Two scams involving chimney sweeps and one involving Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., have been reported by multiple residents and businesses in the Hudson Valley region.
Chimney cleaners are supposedly going door-to-door offering to clean their chimneys.
Home contracting schemes are frequently aimed at seniors, according to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office.
Scammers will often offer free inspections and find a problem that needs an expensive solution.
The second scam involved Central Hudson Gas & Electric representatives.
Someone calling from an 866 number saying they are from Central Hudson claiming that the user owes money and their service is about to be disconnected unless they send certain money orders.
“We would never contact a customer via phone and demand payment,” said Central Hudson spokesman Chris Valdez. “If you have any questions, hang up and contact Central Hudson at 845-452-2700.”
“Some business owners were recently contacted by telephone by persons claiming to be with or representing Central Hudson, indicating that their account is past due and directing them to pay their utility bill using a money order or wire transfer,” said Charles Freni, Central Hudson’s senior vice president of customer services, at that time.
Residents are asked to contact their local police if they get similar phone calls, and to err on the side of caution.
Source: The Poughkeepsie Journal
Mr. Finkelstein is the Managing Partner of Finkelstein & Partners, LLP. He has become a noted consumer activist through his representation of injured individuals against corporate wrongdoers and irresponsible parties.
An accomplished litigator, Mr. Finkelstein has represented Plaintiffs in wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. He has successfully handled dozens of multi-million dollar cases.