CPUC SHUTS OFF ILLEGAL MOVER'S TELEPHONE SERVICE

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today, in its ongoing efforts to clamp down on bandit movers, had phone service shut off to American Moving Company/American Movers, a Sacramento County-based household goods mover. Owner Magua Washington had been operating without a CPUC license. Cutting off phone service is an effective tool in curbing unsafe and unlicensed companies, and protecting the public. Advertisements placed by Washington used three different telephone numbers, each serviced by a different telephone company. One of the three telephone numbers was under another person's name. Washington illegally used a licensed carrier's permit number in Yellow Pages and newspaper advertisements, as well as on his shipping documents. He used two different fictitious business names, one of which is similar to the name of the licensed moving firm. While he was running these scams, Washington was under a five-year probation after serving 150 days in Sacramento County jail for a burglary conviction in 1994.

Anyone who believes they have a complaint against Washington may contact: CPUC Special Agent Rich Chan, at 916-657-4203.

Under Public Utilities Code Section 5133, no one may transport household goods without a CPUC license. CPUC authorization requires carriers to be adequately insured, properly trained, provide written estimates and contracts for services, and operate vehicles under strict maintenance regulations. Consumers using unlicensed movers may suffer irreparable losses of personal belongings with little means of recovery.