What if you called a company you trusted—only to discover later it wasn’t them at all? That’s exactly what happened to an Atlanta-area woman who thought she was hiring the well-known carpet cleaning brand, Stanley Steemer. In reality, she had unknowingly booked an appointment with a company posing as an affiliate. It’s a cautionary tale that hits close to home for anyone who’s ever relied on a quick Google search to book services.

As consumer investigator Dale Cardwell reveals in a sting operation, deceptive digital marketing tactics are allowing imposters to mislead consumers—and in some cases, even enter their homes under false pretenses.

The Digital Sleight of Hand: How Scammers Hijack Trust

It’s a familiar scenario: You need your carpets cleaned. You remember a trusted brand like Stanley Steemer, but you don’t have the number saved. So, you type it into a search engine and call the first number that pops up.

Seems harmless, right? Unfortunately, scammers know that’s exactly how many people operate.

What’s really happening behind the scenes is this: unverified companies are buying up Stanley Steemer's keywords to appear at the top of search results. They may even use names that sound similar or say they’re a “subcontractor” when asked directly. The aim? To make you believe you're dealing with the reputable company you trust.

But you’re not.

In this case, the impersonator told the customer he was with Stanley Steemer and even claimed to be a subcontractor. That was enough to lull the caller into a false sense of security—until Dale Cardwell and his team stepped in.

The Sting: Catching the Carpet Cleaning Imposter in the Act

To expose the scam, Dale’s team posed as a concerned family member. A caller identifying herself as Ms. Martin’s granddaughter asked the company directly: “Are you affiliated with Stanley Steemer?” The answer was an unequivocal “Yes.”

That was the setup.

When the cleaning crew arrived at Ms. Martin’s home, they were met not with carpet stains—but with Dale Cardwell himself, holding a mic and demanding answers. When asked for a point of contact at Stanley Steemer, the crew scrambled, eventually offering a supervisor’s number—but the damage had been done.

Cornered and caught, the impersonators left the scene. Ms. Martin was relieved. More importantly, she was empowered knowing she’d helped others avoid falling into the same trap.

Avoiding the Trap: How to Spot a Service Imposter

This incident isn’t isolated. Scammers frequently target industries where brand trust is high—home services, HVAC, pest control, and especially cleaning companies. So how can you protect yourself?

Here are a few simple, effective ways to verify you're hiring who you think you're hiring:

  • Double-check the website: Go directly to the company’s official website rather than relying on search engine ads. For Stanley Steemer, that’s www.stanleysteemer.com. You can also find them on TrustDALE.com here .
  • Verify a physical address: Ask for an address you can Google and verify. Be cautious of companies that offer only a PO Box.
  • Get a written estimate upfront: Any reputable company should be willing to put their pricing in writing before the work begins.
  • Ask for proof of affiliation: If a company claims to be a subcontractor or affiliate, ask who their contact is and follow up directly with the brand’s customer service to confirm.

Conclusion: Trust Is Earned—Not Just Claimed

Ms. Martin’s experience is a stark reminder that appearances—especially digital ones—can be deceiving. Just because a company shows up first on Google doesn’t mean it’s the right one. In fact, that top placement may be the result of aggressive keyword bidding, not consumer trust.

And when it comes to letting someone into your home, trust should be earned.

At TrustDALE, every recommended company, including Stanley Steemer, undergoes a thorough vetting process and is backed by the Make-It-Right Guarantee. If something goes wrong, you’re not alone—we help make it right.

Need help finding a vetted, local service provider? Visit TrustDALE.com to connect with verified professionals in your area.

Before you book, ask yourself: Can they prove who they say they are? If not, it might be time to walk away. Or better yet—call Dale.