Don't Get Scammed: How to Verify Your Chimney Contractor

The Seattle area has been infiltrated by fraudulent chimney companies using fake addresses, bait-and-switch pricing, and operating without proper licenses. Learn how to protect yourself.

🚨 Red Flags: Signs of a Scam Operation

Suspiciously Low Pricing

The Bait: "$99 Chimney Sweep & Inspection!"

Professional chimney services cost $250-450 due to labor, equipment, and insurance. Scammers use low prices to get in your door, then hit you with thousands in "emergency repairs."

Fake Local Addresses

The Trick: UPS Store addresses or hijacked locations

Many scam operations list addresses at UPS Stores (look for "Suite #") or even preschools and residential homes to appear local. They have no real shop or local presence.

No License or Insurance

The Risk: Operating without WA L&I registration

If a contractor isn't licensed and bonded, YOU are liable for injuries on your property. Plus, there's no recourse if they damage your home or start a fire due to poor work.

Multiple Identical Listings

The Scheme: Same company, 50 different names

Search results dominated by companies with nearly identical websites, phone numbers that redirect to the same call center, and the same person answering for multiple "businesses."

High-Pressure Scare Tactics

The Switch: "Your chimney is a fire hazard!"

Once inside, technicians claim to find "immediate dangers" requiring thousands in repairs. They pressure you to sign contracts on the spot or claim they can't leave the chimney in "unsafe condition."

Shell Company Switching

The Escape: New name when complaints pile up

When one company gets too many bad reviews or BBB complaints, they simply start a new LLC and abandon the old one. No accountability, no refunds, no recourse.

✅ How to Verify a Legitimate Contractor

1
Check Washington State L&I Registration
This is the #1 most important step

Go directly to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website:

Verify Contractor on L&I Website →
  • • Look up the contractor's name and license number
  • • Verify the registration is CURRENT and not expired
  • • Check that insurance and bond are active
  • • Look for any violations or complaints
2
Verify the Physical Address
Make sure they have a real local shop
  • Google the address separately - does a shop actually exist there?
  • Is it a suite number at a UPS Store or shipping center? RED FLAG
  • Drive by before hiring - can you see signage and a real business?
  • Is it a residential address or a preschool? MAJOR RED FLAG
3
Check BBB and Online Reviews Carefully
But know that scammers manipulate these too
  • Look for patterns in negative reviews: bait-and-switch, same rep for multiple companies
  • Check if the company is BBB ACCREDITED vs. just using the BBB logo
  • Search for the business name + "scam" or "complaint" on Google
  • Multiple 5-star reviews posted on the same day? Likely fake
4
Get Everything in Writing
Before any work begins
  • Written estimate with TOTAL cost, not just "starting at $99"
  • Clear scope of work - exactly what will be done
  • Warranty information and terms
  • Company's L&I registration number on the contract
5
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, it probably is
  • Tech immediately finds "emergency" problems requiring thousands? Walk away.
  • Pressure to sign or pay immediately? RED FLAG.
  • Company name on truck doesn't match who you hired? Stop the work.
  • No written estimate or contract before starting? Don't allow them to begin.

How to Verify The Mad Hatter Chimney Sweep

We encourage you to verify us before hiring. Here's how:

Our L&I Registration

License #: [YOUR LICENSE NUMBER]

Fully bonded and insured. Verify us at secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/

Verify Our License →
Our Real Shop Location

Address: [YOUR ACTUAL SHOP ADDRESS]

Not a UPS box. Not a hijacked address. A real, physical shop you can visit.

View on Google Maps →
Direct Owner Contact

Phone: (555) 555-5555

One phone number, one business. When you call, you get us - not a call center managing 50 fake companies.

Transparent Pricing

Standard Sweep: $295-395

No bait-and-switch. Written estimate before work begins. No high-pressure tactics.

Get Your Free, Honest Quote
Been Scammed? Report It

If you've been victimized by a fraudulent chimney service, report it to: