Beware chimney cleaning scams

You may have gotten the same call I received this morning. "A-1 Chimney" located in "my town" is offering a special deal to clean and inspect my chimney. Hang up.

This is one of the oldest scams and yet is perpetrated anywhere a chimney can be found. They'll find a reason why your chimney needs to be relined, why you need a new chimney cap or why carbon monoxide is leaching into your home.

Never answer an unsolicited call. Use the better business bureau, personal recommendations and third party sources if you have a concern.