A Fargo homeowner is warning others about an alleged unlicensed duct cleaning scam that left him with a damaged heating system, extra expenses, and a lot of frustration.
Justin Hertel hired a company called “Duct Cleaning & HVAC Services” through the Nextdoor app, lured by their promise of a full cleaning service for $298. Instead, he was charged $399, left with dust-covered surfaces, a broken heater, and has gone through multiple furnace filters trying to undo the mess.
The company is now unreachable, and Hertel says both the North Dakota and Minnesota Attorney General’s Offices confirmed the business isn’t licensed.
Even more concerning, Hertel alleges the workers sprayed his cat with an air hose, adding to the list of unprofessional conduct.
Scams like this can easily travel across state lines, and with Detroit Lakes just an hour from Fargo, this is a good reminder for us all to be cautious. Always verify licenses before hiring contractors and check for complaints with the Attorney General’s Office or Better Business Bureau.
Stay alert, and if you encounter similar businesses, report them immediately.
Citations: Valley News Live, January 7, 2025; North Dakota and Minnesota Attorney General’s Offices.