Department of Consumer Protection and Windsor Police Nab Would-Be Chimney Scam Artist
HARTFORD, April 23 – “This is an example of how informed citizens can protect themselves and help us keep unlawful contractors from profiting in Connecticut,†Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. said in announcing that his office and officers from the Windsor police department completed a joint investigation leading to the arrest of an alleged chimney scam artist.
On Tuesday, a Department of Consumer Protection information worker took a call from a Windsor resident, asking for a complaint history on Accurate Chimney, a company that was due to come to his house around 10 a.m. to perform an inspection and cleaning.
Acting on information the agency had gathered in recent months, two Department special investigators were on hand at the resident’s house when Accurate Chimney workers arrived for their appointment that morning. Without conducting any inspection at all, one of the workers informed the 82-year-old resident that he needed a new chimney liner at a cost of $2,600. He subsequently made that offer in writing.
That is when the special investigators, in cooperation with Windsor police officers, placed the man under arrest for offering to perform home improvement work without a Connecticut home improvement salesperson’s registration. Juan Jose Ventura of Dallas, Georgia was held by Windsor Police on a $10,000 bond.
“We believe that teams from this company have been out offering services throughout greater Hartford, and we ask that consumers be extremely careful,†Farrell said. “Beware when anyone offers you a super low price to come and clean and inspect your chimney; they may just want to get their foot in the door, because they’re really looking to do some costly repairs.â€
If a company shows you debris and claims that your liner is broken and you need a new liner system, get a second opinion. Beware of attempts to frighten, pressure or intimidate you, Farrell said.
“By law, any contract you sign to do work on your chimney must have a three-day right to cancel, so a worker who inspects your chimney and repairs it the same day is breaking the law, Farrell said. “Protect yourself and your valuable home from scofflaws who may be after your hard earned money.â€
The Commissioner urged consumers to verify registration and check for complaints on any home improvement contractor they wish to hire. Visit www.ct.gov/dcp or call 1-800-842-2649.
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It just getts me atleast these guys are offering a major repair service which the customer had asked for a estimate to have a repair done, and yet the stae of CT, approves the company a licence, also the company should not be responsable for the salemans actions. second i dont see car dealerships and repair shops getting arrested for charging $500 for brakes when the parts are maybe $200, or that they charge you by the hour $98/$100 they will bill you for book when it only took 1/2 hr to do. the fact that he had no licence is wrong but the fact of the matter the customer should not ask for a estimate on repair and tell that he needed repairs. that in it self to me is not right or fair, if i were a sales man i would try to sell that person myself. by the way i did check this company and they have been in business for many years and has no major complaints 4 or 5 is not bad for 7 years in business. car dealers have 100 times more then that why arent you shutting them down or writting atticles about them?