513-443-5674

Called asking for the "person who pays the bills".  Spouse states caller said "I can save you a lot of money!", then 2 questions were asked:  Do you get assistance with your electric utility bill & do you pay more than $35/month?  (No & Yes) Then asked for account number.  When spouse said did not have statement handy, caller stated "I'm paid by the hour - I can wait while you get a copy."   Spouse @ that time asked if caller was with Duke energy (no).  Spouse asked identity of company - does not remember name given.  Refused to give account # & caller asked what changed mind.  Spouse said needed to talk with "other half" who wasn't yet home from work.  Caller asked for time frame:  15 minutes?  30 minutes?  

At this time still waiting for another call, which won't be made.  This is a complete SLAM SCAM.  BTW out phone 3 is on the DNC list.

Called asking for the "person who pays the bills".  Spouse states caller said "I can save you a lot of money!", then 2 questions were asked:  Do you get assistance with your electric utility bill & do you pay more than $35/month?  (No & Yes) Then asked for account number.  When spouse said did not have statement handy, caller stated "I'm paid by the hour - I can wait while you get a copy."   Spouse @ that time asked if caller was with Duke energy (no).  Spouse asked identity of company - does not remember name given.  Refused to give account # & caller asked what changed mind.  Spouse said needed to talk with "other half" who wasn't yet home from work.  Caller asked for time frame:  15 minutes?  30 minutes?  

At this time still waiting for another call, which won't be made.  This is a complete SLAM SCAM.  BTW out phone 3 is on the DNC list.

Suprisingly, the guy called back!  Young man by the name of "Ken" said he was with Border States Electric, "... and begining with my next bill..."  I cut him off at that point stating I had NOT changed electric suppliers.  His question: "Well don't you want to save money on your electric bill?"  Response: "You're a telemarketer, you're calling from a cell phone, our number is on the National Do Not Call List, I have not, nor do I wish to change electric suppliers, DO NOT CALL AGAIN!"

Some background info:  Border States Electric is a real company; but I can't find any indication of their presence in Ohio. (Nearest presence is Tennessee)

Ken" is a telemarketer using a cellphone for his calls, which make a call difficult to trace.  In this case the call originated from a Bethany OH exchange, (about 25 miles NNE of Cincinnati... think WLW radio)  He's in a boiler room atmosphere, based on the other voices/background noises heard.  

If you want to switch electric suppliers, that's your option:  but sureinhell DON'T go with one who calls you & asks for "the person who pays the electric bill."  That's as bad as the ones I get at work, asking for "the person who purchases your shipping supplies."  Yeah - right!

Verde Energy USA is using much the same script in the Philly 'burbs --
except that the caller claims to be "working with" my electric company
(PECO), and needs to "correct" my electric bill in order to provide a 15%
discount for which I have (mysteriously) become "eligible."

He "only" needs my PECO account number in order to "fix" my bill.
Obviously a classic slam-scam.

Yeah, I'm also on the DoNotCallList -- and have been since day #1.

So far, I've filed two complaints with the FTC (fraud and DNC violation),
plus the PA Attorney General and Public Utility Commission.