Earlier this evening (a Friday around 4 p.m.) my husband answered our door for a gentleman from "Just Energy." The guy very quickly gave him a schpeel about "the city offering lowered energy rates for those who qualify" and asked to see our recent gas or energy bill to confirm that we qualified for the program. I overheard the conversation and handle the utility bills in the house so I stepped up to the door to check out the situation. He was very pushy about wanting to see our old bill, which I definitely didn't feel comfortable with. I told him we use electronic billing and he said he would wait for us to print it out. This just didn't sit right with me and we asked him to leave. After he left I did a quick google search and found many articles about people getting scammed into signing their contract or giving them personal information. Here is a link:
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/05/just-energy.html
Just Energy reps dress in hats, shirts and carry IDs with logos and colors which mislead unwary customers into thinking that they are affiliated with your local energy companies. I urge anyone who receives a visit from these people to not show them anything or sign their contract.
Yes, there was long EveryBlock discussion, I think in the Ravenswood Area, a little while ago. Same problems.
First rule of thumb...NEVER do business on your front porch.
Ask the person to leave information with you so you can (calmly) check it out at your convince.
If they tell you that you will be missing out on their “great deal” if you don’t act “right now”, be even more suspicious.
I know of a few neighbors that fell for just such a “deal” a few years back. At that time, it was locking into the current natural gas prices “guaranteed not to increase for one year”. As it turned out, the natural gas prices dropped like a rock in the next month and these people had locked into artificially high cost for a full year.
Remember the old saying “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.
Last year a similar scam was coming through the area. Back then it was for a company selling natural gas, trying to outbid Peoples Gas. They promised cheaper rates and consistent monthly billing. I fell for it.
Next thing I know, I got my first bill IN THE SUMMER for $300!! That was higher than all but the coldest months' bills from Peoples Gas. I called the company and asked why it was so much and the guy said they averaged monthly use for the area and that's what I should be paying. So, every month I had to pay them $300, even if my actual use might be significantly lower. I asked if I would be refunded any surplus I paid (as Peoples Gas does in their budget plan). No, he said. It was theirs to keep. WHAT?!?!?!
Furious, I asked to get out of the contract (yes, they make you sign a year long contract) and he said there was a two month penalty to break the contract. Very expensive lesson learned.
Don't fall for these BS scam artists. Their promises are too good to be true.
These people were canvasing my neighborhood all day today and came around to my place at about 3pm today. I told them my hubby wasn't home and that he handles the bills. I did a quick Google search and came across this article and others. I filed a complaint with the BBB and my husband is going to give them an earfull tomorrow when they claim they will be coming back.
Just say 'NO' if these scam artists come to your door. Have your cell phone in hand and if they insist, tell them you'll call 911 (and do so if they become belligerent). Above all, don't open your door and don't let them start their sales pitch.
While it can be frustrating to have to listen to a sales pitch, it's not polite to "give someone an earful" who is just trying to earn a living. Respectfully decline and then just ignore. It's not their fault Just Energy exists. Hopefully I didn't just sidetrack this to an economy/jobs thread.
Let me make things straight. Number one the picture is Robert Gallos picture who is known as HIV AIDS inventor or blessed person who found the solution on how to detect HIV. And I think it is just culture here in USA to scam people...If it was in other nations may be some one will be in his graves...well it is good to have this system in America but equally honest people has to tell the truth.
Here now I want to talk about Just Energy and I am the one who might talk about it because I was a trainee with them with a guy called Drew and bunch other trainers.
This guy from the start I knew he is a professional liar. He gestures and the way he talk, body movements, eye contacts are just best indicator of lie....Naturally I am analytical and take my time to tell...I went out to field knocking doors for about half an hour just to see what is going on.....
The field workers..as they call us we were not allowed to say we are sales people..we say we came to qualify for FlexRate and 5% discount for three months...and it is all junk hassle....they call also themselves as green energy providers which is just out right lie...they are trying to capitalize on green projects in Chicago area.
To wrap it up this guys are scam. con artists who are out there scamming. I guarantee you you will not save money from them..same is with Energy1. company who follow the same tactic...so those who are looking for job or energy shopping stay away from them...
I received a robo-call two days ago from a company making a similar claim. Not sure if it was Just Energy because I hung up on it. But be aware they may be soliciting business by phone too.