Con Edison: 'Beware of Scammers!'

Energy Company Reps Swarming Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens with False Claims and Engaging in Questionable Acts

On three separate occasions, employees allegedly affiliated with an energy company known as IDT Energy have appeared at From The G-Man headquarters after being told the news and information site was not interested in their services.

During each encounter, the often aggressive and rude representatives indicated that they would be able to help cut the office’s monthly energy costs if it switched from Con Edison to IDT Energy.

In the latest incident, the representatives were insistent that they be shown the Con Edison bill in order to illustrate how the savings would be broken down. They were immediately asked, once again, to leave and never return.

After conducting an investigation on the company’s background, From The G-Man unearthed some very alarming and disturbing information about IDT and other so-called “Green Dot” companies.

In 2009, New York Post reporter Angela Montefinise wrote a story entitled “Scammers Power Sting”. The article notes the following:

“Big Apple homeowners are getting zapped by a shocking door-to-door scam.

“In an attempt to grab Con Ed customers, energy service companies are ringing bells in Brooklyn and Queens offering drastically cheaper rates for delivering electricity.

“The only problem is the salespeople often lie, forge and misrepresent themselves to do it, according to victims. “It’s very disturbing," said City Councilman Bill de Blasio (D-Brooklyn), whose office is fielding persistent complaints and has created a hot line for victims.

“The scam is simple: Salesmen knock on the door and ask for the homeowner's Con Ed bill. Sometimes the salesmen identify themselves properly, but often they imply or say they're from Con Ed.

“After looking at the bill and pointing out high charges, they quote a false rate to entice the homeowner to switch or take down personal information to facilitate an unauthorized switch.”

From The G-Man recently contacted Con Edison and spoke with D. Joy Faber, media spokesperson for the company, about IDT and other companies that are attempting to get New Yorkers, as well as people across the country, to change their energy provider.

“We are well-aware of the complaints against IDT and similar companies operating throughout the New York City area,” said Faber.

“Con Edison is warning its customers and other members of the public to be vigilant in protecting themselves against several types of scams that have been reported to the company. Con Edison places the safety of the public first and is working with authorities to catch those who have been trying to pull the scams.”

In addition to the warning statement, Faber provided From The G-Man with a listing of safety measures that the public can take to thwart scammers.

In particular, Con Edison advises people to guard against the following:

E-mail viruses – Con Edison has received reports of e-mails that appear to be from Con Edison and contain a ‘zip file’ that may create a computer virus. The “From” field of the e-mail reads “no-reply-billing@coned.com” or “no-reply-billing@conedison.com.” Do not open or forward these e-mails. File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Green Dot scams – Customers have reported receiving calls from someone instructing them to buy a Green Dot Money Pak in order to pay their utility bill. Con Edison does not accept payments via Green Dot Money Paks.

Be alert if anyone asks you by telephone to arrange for pre-paid credit cards as payment for your bill, or to send money to an out-of-state address. Con Edison does not authorize these payments. Never arrange payment or divulge account or personal information over the telephone, unless you are certain you are speaking to a Con Edison representative.

Imposters - Any Con Edison employee arriving at your home or business to read your meter will have a visible photo identification badge. Feel free to ask or check for identification before allowing anyone into your home or business. If you feel the person at your door may be an imposter, you can call 1-800-75CONED (1-800-752-6633) to check.

From The G-Man contacted IDT Energy to obtain more information on the company, its executive members, and to inquire about its method of operation in New York City and other states.

A man who would only describe himself as a "customer service representative" indicated that a corporate official would reply to our inquiries in 48 hours. Five days later, no one from the company has issued a response or contacted this news site to discuss the matter.  

“Anyone who feels they may have been a target of an imposter or Green Dot scam should call their local police department. They may also call Con Edison,” concluded Faber. 

Image courtesy of http://www.clker.com.