Safebound Moving and Storage

Key Points

• Identity and Operations: Safebound Moving and Storage is a West Palm Beach, Florida-based moving company, founded in 2016, offering local, long-distance, and commercial moving services, as well as storage solutions.

• Reputation: Mixed reviews highlight professional service and efficiency but also serious complaints about deceptive pricing, damaged goods, and poor customer service.

• Allegations: Linked to a Canadian moving scam operation under similar names, though the Florida entity appears separate. Florida-based Safebound faces accusations of bait-and-switch pricing and extortion-like tactics.

• Legal Issues: No confirmed lawsuits against the Florida entity, but complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an investigation by the Florida Attorney General’s office indicate regulatory scrutiny.

• Risk Profile: High reputational and legal risks due to negative reviews, potential regulatory violations, and confusion with a Canadian scam operation.

Overview

Safebound Moving and Storage, headquartered at 6051 Southern Blvd STE 400, West Palm Beach, FL 33413, is a family-owned moving company established in 2016. It specializes in residential, commercial, long-distance, and cross-country moves, primarily in Florida and across the U.S. East Coast. The company is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (Local State License: IM2839) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (USDOT Number: 2900155, ICC MC: IM2839). Safebound offers packing, unpacking, and storage services, emphasizing competitive pricing and customer service. It operates under Safebound Logistics LLC, with a 13,500-square-foot facility in Riviera Beach, Florida, and received a $58,227 SBA PPP loan in 2020, retaining 14 jobs. The company markets itself as a trusted, community-focused mover with bilingual representatives and military discounts.

Allegations and Concerns

• Canadian Scam Connection: Toronto Police arrested Cemal Ozturk, Dogan Celik, and others in 2022 for operating a moving scam under multiple names, including SafeBound Moving and Storage Inc., linked to Move Me Again. This Canadian entity is distinct from the Florida-based Safebound but causes brand confusion.

• Bait-and-Switch Pricing: Florida customers allege Safebound provides low initial quotes, then significantly increases prices on moving day, often after loading belongings. A ConsumerAffairs review claims a quote of $6,900 escalated to $12,000 with no recourse.

• Extortion Tactics: Complaints describe Safebound holding goods hostage until additional payments are made, with one Trustpilot reviewer stating, “They threatened to not give my property back after jacking up the rate.”

• Florida Investigation: The Florida Attorney General’s office is investigating Safebound for deceptive practices and harassment, as reported by a customer on ConsumerAffairs.

• Broker Misrepresentation: Safebound is accused of posing as a direct mover but subcontracting to brokers like Princz Moving, leading to unexpected fees and service issues. A Reddit user noted, “Didn’t present themselves as a broker… Princz Moving showed up and doubled the price.”

Customer Feedback

• Positive Feedback:

  • Many customers praise Safebound’s professionalism, punctuality, and care. An Angi review states, “Daniel and Javier handled my antique furniture like pros… transported it without a scratch.”

  • A Trustpilot reviewer said, “Rolando and Minor moved my 1-bedroom apartment in record time… nothing broken, 10/10 would use again.”

  • Military families appreciate Safebound’s knowledge of relocation procedures, with an Angi review noting, “Hugo and Brett made our military move stress-free.”

  • MoveAdvisor reports 89% of 213 reviews are positive, citing efficient service and friendly staff.

• Negative Feedback:

  • Customers report damaged or lost items, with a ConsumerAffairs reviewer stating, “They broke and lost over $2,000 worth of my personal items.”

  • Unexpected charges are common, as a Trustpilot user described, “Initial quote was 100% higher upon arrival… 80% of boxes damaged.”

  • Poor communication and unresponsiveness are frequent, with a BBB complaint noting, “They ignored my claim for months… I’m filing a legal suit.”

  • A Reddit post detailed, “Safebound took the money and bailed… no attempt to fix the problem,” highlighting lost goods and lack of accountability.

• Mixed Sentiment: Safebound’s positive reviews focus on smooth moves and professional staff, but negative feedback about deceptive pricing, damage, and poor service significantly tarnishes its reputation.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: Negative reviews and scam allegations, especially confusion with the Canadian SafeBound, damage trust. The BBB and ConsumerAffairs ratings reflect dissatisfaction, deterring potential customers.

• Legal Risk: The Florida Attorney General’s investigation and BBB complaints suggest potential regulatory action. Unresolved claims for damaged goods could escalate to lawsuits.

• Financial Risk: Customer losses from damaged or lost items and reliance on low-ball quotes may strain finances if claims mount. The $58,227 PPP loan indicates modest scale, limiting capacity to absorb legal or restitution costs.

• Operational Risk: Subcontracting to brokers risks inconsistent service quality, as seen in complaints about Princz Moving. Last-minute fee hikes and poor communication undermine operational reliability.

• Brand Confusion Risk: The Canadian scam operation under a similar name increases the likelihood of mistaken identity, further harming the Florida entity’s reputation.

Business Relations and Associations

• Key Individuals:

  • Cemal Ozturk: Linked to the Canadian SafeBound scam but not confirmed with the Florida entity.

  • Mike (Owner): Referenced in a MoveAdvisor review as directly handling a high-value move, indicating hands-on leadership.

  • Frankie Cavaretta: Listed as a contact for Safebound’s press release, likely in marketing or management.

• Corporate Entities:

  • Safebound Logistics LLC: The operating entity, registered with FMCSA and Florida regulators, managing 13 drivers and 33 power units.

  • Move Me Again: Associated with the Canadian scam but not confirmed as a partner of the Florida Safebound.

  • Princz Moving: A subcontractor involved in a problematic move, raising concerns about Safebound’s oversight of brokers.

• Other Associations:

  • Safebound received an SBA PPP loan from Seacoast National Bank, retaining 14 jobs.

  • No formal partnerships with major van lines; Safebound operates independently.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Lawsuits: No confirmed lawsuits against Safebound Moving and Storage (Florida) in public records, but a 2021 Ontario Superior Court decision against a Canadian Safe Bound Moving and Storage Inc. and Cemal Ozturk involved deceptive pricing. This is unrelated to the Florida entity but adds to brand confusion.

• Regulatory Scrutiny: The Florida Attorney General’s office is investigating Safebound for deceptive practices, as noted in a ConsumerAffairs complaint.

• BBB Complaints: Multiple BBB filings cite damaged goods, unfulfilled claims, and poor communication. Safebound’s responses acknowledge issues but often fail to resolve disputes, per customer feedback.

• Financial Stability: The $58,227 PPP loan suggests a small-to-medium operation. No bankruptcy records exist, but unresolved claims could pose financial strain.

• FMCSA Compliance: Safebound Logistics LLC is authorized to operate with no reported out-of-service (OOS) violations, based on 11 inspections through July 2021.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Analysis: Safebound Moving and Storage (Florida) presents a mixed profile as a regional mover with a strong local presence but significant reputational and operational challenges. Positive reviews highlight capable staff and efficient moves, particularly for military and local relocations, supported by its FMCSA registration and modest financial backing. However, allegations of bait-and-switch pricing, damaged goods, and poor customer service echo tactics seen in the unrelated Canadian SafeBound scam, raising red flags about business practices. The Florida Attorney General’s investigation and BBB complaints suggest regulatory risks, while subcontracting to brokers like Princz Moving indicates weak oversight. Confusion with the Canadian scam operation amplifies reputational damage, as consumers may not distinguish between entities.

Pros:

• Licensed and insured, with FMCSA and Florida registrations ensuring legal operation.

• Positive reviews for professional, efficient service, especially for complex or military moves.

• Community-focused, with charity events and military discounts enhancing local appeal.

Cons:

• Serious complaints about deceptive pricing, damaged goods, and extortion-like tactics.

• Florida Attorney General investigation signals potential regulatory violations.

• Brand confusion with Canadian scam operation harms credibility.

Cautionary Advice: Exercise caution when considering Safebound Moving and Storage. Verify quotes in writing and confirm they act as the direct mover, not a broker, to avoid surprises. Request references and check FMCSA records (USDOT: 2900155) for compliance. Avoid paying deposits via personal email or non-standard methods, as seen in complaints. For high-value items, opt for additional insurance and document belongings thoroughly. Research alternatives with stronger BBB ratings and no scam associations. If engaging Safebound, monitor for price changes and escalate issues to the Florida Attorney General or FMCSA if unresolved. Consumers in Canada should avoid any SafeBound-linked entities due to confirmed scam activities.

Key Citations

• https://www.mover.net/moving-scams-investigations

• https://www.consumeraffairs.com/movers/safebound-moving-storage.html

• Homepage-d

• https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx

• https://www.reddit.com/r/moving/comments/1aj3z3g/update_on_moving_scam/

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/marketplace/moving-companies-arrests-1.6523899

• https://ie.trustpilot.com/review/safeboundmoving.com?page=2

• https://www.trustpilot.com/review/safeboundmoving.com

• https://verifiedmovers.com/moving-companies/safebound-moving-storage/

• https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/fl/west-palm-beach/safebound-moving-and-storage-reviews-9200937.htm

• https://moveadvisor.com/movers/fl/palm-coast/safebound-moving-storage/reviews

• https://dot.report/usdot/2900155

• https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/west-palm-beach/profile/moving-companies/safebound-moving-storage-0633-9200937/complaints

• https://www.accessnewswire.com/2024/08/safebound-moving-storage-unveils-local-moving-services-for-florida-residents/