Fake firewood listings use real Maine business’s name, reviews to target buyers

September 3, 2026 - 20:50

A troubling new twist on an old scam is surfacing in Maine, where fraudsters are borrowing the identity of a legitimate firewood company to lure in customers. The fake listings appear online, complete with the real business's name, photos, and even copied reviews, making them look trustworthy at first glance. Unsuspecting buyers, often searching for a cord of seasoned wood before winter, end up paying deposits or full amounts upfront, only to receive nothing in return.

Paula Fleming, a spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau, says this particular approach may be rare for the local firewood trade, but the underlying tactic is all too common. She notes that scammers frequently hijack established business profiles to build false credibility. The real Maine company behind the name is now dealing with the fallout, fielding calls from angry customers who thought they were dealing with them directly. Fleming advises buyers to verify contact information independently, avoid wire transfers or prepaid debit cards, and be suspicious of deals that seem too good to hold. Local authorities are urging anyone who encounters such a listing to report it, as these operations often shift quickly from one fake page to the next. For now, the warning is simple: if a firewood deal asks for money before delivery and the seller resists phone calls or in-person pickup, it is likely a fraud.