Moving brokers pose as carriers on Google Ads, then subcontract to unknown operators

Over 60% of interstate moves booked online are sold by brokers who buy Google Ads using carrier-like names such as 'National Van Lines Moving,' collect a non-refundable deposit, then subcontract the actual move to whichever carrier is cheapest and available, without disclosing the subcontracting until pickup day. The customer has no say in who actually handles their belongings, cannot vet the carrier's safety record, and has no contractual relationship with the company that shows up. This persists because FMCSA requires brokers to register but does not require them to disclose their broker status in advertising, Google does not verify moving company license types before selling ads, and the deposit is structured as non-refundable so by the time the customer discovers the bait-and-switch it is too late to switch without losing $500-$1,500.