10/31/2023
Consumer Alert: Be Aware of Chimney Cleaning and Repair Scams
Consumers should do their research, be cautious when hiring a chimney cleaner this fall
HARTFORD – The Department of Consumer Protection is warning consumers about chimney cleaning scams, and reminding the public to do their research before hiring a chimney cleaner.
“DCP receives more complaints about home improvement than any other type of complaint each year, and has already received complaints this year about companies calling consumers to offer chimney cleaning services,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “While some offers might be legitimate, some may be scams or companies working without the appropriate home improvement contractors registration. It’s important to do your research and not be pressured into a contract or sale if a deal seems too good to be true.”
Chimney cleaning scams often begin when someone calls you unsolicited, and offers you a chimney cleaning deal. Once they’re at your home, they also notice that your “chimney needs repair.” Without giving you time to verify their credentials, or offering you a contract, they make some changes to your chimney, and ask that you pay immediately. Often, consumers find that work is partially done, not done correctly, or not done at all, and they do not recover their money.
Signs of a scam include:
- Unsolicited calls offering services, especially from an 800 number.
- Unsolicited calls from “your oil company” or “your utility company”, or anyone else who doesn’t specifically identify themselves.
- Pressure tactics to try and get you to act immediately.
- A deal that sounds too good to be true.
- No one offers you a contract.
- Requests for payment via cash, wire transfer, prepaid card, or any untraceable form of payment.
Before hiring a chimney cleaner:
- Verify that anyone doing work on your home has the proper credential. Anyone doing chimney repair or installing chimney liner requires a home improvement contractor registration. Make sure any contractor you hire also carries the required liability insurance. If someone is only cleaning your chimney, they don’t require a credential.
- Ask for recommendations and hire local. It’s always better to do business with someone you, a friend or family member has already done business with before.
- Check at least three references, and read reviews. Even if a company is recommended by someone you know and trust, it’s important to do your own research.
- Have a signed contract in writing. Home improvement contractors are required to have a contract before starting work. Be sure to review what should be included in a contract.
- Ask any questions you have about your contract before signing it. Make sure you understand the contract.
Consumers who believe they have fallen victim to a scam or think their contract hasn’t been honored by someone they hired to clean their chimney may contact DCP by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov.
- Twitter: DCP on Twitter
- Facebook: DCP on Facebook
Media Contact:
Kaitlyn Krasselt
kaitlyn.krasselt@ct.gov
(860) 713-6019 (office)
(860) 377-0246 (cell)