The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky is warning homeowners about a chimney service scam involving a company calling itself ASH Chimney and claiming to be a legitimate business with an A+ BBB rating.
The warning comes as homeowners prepare fireplaces and chimneys for colder weather, a time when fraudulent contractors may use misleading advertisements, false credentials and high-pressure sales tactics to take advantage of consumers.
BBB advises consumers that a business displaying or advertising an A+ rating does not necessarily mean it is BBB Accredited. Homeowners are encouraged to verify a company’s identity, accreditation status and rating before scheduling services, sharing personal information or making payments.
“Consumers should never assume a business is legitimate simply because it claims to have an A+ BBB rating,” said Robyn Householder, president and CEO of BBB Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.
Householder encouraged homeowners to research businesses through BBB profiles, which provide information about a company’s identity, accreditation, rating and customer complaint history.
BBB offers the following tips to help homeowners avoid chimney service scams:
– Verify the business: Search the exact company name at BBB.org and make sure its address, phone number, website and accreditation status match the information provided by the contractor.
– Be cautious of unsolicited offers: Watch for unexpected visits, phone calls or limited-time offers designed to pressure homeowners into making quick decisions.
– Check credentials and insurance: Ask for proof of insurance, applicable licenses, professional certifications and references. Licensing requirements can be checked through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.
– Get written estimates: Request a detailed estimate outlining the work, materials, total cost and payment terms before authorizing repairs. Consider getting multiple estimates for expensive projects.
– Watch for pressure tactics: Be cautious of contractors who claim immediate repairs are necessary, refuse to provide documentation or demand large upfront payments.
Consumers who encounter someone representing ASH Chimney or another suspicious chimney service company can report their experience through the BBB Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker
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