Door-to-Door Energy Scams Red Flags, Protection Tips, and How to Report

Understanding Door-to-Door Energy Scams

Door-to-door energy scams are increasingly common in deregulated markets like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. How scammers operate:

🚨 Pose as utility representatives or government agents
🚨 Trick homeowners into providing personal information
🚨 Push unfavorable contracts with hidden terms

Who scammers target:

Elderly residents
Non-English speakers
Those unfamiliar with deregulated markets

⚠️ The FTC receives thousands of energy fraud complaints annually — door-to-door is among the most reported tactics. Protect yourself from identity theft, unauthorized account switching ("slamming"), and predatory contracts.

Common Door-to-Door Scam Tactics

Manipulative tactics scammers use: 1. Utility impersonation:

Claim to represent AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, PECO, or Eversource
Wear fake uniforms or display counterfeit badges
Request to "verify" your account information

2. Fake offers:

🎭 "Government rebate" scam promises federal energy credits
🎭 Bait-and-switch: promise low rates verbally, contracts contain higher prices

3. Fear and pressure tactics:

⚠️ Threaten service disconnection
⚠️ Claim current supplier is "going bankrupt"
⚠️ Say offers expire immediately
⚠️ Refuse to leave written materials

Red Flags That Identify Energy Scammers

🚨 Warning signs of a scammer:

Wants to see your utility bill — This enables unauthorized switching ("slamming")
Pressure to sign immediately — No legitimate offer requires instant decisions
Claims exclusive utility partnerships — False; utilities don't partner with specific suppliers
Vague answers about company identity — Can't provide license info or company details
No written materials — Refuses business cards or company contact info
Threatens consequences — Warns of penalties for not signing

💡 Remember: Legitimate suppliers do NOT need your full account number during initial contact.

Distinguishing Legitimate Sales from Scams

✅ Signs of legitimate salespeople:

Carry state-issued identification
Provide company information freely
Explain switching is optional
Give written materials with contract terms before any commitment
Allow time to review offers — no pressure

Verify licenses through:

📋 PUCO (Ohio)
📋 PA PUC (Pennsylvania)
📋 Massachusetts DPU

🚨 Never required at the door: Social Security number, banking information, or immediate signature.

Your Legal Rights with Door-to-Door Solicitors

Federal and state cancellation rights:

📋 FTC Cooling-Off Rule: 3 business days to cancel any home sale over $25
📋 Ohio: 7-day rescission period for energy contracts
📋 Pennsylvania: 3 business days to cancel supplier agreements
📋 Massachusetts DPU: Similar cancellation rights

Your absolute rights:

✅ Refuse to show your utility bill
✅ Refuse to provide personal information
✅ Refuse to sign any documents
✅ Ask to see solicitation permits (many municipalities require them)

🚨 No solicitor can legally threaten disconnection for refusing to engage. Post "No Soliciting" signs for legal protection.

Protecting Your Account Information

Your utility account number is the key scammers need for unauthorized switching. Protection rules:

🔒 Never show your bill to door-to-door visitors
🔒 Legitimate utility employees already have your info — they never need it at the door
🔒 Billing problems? Call your utility directly using the number on your bill
🔒 Store bills securely and shred before disposal

⚠️ Don't discuss your rates or costs with unsolicited visitors — scammers use this to craft convincing pitches. 🚨 If you gave info to a scammer: Contact your utility immediately to place an account lock preventing unauthorized changes.

What to Do When a Suspected Scammer Visits

Stay calm and protected:

Keep screen door locked
Ask for identification, company name, and contact info
Do not provide name, account number, or current rates
Request written materials — say you'll contact them directly
Note: time, date, physical description, vehicle info

If person becomes aggressive:

🚨 Call local police non-emergency line
🚨 Do NOT sign any documents

After the visit, report to:

📞 PUCO: 800-686-7826 (Ohio)
📞 PA PUC: 800-692-7380 (Pennsylvania)
📞 MA DPU: 877-886-5066 (Massachusetts)

How to Report Door-to-Door Energy Scams

Reporting protects your community and enables enforcement. State utility commissions:

📞 PUCO: 800-686-7826 or puco.ohio.gov
📞 PA PUC: 800-692-7380 or papowerswitch.com
📞 MA DPU: 877-886-5066 or mass.gov/dpu

Additional reporting:

💻 FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
📋 State attorney general consumer protection division
📋 Better Business Bureau

If identity theft occurred:

File police report
Place fraud alerts with credit bureaus
Contact utility to verify no unauthorized changes

💡 Detailed reports help: Include date, time, company claims, and representative descriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can energy companies legally go door-to-door in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts?

Yes, licensed competitive electricity suppliers can conduct door-to-door sales in deregulated states. However, they must carry proper identification, provide written materials, and follow strict regulations. Verify any company claims through PUCO, PA PUC, or MA DPU before providing information or signing contracts.

What should I do if I already signed a contract with a door-to-door salesperson?

You have cancellation rights under federal and state law. Ohio provides seven days to rescind energy contracts. Pennsylvania and Massachusetts offer three business days. Contact the supplier immediately in writing to cancel. If past the cancellation period, contact your utility and state regulatory commission to dispute unauthorized switches.

How can I verify if an energy company is legitimate?

Search the company name in your state regulatory database: PUCO Certified Retail Electric Service Providers list for Ohio, PA PUC Electric Shopping website for Pennsylvania, or MA DPU Licensed Supplier list for Massachusetts. Legitimate companies appear in these official databases with license numbers and contact information.

Why do scammers want to see my utility bill?

Your utility account number enables scammers to switch your service without proper authorization, a practice called slamming. With this number, they can submit enrollment requests that may process before you realize the unauthorized change. Never show your bill or provide account numbers to door-to-door visitors.

Can I stop door-to-door energy salespeople from visiting my home?

Post a No Soliciting sign, which creates legal protection in most jurisdictions. Register with your utility Do Not Contact list. Report repeat violators to local police and your state utility commission. Some communities require solicitation permits that can be revoked for aggressive tactics.

What penalties do energy scammers face if caught?

State utility commissions can revoke supplier licenses, issue substantial fines, and require customer refunds. The FTC pursues federal charges for deceptive practices. State attorneys general prosecute fraud cases. Convicted individuals face civil penalties and potential criminal charges for identity theft or fraud.

About the author

Enri Zhulati

Consumer Advocate

Enri has spent years helping Texans navigate the deregulated electricity market at ComparePower. He knows what confuses people about energy shopping and what actually helps them save. At ElectricRates.org, he brings that same expertise to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

Electricity deregulationOhio Energy ChoicePennsylvania Power SwitchMassachusetts competitive suppliersPUCO regulations

Topics covered

energy scams door-to-door scams electricity fraud consumer protection PUCO complaints PA PUC supplier verification

Sources & References

FTC - Door-to-Door Sales (Federal Trade Commission): "FTC documents common door-to-door utility scam tactics and consumer protection measures"Accessed Jan 2025
PUCO - Marketing Regulations (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio): "PUCO establishes rules for door-to-door energy marketing in Ohio"Accessed Jan 2025

Last updated: December 10, 2025