Scammers, Like Ticks, Moving North

The chimney scammers (polite word) are in Maine. We knew it was coming sooner or later. Like deer ticks, red tide and milfoil, it was just a matter of time before this scourge found it’s way north.

For those of you who are unfamilar wiith chimney scammers, they have been prevalent in the Long Island New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area for some time now. There have been multiple reports of chimney scammers in other parts of the country as well, but the Eastern Seaboard seems to breed this particular vermin.

Their tactics are fairly straightforward, with a few variations. They either mail, call or stop by in person to offer ridiculously priced chimney cleanings ($29.95 i.e.). According to the CSIA, the price for a chimney cleaning should start at approximately $150.

Once they are in the home, scammers will then perfect the art of upsell, suggesting uneccessary repairs, upgrades etc. One popular suggestion is that the homeowner’s chimney is unlined and needs to be lined ASAP. They will then go out to their unlettered truck and produce a roll of stainless steel liner they just “happened” to have onboard.

No reputable chimney company will carry liner on their truck and assess and install the same day. To do the job properly, we need to examine the heating appliance, take measurements, send a written proposal for a customer to sign and return and then order materials.

Many of these scammers prey on the elderly and assure them they have installed chimney liner when they haven’t. There have been reports of subsequent house fires as a result of a scammer improperly installing a liner.

We’ve heard stories of these scammers from other chimney professionals, but have felt safely out of reach here in the great state of Maine. Of course, that’s an entirely naive state of mind. So, when we hear from a customer that he received a call from “ABC” chimney company offering a $29.95 chimney cleaning, we
felt like the angler at his favorite fishing hole when he saw an Asian carp devouring the native fish. UGH!

So, beware all you readers. Pass the word. Don’t get scammed by these vermin! Call the police, attorney general or a reputable chimney pro in your area. If you are unsure how to find a reputable chimney pro, look at the Web sites of Chimney Safety Institute of America (www.csia.org) or the Maine Association of Chimney Service Professionals (www.macsp.org).