Seniors got a warning Tuesday night about an old scam reappearing in Ozone Park and Howard Beach. Pat McCabe, a representative from Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), told members of the Our Neighbors Civic Association of Ozone Park that men have been knocking on doors telling people their gas lines or chimney need an inspection.
McCabe said she has received reports of two men in a white van saying they are from the New York State Natural Gas Inspection Unit, a unit that doesn’t exist.
The men told one elderly couple that they needed access to the house to inspect for carbon monoxide and vaguely referenced new regulations requiring it.
In the end, they installed some stainless steel paneling and grossly overcharged the couple, McCabe said.
“They paid these people $1,800, and they paid in cash,” she said.
McCabe reminded those at the meeting that they aren’t required to give anyone access to their homes, and any needed inspection would be done by an employee with government identification.
Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) also made an appearance, updating members on street paving and sidewalk repairs that will start in the spring.
He said that two years after funding was allocated, sidewalks being buckled by tree roots in Ozone Park will finally get repairs.
By Jeremiah Dobruck
