Protect Yourself Against Chimney Service Scams
Unscrupulous scammers are showing up everywhere, and every day they cost consumers money. With the growing number of chimney service scammers, consumers are not only losing money but also setting the stage for a possible disaster at their homes.
Advance Chimney Sweeps of Pittsburgh, PA, would like to share some of the signs that may indicate you’re dealing with a less-than-honorable chimney scammer.
No contract
The company doesn’t offer you a written contract and a guarantee of parts and workmanship.
No proper service vehicle
If the technician arrives at your home in a Toyota Camry, don’t even answer the door. Professional chimney companies have their own clearly marked service vehicles.
They want all the money up front
A reputable chimney company may ask for a deposit for a major rebuilding project or other extensive work. A scammer will often ask for the entire cost up front, regardless of the size of the project.
Prepaid cards and cash
Never buy a prepaid chimney service card or pay cash for services.
Pressure
When talking to a chimney scammer, you might feel pressured to agree to services quickly without really knowing what is going to happen. Don’t fall for these high-pressure tactics.
Phone sales
Professional chimney companies don’t sell their services through random cold calls.
“You don’t need a second opinion”
A scammer doesn’t want you to bring in another chimney company for a second opinion or estimate. Legitimate companies expect this.
Talks in a foreign language
We don’t mean another human language, but rather a bunch of fast-talking jargon and gobbledygook that you can’t come close to understanding.
No website
Today, a website is the public foundation of a professional company’s operation. If the person you’re talking with about chimney services can’t point you to their website, look elsewhere.
No certifications/credentials
Most reputable chimney technicians hold a certification, such as from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NSG). Scammers don’t bother with certifications.
No references
If the person you’re talking with can’t or won’t provide local references for follow-up, don’t let them into your home.
Ridiculous prices
Quoted prices for chimney work that are very high or very low are definite scam red flags. This is why it’s always smart to get a second opinion when working with a company for the first time.
A new chimney company isn’t necessarily a scam company
The long list above gives you a variety of things to watch out for when considering hiring a person or company to work on your chimney. But keep in mind, all good chimney companies have to start somewhere. Honest, hardworking chimney service providers don’t always start with a fully established business, a long string of satisfied customers, a fully developed website, and $60,000 service vehicles.
One of the best ways to tell a scam company from a legitimate outfit is to use your “gut instincts” when talking to the representative. Do you feel that this person genuinely cares about you and your home? Do they take pride in jobs well done? Does the person ask intelligent questions and answer your questions in a way that makes sense?
Fortunately, most chimney companies are not out to rip you off. But in this day and age of fly-by-night scams, it pays to protect yourself.
Professional chimney services in Pittsburgh, PA
Advance Chimney Sweeps has served the Pittsburgh, PA, area since 1996. We carry top-level certifications, drive clearly marked trucks, and put our customers first on every job. Learn more about how a reputable chimney service company does business by giving us a call. You can also get in touch through our contact form.
