Actual Conversation with a "Chimney Sweep"

Actual Conversation with a “Chimney Sweep”

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

Zuccotti Park, shot with a film camera by Andy Novick, who says, “It’s the 60s all over again!”

Add this to the list of scams currently occurring in the area. Neighbor Andy Novick had heard at a Beverley Square West meeting that people were reporting scam phone calls from chimney sweeps, and then he actually received a call from one. Here’s the call, as close as he can remember it:

Chimney Sweep: Hello sir! Do you know that you can save money by having your chimney cleaned!
Andy: Hello! No, tell me more?
Chimney Sweep: Do you live at xxx Argyle Road? And can we come by Wednesday and make an appointment for between 9am-12pm?
Andy: Yes, but I do not have a chimney!
Chimney Sweep: How is that possible? I am calling you on your home phone?
Andy: No, you are connected to my cell phone via my computer. I live in a tent on Wall Street!
Chimney Sweep: How is that possible? You live in a tent? Is that right?
Andy: Yes, I am one of the protesters at Zuccotti Park, in a tent without heat, or a chimney, or a boiler.
Chimney Sweep: Oh, I see, are you pulling my leg?
Andy: No, I have no heat here, just my sleeping bag…
Chimney Sweep: Oh, (changes his tone) well, I got my hat off to you guys… and by the way… I hope I don’t get locked up for this, or fired, but if you ever get a call from the chimney guys… (long, pregnant pause) it is just a scam… I am trying to get out of this business, but can’t… so never let these guys in your house…CLICK!

- Mary

Tags: Occupy Wall Street, scams
See All: News

mf doom

LOL.
http://www.ayearinthepark.typepad.com Brenda from Flatbush

Chimney sweeping pitches over the phone have long been a notorious scam. If you need your flue cleaned, hire a pro and check them out through BBB, Angie’s List, Brownstoner, whatever, but DON’T take a pitch!
Jessica

This is hilarious. But I am unclear what the scam actually is. Do they show up take your money and then run away without cleaning your chimney?
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_644FDD7VJUNQMXAY7JFI4KIWJ4 Sheryll Durrant

I know a guy who would go up and check your chimney. While he was up there they actually widen a crack they find or create one. then they let you know that you need $$$$ to fix it.
Yaakovdoe

For an honest chimney man who doesn’t solicit call Andre of A&A Chimney 718-953-2836. Highly recommended on the Brownstoner blog and he’s done a lot of work in our neighborhood too. A fireplace expert who’s honest and reasonably priced
Art Vandelay

Beware anytime anyone calls you wanting to come to your home for ANY reason. An old high school friend of mine who lived in North Carolina took such a call. A couple of people came to his house when their true purpose was to rob him. They intended to silence my friend with a gag and a bunch of duct tape over his mouth. Unfortunately, the gag + duct tape also left him unable to breathe through his nose and he suffocated in the trunk of his own car.

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Actual Conversation with a “Chimney Sweep”

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