Be Wary of Fake Chimney Sweeps

Press Release:

The Wilton Police Department would like to remind residents of possible fraudulent activity that occurs regarding chimney cleaning and repair this time of the year.

Police have received reports of phone soliciting for chimney service, cleaning and repair work.  Many times the calls are from out of state. Anyone who performs chimney repair must be licensed to do so by the state of Connecticut.

The following information has been provided by the Department of Consumer Protection and the Better Business Bureau.

Chimney sweeping is not considered home improvement and does not require a license however all related work, such as installation or repair of a chimney cap, liner repair and even mortar replacement requires a home improvement registration.

To find a reputable chimney sweep, ask friends for referrals, look in the business section of your telephone directory under "Chimney Cleaning,” or visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America web site at www.csia.org. You can also visit the site for the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) at www.ncsg.org.

NEVER hire a chimney sweep that shows up at your door uninvited.  There are many home improvement scams that commonly take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners; fly-by-night chimney sweep scams is one of the most prevalent.

If your chimney sweep tells you there is damage that needs replacement or repair, you should inquire as to whether a building permit is required for such work. Contact the Wilton Building Department at (203)563-0177 if you are unsure what is required.

Before hiring anyone to repair your chimney, ask to see their home improvement certificate and their identification. Feel free to contact the Department of Consumer Protection to verify the legitimacy of that certificate and to check on any complaints against this contractor at 860-713-6110, or go to the DCP online license check address https://www.elicense.ct.gov/.  Contractors who are registered with the Department of Consumer Protection must carry a Connecticut-issued home improvement registration certificate with them. The salespeople are also required to carry the certificate with them.

Home improvement law also requires that contractors put a notice of cancellation in their contract, giving the homeowner three days to change their minds and cancel the job. 

Contact the Wilton Police Department at 203-834-6260 for any additional assistance.

-Prepared by Detective Chris Isidro