A resident of Bolesławiec wrote to us:
Today I probably fell for a fraudster dressed as a chimney sweep who was handing out calendars and informing people that chimney inspections would soon be carried out. At the end, he mentioned that he was collecting symbolic amounts for the calendar. I was surprised to realize that such a situation had never occurred before, but he replied that a new company would now be servicing the surrounding buildings. However, out of curiosity, I checked the name of the business and the REGON number printed on the calendar online, and it turned out to be a new way of extorting money. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to inform residents about this so that they do not get cheated as I did.
We warn the residents of Bolesławiec about fraudsters who are trying to make money in this way. Very often, people surprised by the greetings instinctively and without thinking give voluntary donations to strangers, allowing themselves to be cheated. Moreover, they often think they are dealing with employees of a local chimney-sweeping company, which is not the case.
We contacted the “Florian” Chimney Sweeps’ Services Cooperative in Bolesławiec. We were informed there that no one from “Florian” is conducting any money-collection campaign in Bolesławiec. What is more, the Bolesławiec company has also received reports from people who were recently cheated. Meanwhile, the “Bolesławianka” Housing Cooperative informs residents about every planned chimney inspection by posting a notice within the stairwell.
Together with the police, we appeal to people to be cautious and to follow the principle of limited trust when dealing with strangers. If we suspect that these people may be impersonating employees of a chimney-sweeping company, energy company, gas utility or property administration, this can be reported to the community police officer or by calling 997.