Chimney sweep scam artists leap from roof to roof in Ozarks, robbing homeowners

Springfield, MO—Citizens are being warned of scam artists posing as chimney sweeps this fall. Homeowners should be particularly warey of groups of chimney sweeps who travel the country singing catchy tunes while performing choreographed dance routines.

Said one would-be victim Seth Goldrun, “I invited a man named Bert into my house who offered to sweep my flue for $25.00 and he said ‘Good luck will rub off when I shake ‘ands with you’. I did not shake hands with him.”

Checking fireplaces across the Ozarks is this band of merry criminals’ specialty. If an unknown person offers to sweep your chimney, you should be suspicious if he uses the phrase “Chim, Chim, Cher-ee”.

To protect yourself, only work with a reputable chimney sweep companies who employ persons with no singing or dancing skills.   You can find complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General‘s office if chimney sweeps are found to be dancing on your roof, jumping from house to house. Check to see if they’re certified with the National Chimney Sweep Guild or the Chimney Safety Institute or make this claim: No where is there a more ‘appier crew than them wot sings “chim chim cher-ee chim cher-oo!”