Don’t Get Taken by a Chimney Scam

Throughout Georgia and Tennessee, homeowners are getting swindled by scammers posing as chimney service professionals. You’re probably already familiar with the “common” signs of a scam. Still, you may not be aware of some of the specific ways fake chimney companies try to rip off unsuspecting homeowners.

Chimney Solutions of Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga, TN, would like to share some helpful hints in spotting a chimney scammer before they take your money – or worse, leave your chimney in a dangerous condition.

How did the company “find” you?

Did you get a random cold call? Did some guy show up on your doorstep? These are two ways that legitimate chimney service companies never get new customers. But lots of scammers use these tactics.

What’s the offer?

Has someone quoted you $19.99 to have your chimney cleaned? Or $1,200 for a “total, top-to-bottom, comprehensive, advanced, modern chimney sweeping”? Watch out for extreme pricing in either direction.

Do you just want a new chimney cap installed, and the technician tells you that you also need a new chimney liner and roof repair when you know you don’t?

Pay attention to the offer. If anything about it sounds fishy, find another chimney company.

Smooth-talking ripoff artists

You can usually tell when someone is trying to set you up. They talk smoothly and use a bunch of big words you don’t understand. They agree with you constantly, smile, and act way too sympathetic. They may also repeatedly interrupt you and change the subject. All this is because they have a pre-planned agenda.

Hesitation in providing credentials

A chimney scammer has no credentials. All they have is a plan. Never hire a company whose representative hesitates in providing:

• Proof of local licensure and insurance
• A company website link
• Contact info of previous customers in your area
• A physical business address
• Proof of certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or other state and national certifying bodies.

What’s the deal?

Chimney scammers sometimes request all the money for a project in advance before a single piece of work has been done. Or they ask for an unusually high percentage of their estimated cost up front.

They won’t offer you a written contract or a guarantee on workmanship because they have neither.

Who did I just call?

If you see an advertisement for a chimney service company and call them, be aware of signs that it’s a possible scam:

• You hear 20 or 30 voices in the background (you’ve reached a call center)
• The person on the other end answers with: “Hello?”
• A football game broadcast is coming through the phone so loudly, you know who’s winning.
• The person you talk to starts trying to sell you a chimney service before even learning the reason you’re calling.
• You’re asked to pay money now over the phone.

The service vehicle

Does the technician show up in an unmarked truck? Or worse, a car? This is a clear sign that you may be dealing with a chimney scammer.

Hiring a reputable chimney company

When you hire Chimney Solutions, you’re hiring a reputable, experienced company that’s been in business since 1998. Our technicians carry certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). They wear company uniforms and drive clearly marked company trucks. Some of them like football, but not during work hours.

Don’t get scammed. Call Chimney Solutions for everything your chimney needs. Reach us in the greater Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga, TN, areas by phone or through our contact form.