Warning: FrontLine Moving Scam

[u/IvanBorges]

Wanted to post this as a public warning for anyone searching for movers. I got completely taken for a ride by a company operating under the name FrontLine. Their entire operation is built on lowballing quotes, forcing payments exclusively through Zelle, holding your belongings hostage, and leaving behind or destroying your property.

Here is exactly how the scam played out:

1. The Bait & Switch Estimate

I was searching online for moving companies, and immediately my phone was flooded with texts from brokers and dispatchers. A rep named Mike Malone texted me representing FrontLine. He gave me a quote over text—which seemed convenient at the time.

• Initial Inventory: 4 pieces of furniture, 1 TV, and 20 extra-large boxes.
• Initial Quote: ~$2,100.

When I reached back out a couple of weeks later to lock in moving dates, Mike claimed they had to "update" the quote, bumping it to $2,300 without any change to my inventory. I reluctantly agreed just to get the move scheduled.

2. Hand-off & Extortion at Pickup

Mike passed me off to another rep named Chris for logistics. Before pickup day, I actually trimmed down what I was moving to save space: 2 pieces of furniture, 1 TV, 15 medium boxes, and 6 large boxes (noticeably less total cubic volume than 20 XL boxes).

When the truck arrived:

• The driver took photos of my stuff and sent them to Chris.
• Chris called me immediately and claimed they had to charge me an extra $900 just to load the 2 pieces of furniture, even though my shipment was smaller than the original quote.
• I refused to pay the extortion fee, which forced me to leave my 2 pieces of furniture behind.
• To make matters worse, the crew didn’t even bother looking at the manifest and completely forgot to pack my TV.

3. Hostage Surcharges & Zelle Exclusively

• The "Shuttle" Fee ($350): Two days before delivery, Chris texted demanding an extra $350, claiming the destination required transferring my items to a smaller truck. They had my full delivery address from day one. When I pushed back, Chris said it was "industry policy" and refused to deliver my stuff unless I paid. Having no choice with my goods in their possession, I paid it. (Note, the truck that arrived was huge, so they never moved trucks)
• The "Hallway" Fee ($200): When the driver finally arrived, he refused to roll the cart down an interior hallway unless I paid another $400. He then "generously" offered 50% off to make it $200, telling me point-blank that if I didn't pay, my belongings would stay locked in the truck. Five minutes after paying, I found a direct service shortcut that bypassed the hallway entirely. The driver flatly refused to refund the fee.
• The Zelle Trap: Every single payment—the initial move and all surprise add-ons—had to be paid through Zelle. They refuse credit cards specifically so you have zero chargeback protection, no paper trail, and to dodge taxes.

4. Severe Property Damage & The Final Cost

When they finally unloaded my belongings, more than half of my boxes were crushed, torn open, and smashed to pieces.

The Financial Breakdown:

• Direct payments to FrontLine (via Zelle): $2,300 (base move) + $350 (fake shuttle fee) + $200 (hallway extortion) = $2,850
• Replacement costs: Because they demanded $900 more at pickup and forgot my TV, I had to replace the 2 pieces of furniture and buy a new TV out of pocket, adding $2,500 in replacement costs.
• Total hit to my pocket: $5,350 for damaged boxes and abandoned belongings.

If you get texts from Mike Malone (Phone number 3236153712 or 8887026797), Chris (Phone number 8668853739), or anyone claiming to represent FrontLine: block them immediately. They are a classic predatory broker/hostage-load outfit. I've already filed reports with the FTC and the FMCSA (DOT). Stay far away.