A reader informed us that they (and several others) had received calls from a person claiming to be from the Wayland Fire Department and offering to check their home’s chimney flue for $40. Several things about the call were suspicious (including the caller being pushy and rude), and the reader checked with the Fire Department, who confirmed that they had several similar inquiries and that the caller was a scammer.
Wayland Fire Chief Vinnie Smith responded to our request for information about the calls by telling us:
Now and then we contact folks to do an inspections at their property, but it is either at the request of the homeowner or after they have had some permitted work done (like oil burner alteration). And of course we are always professional and courteous in our contact, whether by phone or in person.
As much as I would like to catch this person, and prosecute (or embarrass) to the full extent of the law and common sense, I think anyone that has any doubts about getting a call from the Wayland Fire Department should not agree to any appointment or any inspection until they have confirmed the call came from us, by calling our regular business line 508-358-7951 and asking to speak to the “officer on duty”.
Now and then these things happen because bad guys prey on the good will of the citizens who believe in the mission of the Fire and/of Police Departments.
Wayland Police Chief Robert Irving added:
Scams of all nature continue to be a major cause for concern for law enforcement. Should anyone believe they are being scammed they should contact the police. Never place money outside of your home, do not give out personal bank or credit card information, and do not send money via Western Union or other cash service, unless you are absolutely sure it is for a legitimate purpose.
