Police Warn of Aggressive Chimney Service Calls, but Named Company is 'Horrified' at Reports

The Marblehead Police Department wants residents to know about ”aggressive” calls selling chimney services making the rounds, and the company named in the warning is doing an investigation of its own.

According to police, several residents Monday reported that representatives claiming to be with Interstate Ventilation had been calling residents and stating that “per the Marblehead Fire Department, chimneys need to be inspected and cleaned by the end of week.”

Police checked with the fire department, which reported it had made no such recommendation or requirement.

Ellen McAnn, office manager and overseer of the quality control department at Interstate Ventilation, said she was “horrified” when she learned about the situation.

“That is a scare tactic and that is terrible,” McAnn said when Patch asked her about the police log reports. “I’m absolutely horrified.”

McAnn said that the company does employ telemarketers to contact potential customers, but that the script they are directed to use does not in any way include such tactics as were reported to police. She added that the calls are recorded, and she would be spending time going through those phone calls to get to the bottom of the situation.

It is unknown at this time whether a representative with Interstate Ventilation actually made the calls or if someone fraudulently using the company’s name is responsible.

“Unfortunately, things like this do happen, but it is not our company policy at all,” McAnn said, adding that she would be speaking with the company’s telemarketers and pulling management into the discussions.

Police advised residents who need any kind of home service to “do your research and look at reviews, as well as, what type of services they are offering, what kind of qualifications, licenses, or certifications they have or may need” before hiring a technician.