Don’t Get Drained: Massachusetts Homeowners Face a Surge of Fake Plumbers Using Stolen Photos and Reviews

Massachusetts homeowners searching for emergency plumbing services are increasingly falling victim to a sophisticated scam that costs victims hundreds or thousands of dollars. Alex Polivy of Sudbury, Massachusetts, found a local listing for a plumber a couple of weeks ago when his hose valve blew off. “I just Googled plumbers near me and Cornerstone Plumbing showed up on Google and had some reviews,” said Polivy. The listing showed a Sudbury address on Boston Post Road and local phone number. What he discovered was a fake business that charged him $700 for a simple valve replacement and then disappeared.

“As soon as he left, I got in the car and I drove to the address which was listed online as Cornerstone Plumbing,” said Polivy. “I get out and there is clearly no plumbing business.” This scenario is playing out across Massachusetts as scammers create fake Google business listings, steal photos from legitimate companies, and use fabricated reviews to deceive homeowners.

The Anatomy of the Fake Plumber Scam

The fake plumber epidemic has reached alarming proportions in Massachusetts. In 2018 alone, Google removed more than three million fake business listings but, somehow, scammers still manage to hijack search results for services like plumbing, electrician, garage door repair, towing and other services where the “service man” has to visit your house or go to your current location to perform the “service”. In the same article from The Wall Street Journal, it showed that a search for plumbers in New York City generated 13 false addresses out of the top 20 Google Maps search results.

These scammers employ several deceptive tactics:

• Hijacked Business Listings: The Google listing showed Arney Plumbing’s pictures and five-star reviews, including one written by KARE 11’s A.J. Lagoe, who hired the real Jeff Arney for a job. Those glowing remarks were now pasted on a listing with the same company name but a different phone number, routing unsuspecting customers elsewhere.
• Fake Addresses: Scammers got around verification requirements mainly by leasing PO boxes and using those addresses to receive their verification codes. They also added fake suite numbers to a specific address so Google wouldn’t get suspicious about a large number of businesses located at the same address.
• Stolen Photos and Reviews: Scam listings usually have fake photos or photos stolen from an older listing.

Red Flags That Signal a Fake Plumber

Massachusetts homeowners can protect themselves by recognizing these warning signs:

• Cash-Only Payments: A plumber insisting on cash-only payment is likely up to something, especially if they aren’t willing to provide an invoice or receipt for their work. In the worst-case scenario, the plumber is uninsured or even unlicensed.
• Large Upfront Deposits: Another red flag is the plumber asking for 25% to 50% upfront. This is actually one of the most common scams listed on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Most states have laws that prohibit plumbers from asking for more than 10% upfront.
• Reluctance to Show Credentials: A respectable plumber shouldn’t have any issue producing their credentials, plumber license number, and business cards if asked. If they’re a bit reluctant to show you, it may be that they don’t have that crucial information.
• Digital Payment Demands: Polivy said he asked who he should make the check out to, and he says the plumber told him he would only take payment by CashApp or Venmo.

The Legal Requirements in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law requires any contractor performing certain home improvement work to an existing, one-to-four unit, owner-occupied home to register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Contractor performs work that requires a license without proper licensure (i.e. electrical or plumbing), or uses unlicensed and/or unregistered subcontractors.

Legitimate plumbers in Massachusetts must be properly licensed and insured. This scam involves hiring a plumber who is not licensed, insured, or bonded. Which means they are not qualified or authorized to do the work. An unlicensed plumber may do a shoddy job that violates the building codes or causes more damage. You should always check their credentials and references.

How to Protect Yourself

When you need a Plumber Near Me, take these precautionary steps:

• Verify the Business Address: Check out their address in Google Maps (street view). You should see a store front if they really have an office in that address.
• Call and Listen: Most often than not, you can immediately tell if they are legit or not once you get them on the phone. For one, they’re business name may be different than what is listed in Google Maps so they will be greeting you with a different business name or they may just say “hello”.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first estimate. Compare prices and services from several plumbers. Always ask for a written estimate, contract, and proof of insurance.
• Check Reviews Carefully: If they have few reviews and all of them are great. That could be a bad sign. Also, check if the business owner is replying to reviews.

The Importance of Choosing Licensed Professionals

Working with established, licensed companies like Dempsey Energy in North Attleboro provides peace of mind that many homeowners desperately need. For over 30 years, families across Massachusetts have trusted us to keep their homes running efficiently and comfortably. For over 30 years, families across Massachusetts have trusted us to keep their homes running efficiently and comfortably. Trust is the foundation of our business. We uphold the highest ethical standards, providing transparent pricing, honest recommendations, and a commitment to doing what’s right—every time. You can count on us to show up when we say we will, prepared to deliver high-quality solutions. Our dependable team works hard to ensure your home’s comfort and safety without compromise.

Legitimate companies maintain proper licensing, insurance, and established business locations. Dempsey Energy started in 1992 as an oil company by Law and Nancy Dempsey that employed family and friends. We have grown quickly over the last few decades and have expanded our reach of home services and locations where we do business. Originally, we only served the South Shore, but with our continued expansion, we now offer HVAC and plumbing services across a large section of Southeastern Mass all the way to the Greater Boston Area.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve encountered a fake plumber, take immediate action:

• If a disagreement with a contractor occurs and it reaches a level where your safety is concerned, call the police.
• If you have additional questions, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation by calling our Consumer Hotline at (617) 973-8787, or toll-free in MA at (888) 283-3757, Monday through Friday, from 9 am-4:30 pm.
• To report a fraudulent listing, fill out Google’s spam redressal form. According to Google My Business expert, Ben Fisher, it is advisable to use the “Suggest an edit” first and lodge your complaint from there before submitting a redressal form. This is because “Suggest an edit” is a machine learning mechanism and your input helps the AI decide what type of listings should be removed from Google Maps.

The Bottom Line

The fake plumber epidemic in Massachusetts shows no signs of slowing down, with 2 out of 5 fake listings consist of bad actors posing as locksmiths, plumbers, electricians, and other contractors. However, homeowners who remain vigilant and follow proper vetting procedures can avoid becoming victims.

Remember: legitimate plumbers will gladly provide licenses, insurance information, and written estimates. They won’t demand cash payments or large upfront deposits. When in doubt, trust your instincts and seek a second opinion. It probably is if something feels off or too good to be true. Don’t hesitate to walk away and find another plumber.

By staying informed about these scams and choosing established, licensed professionals, Massachusetts homeowners can protect themselves from the growing threat of fake plumbers while ensuring their homes receive the quality service they deserve.