Don’t Fall for Air Duct Cleaning Scams on Social Media! Look for These Green Flags Instead.
Air duct cleaning scams are increasingly common on social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor. Offers like $89 for a whole-house duct cleaning might seem enticing, but remember, a legitimate duct cleaning should cost $400-$4,000, not $89!
Scammers often post in neighborhood groups, promoting incredible discounts for the first few people who comment or unlimited vent cleaning for a single price. These posts frequently use the same set of images and videos, lack a company name, and move conversations to private messages. The accounts posting these offers are usually designed to look like they belong to real community members.
As these scammers become more sophisticated, their posts appear more legitimate. However, once they have your interest, they ask for personal information and a large deposit. The result? You lose your money, and your ducts remain untouched—or you receive a shoddy cleaning job.
8 Red Flags for Spotting Air Duct Cleaning Scams on Social Media
- Claims of “not a scam” – Genuine businesses don’t need to make such claims.
- No business name – Reputable companies always display their name.
- Generic names in private messages – Names like “Duct Cleaning Colorado” are too generic to verify.
- Fake phone numbers – Provided numbers often don’t work.
- Newly created accounts – Be cautious of accounts that are only a few days or weeks old.
- Locked profiles – If profiles have no visible posts, followers, or photos, they’re suspicious.
- Odd job titles – Phrases like “works at Facebook Marketplace” should raise concerns.
- Unusual language – Words like “kindly” are uncommon in genuine offers.
8 Green Flags for Spotting a Reputable Air Duct Cleaning Company
When it comes to choosing an air duct cleaning service, knowing what to look for can save you from scams and ensure you receive top-quality service. Here are eight green flags that indicate a trustworthy and reliable company.
- Positive Google reviews – Check the company’s Google reviews.
- A high rating with numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers is a good sign of a reputable business.
- Physical location – A reliable company will have a physical location you can visit.
- This shows they are established and transparent about their operations.
- Locally owned and operated – Local ownership often means the company has a strong commitment to the community.
- A local company also has a reputation to uphold.
- Extensive experience – Look for a company with many years of experience in air duct cleaning.
- Experience often correlates with expertise and reliability.
- Truck-mounted equipment – Professional-grade, truck-mounted equipment is important.
- It’s a sign that the company uses advanced technology to deliver thorough cleaning services.
- Active social media presence – A company should actively engage with customers on social media platforms.
- This means the company is transparent and responsive to customer feedback.
- Branded trucks and uniforms – Branded trucks and uniforms indicate professionalism.
- They also ensure that you are dealing with legitimate employees of the company.
- Trained and certified technicians – Ensure the technicians are trained and certified.
- Qualified professionals are more likely to provide high-quality service and adhere to industry standards.
Great deals can be tempting, especially for tasks like duct cleaning. However, when it comes to home services, cheaper isn’t always better. Air duct cleaning scammers are prevalent on social media, eager to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners.
Call Zeppelin today to learn more about our services. And no matter what company you choose to go with, make sure to be vigilant and keep these tips in mind.