Chimney work can be a very simple scam for unknowing homeowners to fall victim to. It’s a simple fact that the majority of property owners have no idea about the intricacies of their chimneys . Typically, the homeowner has no way, or the desire, to get to the rooftop to see that the work was done correctly. Knowing this, the chimney scam artists come out in force each year. This happens especially from August through December which is the prime season for the chimney industry.

Chimney scams  seem to take place constantly.  However, they often increase in the fall or in times of chaos. When a tree falls on the roof or smoke is backing up into your home, you become a target. Chimney scam artists prey on desperation. They gamble on the possibility that the owner hasn’t already climbed onto the roof to see the real damage. It’s all just a matter of finding the right victim to pull the scam on.

Common Chimney Scam Tactics

One common chimney scam entails a seemingly normal individual knocking on a homeowner’s door. He will  offer you a deal on a chimney cleaning service because he is working in the area. This scam artist may look legit, spend time around the chimney, and act like something is being done. He then provides a bill for payment without doing a chimney cleaning, making any sort of repairs, or actually completing an inspection

Another common chimney scam involves the scam artist pointing out actual deficiencies in a chimney system. He points out the deficiency and then offers an estimate for repair. More than likely he will present fake references to entice the homeowner into accepting his offer for repair. A date for doing the chimney repairs will be set.  He will ask for a down payment, and then disappear forever.

One final chimney scam involves our scammer calling homeowners and claiming to be from the local or regional fire department. He’ll go through a script about the importance of having your chimney inspected and cleaned. Then he recommends a particular chimney sweep company trusted by the fire department. When he ropes somebody in, guess who shows up to pull off the rest of the scam.

Many of these chimney scam artists are high pressure salesmen.  They will say whatever is necessary to get you to sign on the dotted line and write out that check. As with all services you contract for your home, don’t be rushed into making a decision.  Do your homework to see if the business is legitimate.

Protect Yourself from the Chimney Scam

In today’s world of technology, checking up on a business is as easy as going to the Better Business Bureau website.  You can post a question about the company on Facebook , Google+, or even doing a Google Search. Doing your research just may save you from becoming the next chimney scam victim.