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.
Stop Before You Pay for an Emergency Chimney Repair
If someone says your chimney is dangerous and asks you to withdraw thousands of dollars the same day, pause the job. Real chimney hazards should be documented with photos, a written scope, a contractor license number, and time for a second opinion unless there is an immediate life-safety emergency.
Do not go to the bank
High cash demands are a major warning sign.
Ask for proof
Require photos, written scope, and WA L&I license details.
Call someone local
Get a second opinion before approving major work.
🚨 Red Flags: Signs of a Scam Operation
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."
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.
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.
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."
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, pay a large deposit, or claim they can't leave the chimney in "unsafe condition."
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
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Tech immediately finds "emergency" problems requiring thousands or asks you to withdraw cash? Stop and get a second opinion.
- 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:
License #: MADHAHL790LW
Fully bonded and insured. Verify us at secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/
Verify Our License →Service base: Bothell, WA 98011
No public walk-in location. Service appointments only.
The same NAP we publish sitewide: The Mad Hatter Chimney Sweep, LLC, (206) 274-6409, services@themadhatterchimneysweep.com.
View Service AreaPhone: (206) 274-6409
One phone number, one business. When you call, you get us - not a call center managing 50 fake companies.
Standard Sweep: $289.95
No bait-and-switch. Written estimate before work begins. No high-pressure tactics.
If you've been victimized by a fraudulent chimney service, report it to:
- Washington Attorney General: atg.wa.gov/file-complaint
- Better Business Bureau: bbb.org/file-a-complaint
- WA Dept of Labor & Industries: Call 1-800-647-0982
- Federal Trade Commission: reportfraud.ftc.gov