Scam Alert

Recent news articles warn consumers of scams using high pressure, aggressive sales tactics with at least four police departments making inquiries.

According to John Depken of Fuel Oil Company, here's how these scam artists work. These questionable people usually prey upon senior citizens and people living alone because they would rather deal with a lone decision maker. With no one to confer with, it makes it easier for them to weave their web of deception.

Sometimes they will try to scare their prospects by bringing up dangerous situations that must be corrected immediately, but most often, nothing is wrong or minor repairs would be needed. On the other side are free offers or special prices that cannot be passed up because of huge savings.

For example, someone calls or stops by and offers a low price to clean or inspect your chimney. Then, once he's on your roof, he finds all sorts of "problems". The "service" may offer to sweep a chimney for a low price of $88. But once on-site, insist that up to $1,000. of unnecessary work must be done immediately. Or it could be the doorbell rings and a smooth-talking stranger points to a brick on your lawn and says that your chimney is falling apart and offers to fix it. If you burn wood or gas you have to be extra careful.

How can you avoid the scams? If you need chimney work or contracting work," protect yourself", said Depken.

1. Check them out. Before you let them do any work, ask for a business card and references. Cleaners aren't licensed, but if they suggest any kind of repairs, check their record with the Department of Consumer Protection or the Better Business Bureau.

2. Don't take their word for it. Either go up on the roof with the cleaner, or have him take a picture of the problem and show you what's wrong.

3. Don't be rushed. No reputable contractor should object to your getting a second opinion and obtaining several estimates.

4. Call Fuel Oil for a referral. We do not engage in chimney work, but we can refer chimney cleaners for a second opinion. By the way -- Your best safe guard is regular annual maintenance of your heating system which includes inspection of your chimney draft and connection which can alert you to serious problems. If you have any heating system questions, please call .

John Depken warns consumers to be aware of these other scam variations:

Home Improvement - usually after some type of disaster

Driveway Sealing - We are doing the house down the street and offer a discount because the extra product and equipment are here. - Are they using a good asphalt coal tar, or just latex paint?

Gas/Water Meter Reader, Telephone or Cable Repair - One person keeps you occupied while an accomplice robs your house. - Company representatives carry identification or have a company vehicle.

Lottery Winner - If you must pay the taxes up-front to process your winnings, it's a scam.

Charities - Scam artists avoid using the US Mail to avoid mail fraud, and therefore they use other types of courier services. Do they solicit your contribution through the US Mail? Remember, not using the US Mail Service should caution you.

Depken provided these basic tips:

Have you heard of the company or seen their trucks locally?

Do you know other people using their services?

Are they in your local phone book?

Do they have a local, physical address (other than a P.O. Box)?

Do you need what they are offering?

Is there a good savings guaranteed over what you have now?

Are you comfortable and/or happy with what you currently have?

Depken said that, "Most people are inherently good. Most businesses are legitimate and provide good services at fair prices. However, the consumer should be suspicious of any cold call or visit to your door without an appointment. Anyone coming to your door should be able to identify themselves with proper I.D., company uniform or commercial vehicle (it is required to be lettered with the name and base town of the company). Most importantly do not be pressured by anyone. Follow your instincts; if you are uneasy hang up the phone, or lock your door and call a neighbor or the police".

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