7 On Your Side: NJ moving company under federal investigation

NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- A 7 On Your Side consumer investigation involving a Fairfield, New Jersey moving company has led to more customers from all over the country contacting Eyewitness News, claiming they too were upcharged thousands of dollars on move day and pressured to pay more than their estimate.

After not answering ABC 7's calls, texts, and emails, Nina Pineda finally caught up with Farah Al-Ibrahim, who clearly wanted to avoid 7 On Your Side's camera and questions.

"I need to know what to tell people that are calling us from all over the country," asked Pineda, as Al-Ibrahim stayed in her SUV and did not roll down the window.

In 2019, Al-Ibrahim pleaded guilty to "conspiracy to commit wire fraud". The Department of Justice complaint says that at the time, she worked for other moving companies which would, "...low ball customers and then raise prices on the day of the move."

Since ABC 7's initial report, a new source familiar with the inner workings of her moving business contacted ABC 7.

"We had somebody call us that's very close to your company, Farah, and tell us that you are guilty of doing the same thing that you were charged with in 2019," Pineda asked Al-Ibrahim, who remained in her vehicle.

The new source claims Al-Ibrahim is at it again with a different company, Noble Moving and Storage.

"She's kind of the ringleader. She manages everything," said the source, who asked
7 On Your Side not to show their face. ABC 7 has also altered their voice.

In August, Eyewitness News met with a customer of Noble Moving and Storage in Brooklyn and also talked to six others from across the country. All of them claimed their quotes ballooned on move day.

"When they showed up, it went to 21 thousand. I think it was straight up extortion," said Melissa Cranon, who moved from southern California to Atlanta, Georgia.

Multiple customers we spoke to say their local searches for moving companies wound up being handled by Noble Moving and Storage.

"She's the mastermind behind it all because she does it very, very well," said the source.

"Are you saying that they're told to sell it this way, with a lowball price and then switch it up on the day of the move?" asked Pineda.

The source answered, "Correct."

"That's a big allegation," inquired Pineda.

With a tone of certainty, the source said, "That's exactly what's happening. That's a fact."

In August, when 7 On Your Side spoke to Fairfield Police, the department was investigating Noble Moving after getting complaints from multiple customers about moving day price hikes.

"The pattern is what makes it become criminal and that allows us to get involved on the police side," said Officer Stacy Chiarolanza.

At that time Noble's owner, Joe Hannouch, who also happens to be Al-Ibrahim's husband, denied any wrongdoing and defended the price hikes, telling us the customers underestimated the amount they had to move, which the customers deny.

ABC 7 reached out to the Department of Transportation for comment. In an official response to the inquiry, the agency said, "The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is aware of the allegations involving Noble Moving and Storage and can confirm the company is under investigation.

The department's website says the agency investigates types of fraud that include "...deliberately providing a "low-ball" estimate to lure customers."

Additional customers that spoke with 7 On Your Side say they, too, chose Noble Moving and Storage because they were quoted at a cheap price, only to get caught off guard on moving day by a huge upcharge.

Nate Wheatley said, "They got me for about $8,000 a little over, maybe."

And when asked how much Andrea Elliot was upcharged, "Oh, we paid 18,000," she said. Elliot says her estimate was $7,100 for a move from Wisconsin to Louisiana.

After not responding to 7 On Your Side's request for an interview, Pineda met up with Al-Ibrahim in Clifton, NJ.

"I have to ask you why these people are accusing you of charging them so much more," said Pineda.

In her only response, Al-Ibrahim said, "I'm not even in moving anymore"

But ABC 7 did receive a text from her husband, Joe Hannouch that said, "I've told you before, and I'll make it crystal clear again: my wife, Farah, has absolutely nothing to do with my moving business."

7 On Your Side obtained a May 2025 corporate filing with the State Of New Jersey, showing that "Moving System Holdings Inc." has an alternate name, "Noble Moving and Storage." The electronic signature reads, "Farah Al-Ibrahim, President."

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