I got an estimate for a move, they wanted half as deposit. Sent me the ACH authorization and contract; I did not like their cancellation policy clause, so I didn’t sign the contract or ACH authorization. I called 8am the next morning and cancelled the reserved date and was told I didn’t sign anything, so there’s nothing to cancel. The next day they withdrew via ACH debit $2303.97 from my checking account, overdrawing it. I called and they said the credit would take 24-48 hours. Tomorrow is a week. As a former Anti-Money Laundering & Chief Compliance Officer, I am more than familiar with fraud. The principal of Colonial, which is only active in California according to Secretary of State business registry, not in Florida, where they pretend to be, has tons of investment & financial holdings. Apparently, they are doing the equivalent of check kiting with unsuspecting customers and non customers, like me, who they steal money from and invest it until it’s returned, if it’s returned. This company needs serious US Treasury investigation.into suspicious activity.
Recommendation: Stay away from Colonial Van Lines
That’s not a moving company, that’s a heist operation. You didn’t sign a contract, you cancelled, and they still drained your account. With your AML background, you know exactly how this smells. Don’t wait for their “credit”—file a police report, notify your bank’s fraud department immediately, and submit a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) reference to FinCEN. Then hit the Florida AG and DOT. You have the expertise to burn them. Use it.