Moving mistake: Consumers urged to avoid paying for something that's free

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- More than 40 million people move each year. While you need to move all your personal belongings, you also need to change your address. It should be simple, but a quick online search can lead to a moving mistake.

Here's the problem... Many people do a random search for "change of address" and wind up on one of a number of sites run by businesses. They might appear to be connected to the United States Postal Service, but they are not.

"Your credit card is being charged anywhere from $29 to $39 dollars for them to change you address," said Frank Schissler, U.S. Postal Inspector.

Consumers have complained about various sites including changemyaddress.com -- that charge $1 up front and then tack on additional fees for service later.

"It is not illegal for them to charge these additional fees but people need to be aware they don`t need to pay them if people go directly to the postal service website," said Schissler.

16,000 Ohio customers are now eligible for a refund from changemyaddress.com. It's part of a 2013 lawsuit.