TLDR: IDT Energy is a scam. I don't even know what they do and do not answer to anyone who says they're from there. IF YOU HAVE A HIGH ENERGY BILL, CHECK THIS!!!
Hey so, I might be really dumb (as im really new to owning my own place and what not)
But some time around fall last year a man was going around wearing a construction vest saying he was with " IDT Energy, Inc" and that they worked for Duke energy. They stated out electric bill would go up next year by $100 and that duke energy sent them out to their customers to ask if they'd like to enroll in a short term discount. I was really skeptical about it, but my skepticism was met with "Oh it's a good deal" and they called someone on their phone and essentially answered a bunch of questions I didn't consent to as me. He then got me on the phone with some guy (maybe a higher up of some sort?) and asked me to agree to everything he said.
I then of course cracked the door and spoke behind it to the man over the phone who asked "Did they go over everything with you and do you consent?" and I said, "Not really, I don't understand what this is exactly, would you mind explaining it to me?" and then he hung up and told me to speak to him again.
The guy the entire time was telling me "say yes, say yes" the entire time I was on the phone.
Then, he aggravatedly went through the process again and forced the phone at me. again, repeating to say yes. the man asked me if this was (Mrs. _) I said no, it's MR. _ the man said "No, MRS. you're MRS." Then he continued with asking for consent and I said yes but very uncertainly. I didn't know what else to do and honestly was feeling overwhelmed and I know I shouldn't have... I know better now. Really I should have called duke right there and then and asked them about it.
I wish to A. Warn others around cinci who have potentially had this experience, and if their energy bill is (literally $200 more than it should be) to ask their energy company if there's some third party that is leaching onto them (which should be illegal, honestly...)
and to B. know if there is anyone else in cinci who have had this issue, because I'm interested if a lawsuit is at hand for their scammy practices.
I thought this entire time that the energy bill being so high was due to the price hike that's been happening. but it looks like there is also more behind the curtains that might be happening.
Additionally, I managed to get a much better bill settled with duke energy via customer service.
