IDT Energy Scam...have you been hit up?

lostingreenwoodhts

This has appeared on brownstoner and gowanuslounge today in response to a post from the CCGH on their newsgroup, stablebrooklyn and the Windsor Terrace Alliance newsgroups. Seems this scam by IDT Energy, potential criminal one, has been perpetrated all over Brooklyn! GWH, WT, CG, SPS, PH, PS, WB...you name it.

Here's an excerpt from the post on brownstoner:

We were sent this report courtesy of Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights. Folks from Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights and Flatbush have confirmed the same thing going on in their hoods.

Several weeks ago we had an early evening door-to-door visit form 3rd party reps from IDT Energy wanting to explain and "help us" save money on our Con Edison and National Grid bills by allowing IDT Energy to be the supplier. They explained that they were already technically the supplier and that by "going direct" we'd shave $20+ dollars off each of our bills each month. The slick presentation by the trio sounded good...too good to be true.

Update: If you want to contact CCGH about the issue, send an email [info (at) ccgreenwoodhts.com].

During the discussion, the main presenter asked to see a copy of our Con Ed bill to specifically point out (and circle, which he did) the charges that would disappear if IDT Energy was selected by us as the alternative provider. What we saw, but did not dawn on us until later, was that one of the "helpers" was copying down all of our Con Ed information. After seeing him do this, we inquired why they need our info? Since we "did not need to sign up today if we wished not to," they had our info to mail us more information on IDT Energy. We concluded the conversation that we'd goto to IDT Energy's website for more info, await something in the mail and make our own educated decision at a later date. We did finally receive more info in the mail from IDT Energy. Information that WE HAD ENROLLED WITH IDT ENERGY and our service would be transferred in November. Seems we're not the only community.

Needless to say a very unhappy me just got off the phone with IDT Energy finding out that I had "signed up" to transfer my Con Ed supplier to IDT Energy. Not only did I not sign anything, the scumbag rep forged my signature. The rep I spoke to was not surprised in the least (troubling) and removed us from their service and filed a complaint against the rep (who's # I got). While we feel very angry (and slightly gullible), we wanted to find out if others in the area have had the same problem, alert you if these gentlemen visited you and warn folks to not even give these guys the time of day if they hit your area. We remember the sub-contractor working for Midtown Promotions located in the Bronx. We're doing research on-line and have already come across this scam and that company's name (I wish we had kept their card!). But, IDT is subcontracting this out, thus they are the end culprit!

I think this may be a much larger issue as originally reported by the The Consumerist

The folks at CCGH are trying to get a tally on how many people may have been scammed, had a bad experience, etc. with IDT Energy and their reps, so they can e-mail them at info (at) ccgreenwoodhts.com They want to take this issue to Brooklyn Community Board 7, the beyond to local elected officials and perhaps the NYS Attorney General.

Anyone had this issue? These fellas were all over GWH!

supreme_ian

they hit me up but i think im a MORE aggressive person and then saw that i wasnt having their bullshit..

but anyway it was a couple

blkman lightskin about 6'1ish briads
blkwoman drkbrown about 5'5 ish short hair

they kept asking to see OLD bills to "compare" the bills and show me how i was OVER charged.

this was yesterday thursday oct 16th

lostingreenwoodhts

What neighborhood?

supreme_ian

prospect heights

underhill ave / sterling to be exact !

pima

Last February, we had an IDT rep bothering people in our coop on a Saturday night about dinnertime. I got two phone calls, and went and asked that they leave the building (once notiifed, they must depart). This rep raised such a problem, she threatened me, pushed me, threatened and chased my wife, we finally get her out of the building. She calls the police and claims my wife harassed her.

It was our son's birthday, we had better things to do than deal with this borderline criminal behavior. The cops took the rep's story, took mine, told me to go back hope to my family, they escorted her out.

We reported it to IDT, then put up a sign specifically denying entrance to IDT employees.

I would suspect they have been back in the building since then, as this was not the first time we have had trouble with IDT.

filmlover44

Ugh, IDT is a horrible company. I was stupid enough to switch phone service to them while I was in New Jersey. When I called to cancel, the woman asked if there was anything else that she could do for me, i said "No, your company sucks" and she actually laughed. I also know someone who worked there and there is or was a sex discrimination lawsuit against them. I suspect that they settled.

turtle95

Just had a phone call two minutes ago where they initially said they were calling on behalf of National Grid. I had to ask three times exactly who they worked for but she never gave me a company name (although she said she was Sheila Perez). The number they called from was 347-298-0196; sounded like a boiler room type of operation as I could hear a lot of conversation in the background. Sounds like they are really stepping up efforts. I told them not to call back and that I didn't have any authority to make changes to my household's utility bills.

cool the kid

I found a letter today saying we have been changed over to IDT...

Utilities are in my roommates name and I am out of the lease in a little over a month... I will let him know, but we're canceling everything soon anyways...

justplainzach

They rang up to our apartment about a month ago and kept insisting we let them in to talk about the benefits of IDT. Instead, I asked a few questions over the speaker and asked for their website, thanked them for their time and passed on the opportunity.

duffyssis

Oh my God IDT is the worst! I had one guy call me constantly and when I screamed at him to leave me alone--they just had someone else call me instead.

Just yesterday some kid got into our building and went knocking door to door asking people to show him their energy bills. I chased him off and called Con Ed. They said the best thing to to do (besides threatening to call the cops on them) is to put a block on your account. That way no one can change or alter your service without getting your expicit permission first.

kenieva

well..they got me, how do i get out of it?

lostingreenwoodhts

what's "got me?"

You can contact Con Ed/ Nat Grid if it's within 30 days and put a block on it. Otherwise call IDT and say NO, then call Con Ed/Nat Grid.

lostingreenwoodhts

Just heard that there's going to be a piece on Brooklyn News 12 tonight at 5pm and 10:30pm.

bleibtreu

They're in Greenpoint today. As I got on the G train at Greenpoint Avenue at about 130 pm, a group of 10 or 12 got off wearing IDT identification cards and carrying clipboards. Mostly early 20s, with one thirtyish-looking guy who was apparently their supervisor reminding them to make sure they had everything as they got off the train.

So I guess those IDs might not be so openly displayed while they're actually knocking on doors?

arches

A bunch of them are on Sterling and Underhill right now.

lostingreenwoodhts

Did anyone catch the News 12 spot on our 'hood getting scammed?

filmlover44

arches wrote: A bunch of them are on Sterling and Underhill right now.

Call 311!

carnivore

They were coming around my building today. Totally shady. The lady who was making the pitch to me acted like they were from Con-Ed, even lying when I directly asked whether they were from Con-Ed. I could hear another one of them giving the spiel to someone else in my building in the background.

I called her out on the lie and told them to beat it.

SCAMMERS.

bluecat

They came by a few days ago. My wife gave them a loud/knowing "Uh..NO!" and they fled. I thank PSP for giving us the heads-up.

lincolnannex

Wow. Had no idea. We were switched over months ago - dont believe we ever signed off on it but def gave the scammer some of our time and the bills are certainly from IDT. You can cancel in under a minute via con-ed (found that info on consumerist, and called to confirm). I do now - with my 20/20 hindsight - recall paying more on the bills and feeling a bit skeeved (as in didn't feel confident in his Con-Ed affiliation claim) out by the person pitching the switch to us. Live and learn! Any way to organize and put a stop to this blatant misrepresentation? A class action suit? I've got all my old bills! Who's with me!

nuclear redaction

They came to my door tonight (10th Street off 8th Ave.). I told him I don't pay utilities and didn't know who the owner was. He looked like he didn't believe me but didn't pursue it. I'd read all about it on Gowanus Lounge and Consumerist but had dinner ready and didn't want to get into it with the guy.

supernova

+1 thanks for posting this. Will be on the lookout for them now.

pwaltman_1972

LincolnAnnex wrote: Wow. Had no idea. We were switched over months ago - dont believe we ever signed off on it but def gave the scammer some of our time and the bills are certainly from IDT. You can cancel in under a minute via con-ed (found that info on consumerist, and called to confirm). I do now - with my 20/20 hindsight - recall paying more on the bills and feeling a bit skeeved (as in didn't feel confident in his Con-Ed affiliation claim) out by the person pitching the switch to us. Live and learn! Any way to organize and put a stop to this blatant misrepresentation? A class action suit? I've got all my old bills! Who's with me!

I got switched over a couple of years ago. No scam in that the didn't misrepresent who they worked for, but was definitely scammed by the 7% savings they claim b/c it's only guaranteed for the first 2 months, and then you get switched to variable pricing that's set by market rate. So, with the soaring energy costs the past year, I'm quite sure I got gouged. Have no way of knowing for certain, of course. Anyway, a couple of guys came by my door yesterday, and when I told them I'd switched to IDT energy, they then tried converting me for my gas. I told them I'd look into it, and after a bit of googling, I realized I'd been had, called ConEd and switched back to them. Who knows? Maybe with energy prices dropping, it's a mistake and I should switch to a different ESCO, but at this point, I just want to see what rates ConEd is charging before I do it.

lostingreenwoodhts

Just came through via one of the news groups I'm on

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bus/895219037.html

Energy Company/ Looking to hire ASAP (Midtown)
Reply to: [email protected] [?]
Date: 2008-10-27, 11:33AM EDT


Midtown Promotions is looking for highly motivated individuals to work with Telecommunication and Energy companies such as Verizon, AT&T and IDT Energy.
Entry-Level management, sales and marketing positions are available.
We are looking to expand, so advancement and growth opportunities are definitely provided for all candidates.
No Experience Necessary

FULL TIME POSOTIONS ONLY!

Training is provided to all candidates

$400 to $600/wk

We are conducting interviews Monday through Thursday 12pm to 3pm walk ins are welcome or if you want to schedule an interview for a specific time please call 347-594-2981 and ask for Lissy. Our address is 21West 39th Street Suite 4B (located between 5th and 6th ave) please ask for Derek when you get there.

Who's gonna call?

These are the scumbags that theconsumerist.com profiles in 2007

Gotta put these folks out of biz. :evil:

t-bone51

THIS HAPPENED TO ME A FEW YEARS AGO. GOT A BILL IN THE MAIL SAYING I SWITCHED AND I DID NOT. I WAS VERY AGGRESSIVE OR I SHOULD SAY MY BOYFRIEND WAS AND GOT RID OF THEM VERY QUICKLY. HOW DO THEY GET AWAY WITH THIS STUFF. TERRY (BROOKLYN BACK WHEN)
SORRY TO INTRUDE

moufaisbad

I was going in to walk my neighbors dog and there were 3 of them in the lobby and one asked me if i lived in the apartment and when i said "no. Im just walking her dog" he looked right at me and said "nice excuse." I said "uh..you are rude and whether you like my answer or not, its true"
Then, when i came out he was standing stalker-ishly outside the apartment door (like he was listening in to the apt). The little charmer of a dog almost bit his leg off. The guy starts yelling "get that dog away from me" I looked right at his and said "you get the f*ck away from this door or Im calling the cops"
Unbelievable.

gc72

They were working my building the other day when I came home from work. Really loud and obnoxious. The peep hole on my front door is one of those old-fashioned kind, basically a hole in the door with a little cover and you can see right into the living room if you were to push the cover back a look through, and when I got home I could tell that someone had been doing that because the cover wasn't in its latch even though it was closed. Probably them. Kind of missed me off. If I were home, someone would've gotten a eye full of pepper spray or a broken finger. But at least I didn't have to deal with them directly. And thanks to this board I knew exactly who they were and what they were up to.

rnascimento

Hello,

My name is Roberto Nascimento. I am a journalism student at NYU and am writing a piece on the ongoing IDT scams in Brooklyn. They knocked on my door last week and said they were "for" (not "with") ConEd, which really pissed me off and prompted me to get into this. I would like to know if you or anyone you know have been scammed and are willing to come forward with their stories. I will be writing this with the intent of publishing, possibly in the Greenline, a community paper in Greenpoint which I write for.

I'd appreciate it if you could help me.

Thanks,

Roberto

[email protected]

lostingreenwoodhts

Great to have another journalist cover this (so far on browntoner, gowanus lounge, Brooklyn News 12 and the Brooklyn Downtown Star...among others).

Let's all reach out to Roberto.

lostingreenwoodhts

UPDATE: according to a list serv I belong to, IDT ENERGY IS BACK in Greenwood Heights!

And I'll bet all over south Brooklyn.

Here's an excerpt:

"Two gentlemen from IDT were working the block this afternoon. "Can I see your ConEd bill -- I need to show you something important." I told them that everyone on the block knew about them and that they should leave. They continued up the block, ringing doorbells. I followed them, snapping pictures with my cell, which seemed to irritate them & they walked away, around the corner."

amethyst

Yup, they were definitely in our building in Greenwood Heights this weekend.