Susan Chana Lask’s Federal Moving Fraud Case Featured in Newsweek

In February 2023, New York attorney Susan Chana Lask’s federal RICO litigation on behalf of consumers harmed by deceptive interstate moving practices was featured by Newsweek in a multi-page investigative report examining widespread moving-company fraud and federal regulatory failures.

The Newsweek investigation discussed patterns of misconduct by moving brokers and carriers, the role of the U.S. Department of Transportation in licensing repeat offenders, and legal efforts to hold fraudulent operators accountable.

Excerpt from the Newsweek Investigation

(Full article linked below.)

“The DOT is issuing licenses to steal,” said New York attorney Susan Chana Lask, who sued several moving companies in a federal lawsuit that accused brokers and carriers of operating a racketeering enterprise.

Lask argued that moving fraud schemes relied on deceptive licensing, bait-and-switch pricing tactics, and threats to hold consumers’ property hostage. The investigation examined the federal government’s limited enforcement activity despite thousands of consumer complaints.

— Newsweek, February 1, 2023

Case Background and Legal Significance

The Newsweek investigation centered on federal litigation brought by Susan Chana Lask against interstate moving brokers and carriers accused of orchestrating systematic fraud against consumers. The complaint alleged violations of federal consumer protection laws and raised claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

The case addressed moving companies that allegedly:

Misrepresented themselves as licensed carriers
Issued low initial estimates to secure deposits
Dramatically increased prices on moving day
Withheld or threatened to auction customers’ property
Cycled through new company names and DOT registrations to evade accountability

The lawsuit sought injunctive relief, damages, and enforcement action to prevent destruction or concealment of customers’ property.

Court Action and Outcome

The litigation resulted in federal court intervention requiring defendants to preserve and disclose the location of customer property, preventing destruction or loss of personal belongings. The matter also led to a settlement and exposed systemic enforcement gaps in federal oversight of the moving industry.

The case became a reference point in broader discussions about regulatory reform, consumer protection enforcement, and the accountability of moving brokers and carriers.

Video

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Media and Policy Impact

Newsweek cited Susan Chana Lask’s litigation as a key example of a broader national consumer fraud problem, drawing attention from regulators, advocacy groups, and policymakers examining the effectiveness of federal oversight.

The investigation contributed to public awareness and increased scrutiny of moving-company licensing and enforcement practices.