I think I’ve unearthed a scam in our area. This afternoon I got a call from the sentry that the Clean Environment Air Duct man was here. Well, I was the only one home and no one had organized an estimate. I called both of my parents and neither was available. I sent the estimator packing as no one authorized or would authorize this service.
He left a card with a big green recycling symbol, no address and no name. He wrote his cell phone number and an illegible name on the card. (Is it Tom or John? Clearly it could be either.)
Just now this guy called back saying that he was here and the homeowners had set up an appointment. Wrong. Neither of my parents set up the appointment and he got a bit aggressive before my mother ended the call. I’m wondering if this is just a scam.
A friend told me that her parents got duped by a traveling fix it guy who noticed their roof had hale damage. Really? How do you notice that from street level? Unfortunately, her parents believed him and paid him a tidy sum and it’s not clear that this guy did any more than bang his hammer on their roof a bit.
Just a couple minutes ago the scam artist, John/Tom at 847-630-5560 of “Clean Environment” Air Duct Specialists called back saying he should have apologized. I agreed, told him we were in the midst of dinner and no interest in any estimates. I wonder who gave them my parents’ information. Could it have been the air conditioning repair people from last month? Could it have been an online source?
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smkelly8
Jul 30, 2012 @ 20:08:16
Thank you for posting this. These scammers are quite creative, aren’t they? So glad you didn’t get taken.
Jul 31, 2012 @ 11:16:23
What I hate is that they prey on older people, figuring they can be more trusting. I’m thinking of sending his card to the local newspaper.
Jul 31, 2012 @ 12:25:05
It’s awful. I think you should. The more aware people are, the less he’ll be able to get over and maybe even get caught.
Jul 30, 2012 @ 20:13:42
I have not heard of this one, but thanks for making people aware. It never hurts to check things out!
Jul 31, 2012 @ 10:34:12
Another problem around here has been people posing as electric company workers going to the doors of the elderly, getting them to go to the back of the house to check the meter while an accomplice or two enter the house and rob it.