BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Beaverton Police and the Oregon transportation officials busted several illegal movers in a sting operation Tuesday.
Authorities answered ads from craigslist.com and waited for the unlicensed movers to show up.
They expected to make a few bucks.
The Oregon Department of Transportation is in charge of making sure movers have the proper permits to work.
ODOT employees say they've received numerous public complaints about rogue movers damaging or stealing items.
In some cases, ODOT says an unlicensed mover will quote one service rate then change it later when all the property is loaded on their moving truck.
"It's now going to be more expensive if you want us to unload it's going to cost and it's going to be cash," said ODOT Compliance Specialist Doug Pierovich, describing a tactic used by some unlicensed movers.
Ivan Scharbrough was fined in Tuesday's sting operation.
He figured his business license and a U-haul truck was legitimate enough.
He didn't know about the requirement for a fire extinguisher and other permits.
"You have to have an ODOT medical card for a vehicle over a certain weight and whatnot which we didn't know about," he said. "Anyway, I guess they're making their money."
"I was just shocked," said his moving partner Lrae Anderson. "I mean, I was ready to work and ended up getting violated."
ODOT says most of the movers they bust for this infraction are repeat offenders who have long rap sheets and willingly violate state mover rules.
If you have any doubts about a mover you're hiring contact ODOT.
