It's a call you want to be wary of, especially if you or someone you love is older.

Easttown Police say they have already received one complaint about a scam that is preying on homeowners, especially seniors around the region and apparently up and down the East Coast too.

Easttown Police say the following advisory they received from the Aston, Delaware County, police department sums up the scam and what to be aware of as the seasons change and homeowners start thinking about winterizing their houses.

The potential scam that has been targeting the elderly community is in the form of a phone call from, “your chimney sweep.”  In some cases the caller did not state the name of their business but led the homeowner to believe that they in fact were the company they used in the past.  Recently the suburbs of Boston, Mass., were targeted and the individuals are possibly operating under the following names.

-          Aero Ventilation

-          Greenway Maintenance

-          Tri County Flue

-          Perfect Touch Maintenance

-          A&E

 

Things to know about Chimneys and Contracting work to help you avoid being scammed.

If the price for the service seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Be careful when someone uses photos to show you a problem.

Don’t accept broken debris as evidence of a needed repair.

Beware of scary language i.e. “an emergency” “a must fix.”

Require an Insurance certificate and a permit.

Chimney liners are almost NEVER installed the same day.

Utilize referrals from people you trust.

Beware of the ”Emergency discount”.

Make them show you what they are using.

Educate yourself before the serviceman arrives.