The Today Show recently featured a segment on "How to Avoid Being Scammed by Movers." In order to avoid these scams, it's critical that you know how to spot them. Get to know the top scams that can be attempted by a mover as identified by The Today Show.

A mover provides you with an estimate, only to add extras on once they have your belongings in their possession. Basically, their estimate is not valid, and they can tack on as many additional costs as they'd like - doubling or tripling the cost of your move. If you want your furniture back, you have to concede and pay up the additional cost.

A mover will provide you with an estimate for the cost of your move, and then switch this arranged deal right at the last minute. They sell you on a low price, but in the end, the cost of your move ends up being nothing close to what you agreed to.

A mover will stack on additional charges based on unfounded reasons. For example, say the mover gave you an estimate based on weight. After your valuables are on their truck, they may then charge you extra claiming the cubic feet exceeded the weight estimate of your goods. Since this is impossible to calculate, you're stuck paying the fees or forsaking your goods.

Other common trumped up charges include saying packing was not included in your estimate, charging more because your goods weren't totally packed and ready for the move and so on.

This scam may be the worst of the bunch. A mover will come and pack, load and promise to deliver your belongings "on-time." Then, they call saying your goods are in the back of a truck behind two other peoples' belongings, so you can't receive your furniture until theirs is delivered first.

Or, if the mover has a licensing violation and their truck is impounded in transit, all your valuables are stuck on board until the truck is released. Either of these situations result in your goods being delivered weeks late...or not at all.

This happens often with a rogue mover. A fly by night mover will take your money, load your belongings, then close up shop and flee, abandoning your shipment either on the truck or in a private storage facility. This scam allows the mover to take off with your money and your belongings. If you are lucky enough to find where your belongings ended up, expect to pay exorbitant amounts of money to retrieve them from the storage locale.

So, now that you know the common rip-offs and scams executed by a shady mover, how can you avoid these common pitfalls many individuals and families fall into when moving? Do not worry; not all movers are despicable. Having a successful, affordable relocation performed by a professional mover does not have to be a pipe dream.

Below are some tips for choosing a mover for a happy, successful relocation:

1. Demand an On-Site Estimate : Universal Relocations provides FREE on-site moving estimates.
2. Check the Company's Address : A REAL mover will have a REAL address. Once you get the address, make sure you Google it or drive to the location to verify its legitimacy.
3. Ask for Recommendations from Friends, Family and Neighbors : One of the best ways to find a great mover? Word of mouth, testimonials from people they have moved before.
4. Ask your Real Estate Agent : Real estate agents help people move all the time. They are a great source for a reputable mover.
5. Get Three Competitive In-Home Estimates : Get three estimates from three different moving companies. If there is a significant disparity, this will help you to easily identify a fraud.
6. Choose a Mover who Bases Price off Cubic Feet, not Weight : This will help guarantee and lock in the estimate they provide you initially.
7. Check the Mover's Complaint History: If a mover has more than eight complaints on a given complaint website (Better Business Bureau, etc.), then you might want to rethink electing them as your mover.