How to avoid carpet cleaning scams 

Beware of the  low price. Low price could be a problem in several ways: A low price could be a  bait and switch scam. Typically once the  scamming company is  in your home, they quote you a much more expensive job than what was quoted on the phone. A good carpet cleaner will be able give you a pretty accurate quote of what it should cost to clean your carpets over the phone, there should not be a very big difference when they get to your home. Most people are reasonable and realize that quoting over the phone and actually being able to see the job is not the same thing. This is how the scammers are hoping to scam you. Make sure to get a specific written quotation before any work is done, then you’ll know exactly what the carpet cleaner recommends – and you won’t get any surprise charges. 

The low price may be for water rinsing your carpets, or what scammers call "basic cleaning". Most home owners do not know the difference between "pre-spray" , "neutral rinse",  "deep cleaning "  etc...which costs much more than just spraying water on your carpets.  Another sign is sub standard equipment,  scamming carpet cleaners usually use cheap equipment, which will not effectively clean your carpet. Again,  make sure to get a specific written quotation before any work is done, then you’ll know exactly what the carpet cleaner recommends – and you won’t get any surprise charges.

Choosing a carpet cleaner by telephone or an ad. Before you invite a total stranger into your home do a little checking. If the company has a website, check it out.  Look for references and customer reviews on the web.   Ask the company for references, and check them out. You can use a company called Service Magic that has pre-certified and background screened companies that have insurance and proper licensing in affect. Be careful at the Service Magic website though, they will charge the company a lead fee when you fill out their questionnaire page or call the number they have listed for the cleaner. If you can, call the cleaner on the number listed on the cleaning companies own website.

Make sure they offer a money-back guarantee.  A reputable carpet cleaning company will guarantee  its work.  The guarantee should be on the written quotation. Not all carpet cleaners will offer a guarantee.

Get references from previous customers. Check the Better Business Bureau, online reviews and your local chamber of commerce or the local chamber of commerce where the carpet cleaner is located.

Make sure your carpet cleaner is experienced. Ask questions, check for licensing, liability insurance and certifications these things will assures the company has the  knowledge and experience to clean your carpets well. Check how long the companies been in business. A company that has been cleaning carpets for 20 plus years is a good sign you’re hiring a competent professional.

Make sure your carpet cleaner uses a truck-mounted system. Yes this is the cleaning method and type of equipment we use, so you may not feel that I am being bias. However portable machines have no where near the vacuum, heat and efficiency that a truck mount unit can produce. Those advantages translate into faster drying times and cleaner carpets.