State Attorney General Jeff Chiesa and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs announced charges today against 25 allegedly unlicensed moving companies in New Jersey.

The charges stem from an undercover operation, dubbed Operation Mother's Attic II, that took place from July 23 through July 26. News 12 New Jersey's Kane In Your Corner was at the sting, which took place in Highland Park.

Investigators booked appointments with known unlicensed movers who advertised on Craigslist, Angie's List, and other online venues.

A total of 25 allegedly unlicensed moving companies made appointments with the investigators. Of those, 22 sent moving crews to a site in Highland Park, where they were confronted by Division of Consumer Affairs investigators, and their vehicles were inspected by state police.

Acting Director Eric Kanefsky said the Division of Consumer Affairs received 119 complaints from consumers about moving companies in 2011 alone. "They will show up at your home, take your things and tell you it's going to cost a couple of thousand dollars more - there's more steps than we thought, there's more stuff than we thought and they really extort you, basically, for the money," Kanefsky said.

Each of the 25 allegedly unlicensed companies who booked appointments with investigators now faces violation notices and civil penalties of up to $2,500. Authorities say 11 arrests were made as a result of the operation.

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs offers this advice for those seeking to hire a mover: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Movers and Warehousemen