Beware of these tricks and traps from unscrupulous moving companies.

Tim Walker was told it would cost $1,869 to move his belongings from Sterling, Va., to Carson, Nev. Instead, he paid $5,012.50. It took more than six weeks for his belongings to make the trip -- and when they did, some were damaged or missing.

To keep the same thing from happening to you, Walker recommends that you research moving companies with the Better Business Bureau and similar resources, rather than just going with the cheapest option you find online. Otherwise, bad things can happen.

Here are 10 of the worst things disreputable movers may do.