Don’t Get Caught in a Chimney Scam

Most chimney service providers are honest and hardworking. But anywhere money flows, you’re going to find your share of unscrupulous individuals and companies who only want to take as much of your money as they can.

Fire N’ Stone of Tilton, NH, would like to share some helpful information about spotting a chimney scam so you don’t fall for it.

Scam: No work, just money

The highest level of scammers includes those who have no intention of doing any chimney work at your home. They may come out and do an “inspection,” which will turn up all kinds of serious “problems” with your chimney. They’ll tell you how they can fix it, and then they’ll ask for some or all of the money in advance. You’ll pay them and never see them again.

You may also encounter a scam in which you get a phone sales call from a “chimney company” offering a great deal. You’ll be asked to pay some or all of the cost during the phone call or via a payment portal. Once you’ve paid, the scammer will “disappear.”

Scam: A lot of work, a lot of money

Then there are “chimney companies” that contract with you for a specific service at a fair price, but when they get to work, they find all sorts of other “chimney issues” that you need to have addressed – and pay top dollar for.

These scammers may actually know how to perform some chimney services. The scam element is that they tack on extra services you don’t need.

Probably not a scam, but not skilled either

The final level – and this isn’t really a scam in the strictest sense – is the chimney service person or company that isn’t skilled at doing their work. They have some experience, but they don’t have the tools, training, or industry credentials needed to do a safe and proper job.

Get a second opinion

A reputable chimney company will have no problem with you taking their recommendations for services and getting a second opinion. This action alone can keep you from getting caught up in a chimney scam.

7 ways to protect yourself against a chimney scammer

Follow these seven guidelines.

1. Never agree to chimney services sold solely by voice or text.
2. If you call an advertised phone number and get what sounds like a call center, hang up.
3. Look at the website. Does it look legit? Do you see a clear description of the service you need to have done? Is there a local address?
4. Check to see if the company has industry certifications and affiliations. For example:

• Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
• Certified Chimney Professional (CCP)
• National Fireplace Institute (NFI)
• Local chimney sweep guilds
• The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)

5. Is the individual or company licensed and fully insured?
6. Do they drive clearly marked service vehicles?
7. Ask for references and follow up on them. Also, ask friends and associates if they’ve ever done business with the company in question.

Hire a credentialed New Hampshire chimney company

Fire N’ Stone has served the greater Tilton, NH, region since 2009. We’re licensed and insured, and we’re certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America. We’re happy to provide a second opinion on our recommendations, and we’re pleased to offer a second opinion on someone else’s.

Learn more about chimney repair, chimney sweeping, chimney inspections, and fireplace installations by giving us a call. You can also reach out through our contact form.