The chimney service trade is not regulated, nor are chimney sweeps licensed in the state of New York. Scams involving chimney sweeping and repairs are rampant this time of year, according to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs, which offers these tips: 

• Don’t hire a chimney sweep who shows up at your door – or calls -  unsolicited, without first checking references;
• Be certain the chimney sweep is local and not from another county (it is not unheard of for an unsolicited contractor to claim to be affiliated with a local company);
• Be suspicious if a chimney sweep offers you an extremely low price;
• For additional information, visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website at www.csia.org.  

Consumer Affairs can be reached at 845-340-3260.