Crime & Safety

Don't Get Burned: Police Warn of Chimney Scams

Following the arrests of two scam artists, the Darien Police and State Department of Consumer Protection urge residents to take necessary precautions when investing in home repairs.

Darien Police and local authorities urge residents investing in home repair to first do their homework, so as not to get burned—by the chimney sweep.

"We want people to stop, think and check references, before they get any kind of home repair; and we want to get the word out that we arrested these guys," said Lt. Ronald Bussell of the Darien Police.

These guys—51-year-old Clifford E. Kearns of Sheldon, NY and 26-year old John R. Rastrellie of Stuart Fl.—were arrested on Wednesday afternoon following a sting operation in which the two men tried to scam a 79-year-old Darien woman of $13,000 of unnecessary chimney repairs.

The collaborative effort of the Darien Police and investigators from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection began in December of last year, when the department first received complaint from a Darien resident.

Police say Priority Home Improvements, a home repair company that operates out of New York, has a history of cheating Connecticut customers out of their money. Rastrellie, a welder and self-proclaimed "new hire," arrived at the Darien home in the same company truck pinned to a January incident in Greenwich.

"Hopefully these arrests will scare them," said Robert Nakano, Supervising Special Investigator for the DCP. "Problem is, a lot of times we find out after the fact, and these companies tend to resurface under a different name and with new employees."

Police say the two men were en route to "clean" another Darien chimney, and two more in New Canaan and Greenwich.

Each subject was held on $25,000 bond and faces charges of Larceny 2nd degree of a Victim Over 60, Conspiracy, Possession of Marijuana, Failure to Provide Duplicate Notice of Cancellation, Failure to Orally Notify Notice of Cancellation, Failure to Possess Contractors Registration, Impersonating a Registered Home Improvement Contractor, Failure to Posses/Display Connecticut Sales Tax Permit.

Kearns and Rastrellie were arraigned in Stamford Superior Court the following day, Thursday, Jan. 28.

Police and Consumer Protection representatives urge residents of all ages to take the necessary precautions when investing in home repair. Scammers don't discriminate.

"Do your homework, and if you're scared or need help, call the Police Department," said Lt. Bussell.

Some tips of precaution from the DCP:

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  • Never hire a chimney sweep who shows up at your door uninvited
  • Be aware of telemarketers who offer free or inexpensive chimney service
  • Get a second and third opinion and written estimates
  • Don't let threats of carbon monoxide frighten you into making an abrupt decision
  • Do not pay a deposit
  • Don't cut corners by hiring cheaper unlicensed or unregistered workers
  • Before signing a contract, check the contractor's insurance
  • If wronged, file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Protection


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