Chim-chiminey, chim-chiminey, chim-chim-charoo, some sweeps are really out just to screw you

Wellesley Police explain all those calls we've been getting from "your local chimney sweep" that sound like they're coming from a boiler room: It's a scam:

... The caller was given a very low verbal quote for the chimney sweeping, being told she would receive a considerable "Senior Citizen" discount. The price quoted was $49.

Once the victim agreed to have the chimney swept, two individuals began the work immediately. While the workers were there, they began to tell the victim that much more work was needed, including additional parts and labor. The victim refused to agree to the extra work. When the workers finished, they informed the victim that they had performed the work anyway, and the bill would now be $2000. A preliminary review of the work done shows that nothing significant, including sweeping, was actually done. Additionally, the workers did not clean up, and left trash at the house. ...

Via the Swellesley Report.