Is IDT Energy a Scam or is it Legitimate?

The company acts as an alternative Energy Service Company (ESCO). It has faced multi-million dollar regulatory fines and state-level enforcement actions for overcharging consumers and misleading sales behavior.

Common Deceptive Tactics

• "Slamming" (Unauthorized Switching): Representatives frequently take your utility account information and switch your provider to IDT Energy without your permission. Reports show some agents use fake emails and forge signatures to bypass verification rules.
• Impersonation: Door-to-door salespeople often wear apparel or use language that implies they work for your actual utility provider (like ComEd, Ameren, Pepco, or BGE). They may claim they are there to give you a "mandatory rebate," a "blue check reduction," or a discount.
• The Variable Rate Bait-and-Switch: Sales reps promise lower monthly bills. However, once you are enrolled, your rate shifts to a highly volatile variable rate. This can cause your electric and gas bills to spike by 200% to 300% within a few months.

How to Check if You Were Enrolled

Look closely at your most recent utility bill. Even if you still pay your standard local utility company, look at the line item labeled "Supplier," "Generation Charges," or "Supply Services." If you see IDT Energy listed there, your account has been switched.

Steps to Take

1. Cancel Immediately

Contact IDT Energy customer service directly to demand an immediate cancellation. State that you did not authorize the switch or that you were intentionally misled by their representative. Note that it can take one to two billing cycles for your service to return to your normal utility provider.

2. Alert Your Primary Utility Provider

Call your primary utility provider (e.g., ComEd, Ameren, BGE). Inform them that your account was switched via unauthorized slamming. Ask them to block future unauthorized third-party supplier switches on your account.

3. File a Formal Complaint

Do not rely entirely on IDT Energy's internal support team to fix the issue. Protect yourself by filing formal complaints with:

• Your state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) or Public Service Commission (PSC).
• Your state’s Attorney General's Office.
• The Better Business Bureau (BBB).

How to Protect Yourself

• Never show your bill: Never hand over your utility bill or read your account number to door-to-door solicitors. With just that number, an unscrupulous salesperson can switch your account without your signature.
• Ignore the pitches: Utility companies almost never send employees door-to-door to adjust your rates, distribute refunds, or demand to see your paperwork.