With tariffs dominating headlines and reshaping global trade, many Americans are noticing higher prices at checkout.
From groceries to electronics, the impact of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs is real, and it’s easy for consumers to feel like every price hike is somehow tied to foreign trade policy.
But experts caution that not every fee or surcharge can be chalked up to tariffs. Some companies may take advantage of the public’s confusion to justify raising prices or tacking on questionable charges.
Is This Moving Company Scamming?
In a trending video with more than 21,000 views, New York City resident Crystal (@sweizvibez) shared the strange interaction she just had with a moving company that attempted to charge her “tariff fees.”
Crystal explained that she contacted the company to get a quote for moving her belongings out of storage and into a new place.
“Hey, here’s a quote but it’s a little bit higher because of tariffs,” they tell her.
“I go, ‘What?’ And they go, ‘Tariffs, tariff fees.’”
“These motherf—— don’t know what tariffs are,” Crystal realized. “What are you importing? I’m so confused.”
Crystal said she pressed the company for an explanation, but the answer left her more confused. They insisted that they have to pay tariff fees, so that price then impacts customers, too.
“You do? You’re providing a service. You’re a moving company. What are you importing? The people?” she said.
What Are Tariffs?
Tariffs are government-imposed taxes on imported goods, not domestic services like moving.
The charge is typically a percentage of a product’s value. For example, a 10% tariff on a $10 product would add $1, raising the total cost to $11.
The tax is paid to the U.S. government by companies that bring in foreign products. Those companies may then pass on the extra cost to customers.
Trump’s Tariff Policies
President Donald Trump has introduced sweeping tariffs on goods imported into the United States from countries around the world, BBC reported. He argues the move will boost American manufacturing, create jobs, and reduce the U.S. trade deficit.
Critics warn that the measures could lead to higher consumer prices, which is already happening.
Trump’s policies have sharply raised average U.S. tariffs from under 2.5% at the start of 2025 to more than 18%. Rates vary by country: 50% tariffs on goods from India and Brazil, 30% on South Africa, 20% on Vietnam, and 15% on Japan and South Korea. China, Canada, and Mexico are still negotiating with the U.S. over their rates.
Some tariffs also target specific products no matter where they come from, including 50% taxes on steel, aluminum, and copper imports, as well as 25% on most foreign-made cars and car parts.
The effects are already visible. U.S. government tariff revenues tripled in June 2025 compared with the previous year, but prices for everyday goods, such as tomatoes and coffee, have also begun to climb.
Economists say poorer Americans are likely to feel the impact most sharply, while U.S. trade partners such as Canada have seen unemployment rise.
Commenters React
“They comin up with ANYTHING!” a top comment read.
“Lmaoo I can’t front that’s wild because who knows how many ppl they got with that,” a person said.
“Its an excuse for jacking the prices, call the next one,” another wrote.
@sweizvibez #this would never happen under Obama. movingcompany. Not me being scammed. tarrifs. #rant #fyp
BroBible reached out to Crystal for comment via TikTok direct message and comment.