CHIMNEY CLEANING AND REPAIR SCAMS – NOTHING BUT SMOKE AND HOT AIR

The fireplace brings warmth to the home during the cold winter months. The chimney vents hot fumes, dangerous gases and smoke away from the living area. The scam artist severely overcharges his victims by exploiting their lack of knowledge in his supposed “field of expertise” and preying on their fears. The chimney cleaning and repair industry is no stranger to this type of con man.

Chimneys require regular cleaning. A black, oily substance called creosote can build up along the chimney walls of a wood-burning fireplace. If the substance grows to over a quarter of an inch in thickness it becomes a fire hazard. Gas and oil chimneys present less of a fire hazard but should also undergo inspection. All three can have buildup or internal structural damage that could lead to blockage.

The National Chimney Sweep Guild and Chimney Safety Institute of America recommend annual inspections on home heating systems. They also note that choosing a qualified professional is important, as the services provided help protect people from unnecessary fires and help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. These services are not regulated, most states do not require certification and starting up a chimney sweep business requires very little capital. These conditions have created an opportunity for unscrupulous scam artists to sweep in and clean out unsuspecting victims of their hard-earned money.

Consumer advocate Asa Aarons warns against accepting unsolicited offers for free or low-cost chimney cleaning on his website, justaskasa.com. He goes on to caution against falling for overly-friendly telephone calls from someone claiming to be a representative of “your local chimney cleaning company”; and says to ignore companies who offer a reduced price because they are “working in your neighborhood”. Besides the telephone calls from warm strangers and the front door visit from a chimney sweep that happens to be working nearby, fliers stuffed in mailboxes or thrown up around the area are also common means of entry for these scam artists. The common denominator: all will offer their services at an unbelievable rate, between 20 and 40 dollars.

According to the National Chimney Sweep Guild and Chimney Safety Institute of America this low price is your first sign that you are dealing with a scammer. A quality chimney inspection alone costs at least $75 with the actual cleaning running at least $150 and normally are closer to $300. Of course, if you were promised a cleaning for $20 by an unsolicited chimney sweep, don’t be surprised when you quickly learn that upon inspection the cost rises exponentially.

Like many home cleaning and repair cons, these scams utilize the old bait-and-switch technique. They get in the door with the promise of ridiculously low prices, then use fear and intimidation to squeeze huge payments out of their victims.

As reported in the New York Times, state senator Jeffrey Klein warned those in the New York area of numerous reports of chimney cleaning fraud coming from his constituents in the Bronx and Westchester County. The article tells the story of central Bronx resident Cynthia Chalmers who answered an ad for a $25 chimney cleaning.

Ms. Chalmers says in less than five minutes of arriving, she was told there was a serious problem. The lining in the chimney needed replacing. According to the chimney sweep, it had created a hazardous situation and he would be required to report it. The price for the repair would be $2,500.

Ms. Chalmers felt she was being scammed and refused to accept the work. She claims the chimney sweep continued pressing her, even threatening that failure to fix it immediately could result in Ms. Chalmers having her utilities shut off. She paid the $25 fee and called for a second inspection.

The second company ended up being just as the first. They also said the chimney required thousands of dollars worth of repairs. Ms. Chalmers wasn’t buying it and contacted Mr. Klein’s office. An employee of the second company, when contacted by the Times, claims that he told Ms. Chalmers it wasn’t a big deal, but since the first guy had scared her he’d be willing to do the work for a good price.

These bait-and-switch scam artists often target new homeowners, assuming they lack the basic knowledge of chimney care. They will often claim to have done work for the previous homeowners and mention them by name. Before the cleaning begins the inspection highlights a major problem. Structural damage, build up, the need for a new chimney cap, or chimney lining. The scam artists will force the issue, playing on fear with claims of possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide poisoning from chimneys is rare, and if there is currently a leak, the chimney sweep should be able to show you immediately on a meter. All of these repair jobs are serious contract work, and the person would be wise to get quotes from several companies before proceeding. If you are feeling pressured you are probably dealing with a con artist.

Also, if the damage was discovered in a five minute glance up and/or down the chimney, you are also being scammed. There are three types of chimney inspections: basic visual, one done via video camera, and a really thorough look after a chimney fire. If pricey work is on tap, legitimate companies will conduct a video inspection first.

The Times article quoted Melissa Heeke, Chimney Safety Institute of America spokeswoman, “If they come with a proposal and thousands of dollars, they should be writing you a report and providing you some justification for that.”

If you aren’t sure if your chimney requires cleaning just yet, try calling your local fire department. Many offer free inspections and they might be able to recommend a local, reputable chimney cleaning service.
While there is still no regulation of the industry and state licensing is almost non-existent, many local municipalities offer licenses that meet the criteria of the Chimney Safety Institute of America Certified Chimney Sweep® credential. Many chimney sweeps acquire this certification on their own. And while the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends using a sweep they have certified, the also suggest asking the following questions:
– How long has the chimney sweeping company been in business?
– Does the company offer current references?
– Does the company have unresolved complaints filed within the city or state consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau?
– Does the company or individual carry a valid business liability insurance policy to protect your home and furnishings against accidents?
– Does the company ensure that a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep will be on the job site?
If the prices offered are unbelievably low, it’s more than likely just an excuse the get in the door and you might soon fall victim to the old bait and switch routine. And if chimney repairs are in your future, don’t feel pressured. Shop around. Do the research. A well-done chimney repair job should last a lifetime, so take the time before moving forward.

LINKS:
Search for National Chimney Sweep Guild Members:
http://www.ncsg.org/HomeownerResources/FindaNCSGMember/tabid/61/Def...
Search for CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep:
http://www.csia.org/default.aspx?tabid=174