As advised by ARS to make appointments with multiple plumbing outfits, I was calling around to get on waiting lists when I ran into a reoccurring theme... and a familiar voice.

Four out of the 7 plumbers I called were frauds. They all had the same line.

Good news we do have a time slot open today but we are only services "premium members" at this time. You'd have to join our membership program and there is also a $400 service fee.

At best this is price gouging... at worse it's a scam. I'm leaning towards scam because the same woman answered the phone for 3 of those plumbers. I'm thinking about calling the city tomorrow about these businesses.

Just be careful out there.