Don’t Get Burned: Safeguarding Against Scams in the Chimney Industry 

A chimney is very difficult to determine if there are repairs needed. So, we depend on the great service of area chimney companies. You are doing your due diligence by researching companies. It is not like you are going to climb a ladder and investigate how things are going up there, or at least we hope not.

Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people out there. Whether they are hungry for money or unethical, they are out there. Before we get into the details of how to protect yourself, let us discuss how you can be scammed.

False Credentials

Chimney sweeps may boast about how they are credentialed. Certified with National Companies. Yet, it is costly to pay for these certifications. Some companies may skip the certification process and claim that they are certified. With a certification, there is specific training that all are to go through. Thus, they have extra education to complete a job with quality care. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a nationally recognized organization. They certify chimney sweeps. They have a local website that you can use to verify company’s legitimacy.   

Ghosting

You assume you made an appointment and gave a down payment for the timeslot you needed. When the appointment time comes around, no one shows up. You find that they are gone and so is your deposit. 

Bait-and-Switch

A very prominent scam is when there are so-called “Pros” in the neighborhood. They state that they were at your neighbor’s doing a chimney sweep or inspection. “Since I’m in the neighborhood I can offer a very reasonable price on a sweep or inspection.” They may exaggerate the concern or importance of getting something fixed “ASAP”.  They charge an enormous amount. You, thinking you need to be safe, agree. The repair may or may not be legitimate.  

Unnecessary Repairs, Marked as Urgent

A chimney sweep may tell you that you need unnecessary repairs. They may go as far as showing you pictures from another chimney. They inform you that it must be done right away for the safety of your family. They put you on the spot by pushing you to make a decision immediately. 

Warning Signs

• Be wary of high-pressure salesmen. They talk a good game. But some may exaggerate the situation.
• Unsolicited service. Be aware of someone knocking at your door. Do your research and schedule as you feel the need. 
• Ask for credentials. 

How to Prevent Scammers

• Do your homework. The internet is an amazing tool to search out reputable companies.
• Research the companies that you are interested in. Be sure that they are certified. Contact The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) to assure yourself.
• Get referrals from friends and family.  This can be your finest tool. But even still, do your research.

Once you are comfortable with a Chimney company is when you want to make your appointment, on your time. Call Ye Olde Brit at 909-880-2120. We have a reputation that brings our customers back year after year. You can trust our name.

Ye Olde Brit has been helping folks in the San Bernardino region with all their chimney repair needs for more than 30 years. We hold a Certified Chimney Professional designation and are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and we are Certified through the Golden State Chimney Sweep Guild (GSCSG). We are a company that puts the safety of your family first.

We are a State Licensed Contractor (#775386).