Las Vegas NowI-Team: The Perils of Making Ends Meet by Moving

I-Team: The Perils of Making Ends Meet by Moving

It seemed like a good idea for Dan Stewart. He's out of work from contracting with the cable company. He has a lot of time and a big truck. He markets his country band using the internet, so why not use a computer to create a small moving business on the side?

Besides steady work and a sputtering country career, there's something he's missing -- his blue truck. "They grab your truck. You might get a fine of ten thousand bucks. It just seems like a lot," he said.

Stewart is one of many recently busted by the Nevada Transportation Authority for being an unlicensed mover. He had posted his services on Craiglist. "I have an empty, large Ford F150. Need something moved? I put my name and phone number," he said.

Well, the ad worked. "I got one call," he said.

It just wasn't the customer he was expecting. Ruben Aquino is an investigator with the NTA. He says there has been an explosion of people picking up extra work during the recession. Many are unlicensed, leading to a professional nickname. "The gypsy companies or gypsy individuals," said Aquino.

That's where Stewart's missing truck comes in. The sting caught up when he pulled up to a Public Storage. "Three trucks, cars, five guys, lights, badges, guns," he said.

They gave him a two-count citation and impounded his truck, taking it to this tow lot in North Las Vegas. All part of the investigation, says Aquino. "Is that vehicle safe? Had that vehicle been inspected?" he said.

That's where it will stay until the hearing on Tuesday.

Equal treatment for the gypsy movers, even if it was just a desperate mistake for Dan Stewart. "I had no idea that this was illegal. I had seen a million ads on there," he said.

The NTA says Stewart is a first time offender and he likely won't face the full $20,000 in fines. They want to make sure people work with reputable, licensed companies. Even if it seems like a good idea to make an easy few bucks, the end result may cost you.