Beware of Furnace Fraud

Article submitted by Office of Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey. For assistance call the Denver DA's Fraud Line at 720-913-9179

Fraudulent contractors and furnace salespersons often use scare tactics. They may insist that you must buy a new furnace immediately due to leaking gas and the potential of a catastrophic explosion. They may tell you that the "heat exchanger" or "combustion chamber" is cracked or has a hole. Or they may simply say that your furnace is too small and should be replaced with a larger one. If a contractor says you need expensive work immediately, don't panic. Keep in mind the following tips:

All heating contractors are required to be licensed and to get a permit from the Building Department before doing any major work. Ask for verification of a license and the permit. To verify if a contractor is licensed in Denver call 720-865-2770 or go to www.denvergov.org/contractor_licensing. (Note the "underscore" between "contractor" and "licensing".)
Check out all contractors with the Better Business Bureau, 303-758-2100 and your city Building Department before inviting a serviceperson into your home for an estimate or service.
If you are told your furnace needs to be replaced, get a second opinion from a licensed contractor whom you have checked out with the BBB.
Remember that once the old furnace has been removed, proof of its original condition is impossible to verify, making it difficult to recover your losses or to prosecute for fraud.
RESIST if a salesperson gives you a high-pressured sales pitch, especially if you are solicited at your door or by phone by an unfamiliar contractor.

For assistance call the Denver DA's Fraud Line: 720-913-9179.