's the same management, the same location and the same complaints.

Serleaf Barry called the I-Team, and said he had paid Flat Rate Movers to get him from Aiken, South Carolina to Newnan, Georgia. They agreed on a price, or so he thought.  He tells police that price changed two times, and more than doubled after the movers found out Barry's company was paying for the move.

Barry says his furniture was supposed to be in his new home August 6th.  That didn't happen. He had to go to them to collect his possessions from Flat Rate Movers.

"These guys really don't care. They operate with impunity," said Barry.

Barry called the incident frustrating and says he feels like he has been blackmailed.

It's not the first time the I-Team has heard of Flat Rate Movers. Last year, a young family was frustrated that their moving quote was moving up but getting their furniture was stalling out.

Barry has a similar situation. He says his original quote was slightly over $1,600. It jumped up once they got his furniture. He reported it to the BBB, the state, the DOT, DeKalb police and anybody who'd listen that the moving day cost became nearly $3,800. After they had his furniture, he says, it was up to $4,800.

This is the same complaint the I-Team has heard again and again: a great low quote that skyrockets once these movers get the furniture. The location is certainly the same.  But the name of the company has changed. But, is this really a different company?

The Better Business Bureau says no. It gives an "F" rating to a lot of moving companies that have operated out of this same warehouse. Alex Breslav Fainshtein ran Real Movers as it was known when the I-Team first reported on the company, and the BBB warns he's connected to Flat Rate Movers.

Barry eventually got his furniture back after paying the full $4800. He's settling into Georgia but not settling down. His story has caught the attention of federal investigators who say they're well aware of this mover's latest incarnation.  The federal governorment's web site says their license was revoked on Sept. 10th, but a visit by the I-Team on Tuesday revealed that Flat Rate Movers was still open for business.

"I'm gonna fight back at these guys. By all means, I'm going to come after them.  I'm not going to let this just go away," said Barry.

If you're planning on moving into Georgia, go to the Georgia Department pf Public Safety web site to learn more about individual companies before you hire. If you are moving out of state, check on the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration site as well.