ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE SETTLES WITH
HOUSEHOLD GOODS MOVER

Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr. announced today that his Consumer Protection Division has reached a settlement agreement with Starline Van Lines, Inc., doing business as Prime Movers, a Maryland household goods mover, and its owner, Jacov Sudai. Prime Movers is located at 1710 Olive Street, Beaver Heights, Md.
The Consumer Protection Division investigated Prime Movers’ practice of giving consumers low estimates and then demanding significantly higher amounts when the move was completed. On average, the final bill exceeded the estimate by almost 60% for local moves. The Division also alleged that Prime Movers charged consumers for insurance that it never actually provided.

Prime Movers and its owner have agreed not to charge more than 110% of the estimate given, and to pay restitution to past customers who paid more than the estimates they were given. Prime Movers has agreed to stop selling insurance unless it actually provides insurance (including providing consumers the actual policy) and to refund the premiums it charged for insurance in the past.

Prime Movers and its owner also agreed to injunctive relief to ensure they comply with state and federal law limiting their ability to assert liens against consumers’ goods when a dispute arises concerning the final bill. The settlement also requires Prime Movers to disclose all terms of its contract at the time it is hired by consumers and to arbitrate future disputes.

“ A moving company cannot take advantage of its customers on moving day by overcharging consumers or charging for goods or services that it does not actually provide,” said Attorney General Curran.

Consumers with complaints against Prime Movers are encouraged to call the Consumer Protection Division’s complaint hotline at (410) 528-8662 or toll-free 1-888-743-0023.

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