The SFE Energy Door-to-Door Scam is Back

Submitted by Dr_Midnight t3_yjm9bx in baltimore

The SFE Energy door-to-door scammers were roaming my neighborhood today and knocked on my door. I actually thought it was my neighbor or I wouldn't have bothered answering.

I didn't initially recognize who they were, but they were very demanding and aggressive in their approach and asked for a copy of my BGE bill, if I got it via paper or if I got it on my phone and if I could pull up a copy on my phone, and then they asked for my phone number for them to "call [me] back at." At multiple points, I gave them not-so-subtle hints that I wanted them to leave. When I said no, they responded with "enjoy your gas rate hike".

Once I saw who they were, it clicked for me what they were doing. They've come up on this subreddit (and many others before), and so I wanted to give others a heads up to stay away from them, to not provide them with any information, and to ask them to leave should they come around.

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ThatguyfromBaltimore t1_iuomcau wrote

That's who was at the door here the other day. They refused to leave after I told them too, and ignored no soliciting signs as well.

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Dr_Midnight OP t1_iuomjtm wrote

That's another point.

I mentioned the conspicuously posted "No Soliciting" signs to the one who came to my door specifically and they actually got angry and yelled "we're not soliciting!"

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ThatguyfromBaltimore t1_iuorp5k wrote

Same here "We're with BGE!" so I asked for their BGE badge, not SFE.

I got screamed at for my trouble.

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Kooky_Deal9566 t1_iup8g67 wrote

It's illegal for them to claim or imply that they work for BGE. Report them to the Maryland Public Service Commission and the Office of People's Counsel.

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Blatmore t1_iuqwufq wrote

I reported many third party suppliers to PSC and OPC for fraudulent behavior, including impersonating BGE, switching suppliers without a signed contract, etc. The regulatory bodies are captured by the third party energy lobby. They are there so you have someone to complain to. They do not function as an actual regulatory body.

Until we get rid of third party energy suppliers in this state, they will continue with this behavior. They serve no valuable function and exist only to siphon money from the system. Most notably, they tend to prey on low income, elderly, and black people. These populations, who qualify for state energy assistance, end up using most of their energy assistance allotment paying for the marginal cost of their third party supplier. Your taxes and some of your utility bill is what pays for that energy assistance. You are literally paying for the door to door salesmen to come bother you.

And this is what Marylanders, supposedly left wing nut jobs, wanted the government to do. They wanted the government to allow "energy choice."

One bright spot is Mary Washington, a state senator, who has been tireless and brave in opposing and trying to control the third party suppliers. Mary is a rare politician who I have seen take direct material action to help the poor in this state. She might be the only democrat I vote for.

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jabbadarth t1_iupu9qp wrote

Came to my house 2 or 3 years ago and after half a sentence I slammed the door in their face. I then watched them go to my neighbor across the street. I watched as she went inside and came back with a bill. I ran across the street yelling, don't show them your bill. They looked shocked and then got really defensive. I told her they were going to sign her up without her consent and they were selling a lie. They kept saying it's a real company it's real electricity. I asked her who they said they worked for and she said "bge" I then stared at these assholes and asked why they told me a different company then her. They didn't seem to have an answer and kind of slicked away. I yelled for them not to bother any other neighbors as they turned the corner.

Felt pretty good. Fuck those guys ripping off little old ladies who don't know any better.

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weahman t1_iur4gzs wrote

"I gave them not-so-subtle hints that I wanted them to leave."

Dont be subtle. Tell them direct right away. Ive done that by accident opening the door thinking it was a friend coming over. Cut them off mid sentence said I'm not interested, let the dog bark as I turn and close the door.

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[deleted] t1_iuq8lxt wrote

I interviewed for a company like this after I graduated from college a few years back and was looking for a job. They kept bragging about how much money you would make and the “manager” talked about how he was about to buy a Tesla. Felt funky about it and declined the offer they gave me later that evening after I had left. Was glad I did.

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ENFJPLinguaphile t1_iupf2d9 wrote

They came to my area about three or four years ago giving exactly the same pitch. Thanks for letting me know they’re back and I’ll be sure to keep a lookout for them and warn my family and neighbors about the scam!

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Songlore t1_iuqp3fd wrote

Thank you so much for the heads up.

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TheCaptainDamnIt t1_iurdimk wrote

It's infuriating that the government allows these energy companies to operate in the state.

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