Division of Banks • Division of Insurance • Division of Professional Licensure • Department of Telecommunications and Cable • Division of Standards Beware of Chimney Cleaning and Tips before hiring a Repair Scams chimney sweep: • Think twice before hiring any company that As consumers prepare their homes for colder weather, the solicits your business. Ask for identification, Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation is advis- literature about the company, and, if they ing homeowners to be wary of possible chimney cleaning and have one, a copy of their standard contract. repair scams. • Ask family and friends for referrals and get Scam artists sometimes lure homeowners with door-to-door multiple quotes. sales pitches, phone solicitations, and/or ads offering extreme- ly low prices. Once they get into your home, they may untruth- • Try to use local companies so you can easily fully claim expensive repairs are needed immediately to pre- get in touch with them to follow-up. vent serious problems like carbon monoxide leaks or fires. • Ask how long the company has been in Tips before getting your chimney repaired: business.

1. Ask for photo/video proof of recommended • Find out if the company is accredited by the repairs, and do not feel pressured into allowing Chimney Safety Institute of America. Though work to begin immediately. not required by law, it is recommended by fire departments, as it speaks to their qualifica- 2. Chimney cleaning is not considered home tions. improvement, but all related work, such as instal- lation or repair of a chimney cap, installation of a • Ask for current references and check them solid-fuel device, liner repair, and mortar replace- by calling and visiting the site of work they ment require a home improvement contractor (HIC) registra- have performed. Do not simply rely on a tion and a construction supervisor license (CSL). telephone reference, unless you already know and trust the party you are calling. 3. Check with the local building inspector/department to see if there are permitting requirements for work beyond cleaning. • Ask if the company has a valid business li- ability insurance policy. Consumers can check whether someone is registered as a home improvement contractor through the Office of Consum- • Check out the company with the Better er Affairs and Business Regulation website or by calling (888) Business Bureau (BBB) and the Office of the 283-3757 (toll-free in Massachusetts) or (617) 973-8787. The Attorney General. The BBB can tell you if the website is searchable by registration number, registrant name, business is a member, and both agencies can city and zip code. The ‘search by city’ feature allows consumers tell you if the company has any complaints to locate contractors in their community. lodged against it.

Consumers can check whether someone is licensed as a con- • Ask if the company provides a warranty for struction supervisor through the Department of Public Safety its work, and if so, how long the work is war- website or by calling (617) 727-3200. ranted.

Barbara Anthony, Undersecretary 10 Park Plaza Suite 5170 Boston, MA 02116 Hotline 617-973-8787 888-283-3757 www.mass.gov/consumer