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October 20, 2008

Update on IDT Energy Scam

Last week, our pals at Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights told us a disturbing tale about unwittingly being signed up for IDT; many from other neighborhoods wrote in to say they'd experienced the same scam. Here's an update from CCGH:

idt-1008-02.jpgWe were part of a scam called "ESCOS Slamming" (ESCOS=Energy Service Companies) where a representative of a ESCOS, in our case IDT Energy (twice now!) either misrepresents themselves "Hi, I work for Con Ed" OR misrepresents their intent "Can I see your Con Ed/National Grid bill, I want to save you some money." The "slamming" happens when they either trick you into signing up for a service they are not offering or a scam (IDT Energy offers a 7% reduction by you "buying direct," when it only lasts 2 months and then their rates are jacked higher than Con Ed) OR the sign you up for a service with out your permission, in our case by forging my signature (which I may follow up as an identity theft case, TBD).
To file complaint on ESCOS "slamming" or any aggressive or deceptive tactics (if they are violent, either verbal or physical...yes, I have heard stories...call 9-1-1) you can file complaints either on-line or by phone at NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs or here; Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection or here; NYS Public Safety Commission: 800-342-3377; or The Better Business Bureau.
Unfortunately the Brooklyn D.A.'s office and 3-1-1 cannot take complaints (I tried). We have left complaints with all agencies, only takes a few minutes. Seems this has already been overseen by the City and Gov, albeit fairly recent, thus the scams still continue here and here... In addition you can call your utility company and ask for a "ESCO freeze" where no transfer to an ESCO can take place with out your calling the provider (in our case Con Ed) and giving permission. I'd suggest folks file as many complaints as possible. if you do, please e-mail me the complaint #'s or call CB7 718-854-0003.

More coverage on Gowanus Lounge.




Posted by lisa at 11:32 AM | Comments (7)
Categories: Crime

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Comments

think this happened to us
i tried to politely get out of the conversation
two neihborhood kids handled it better i think, two 9 year old girls were shouting down from the fourth floor across the street at the Scammer "HEYYY UGLY" over and over, i had to laugh.

Posted by: 11211 at October 20, 2008 12:33 PM

these people are so terrible. they misrepresent themselves and end up tricking a lot of people, leading to a headache for anyone who signs up. i tried to call con ed to complain but they said theres nothing they can do about them. i told them they should go after idt for sending out people who misrepresent themselves as con ed employees. just another example for why you should never open the door for anyone or sign anything.

Posted by: bklyn zooo at October 20, 2008 2:21 PM

Boy these folks keep busy. I guess you fire one outfit and just insert the next. Perhaps come Halloween Eve, they'll be showing up in zombie costumes yelling "heck with the candy, let me save you money on that Con Ed bill!"

Trick or treat? (guess it depends who's asking)

Posted by: Action Jackson at October 20, 2008 2:41 PM

I called IDT after they came by my place in Kensington twice, and they were SO SUPRISED to hear this was happening and assured me they would find the culprits. Wierd, guess several hundred other IDT employees are also not following the rules....

Posted by: lalaland at October 20, 2008 4:25 PM

They came to my door too. I signed with them, then immeditaly called Con Ed and they said that there is nothing that they can do about it BUT they say that they offer you a dicounted rate for 2-3 months, then the rate goes up about 3 times what Con Edison is charging you. I then called up IDT and cancelled with them..hope it sticks.

Posted by: AnneReal123 at October 20, 2008 7:09 PM

FYI -- IDT reps were cruising the streets of Park Slope today 10/20. BEWARE!

Posted by: lifeofreilly at October 20, 2008 8:29 PM

most people complain about attys, but this sounds like a great lawsuit to me....

Posted by: slick at October 21, 2008 4:23 AM

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