Scams and complaints, in plain words

You can hang up or close the door if someone says:

• "I'm with the power company." A company selling price plans may not say it is your utility.
• "This is a government program." Sellers must say which company they work for.
• "Read me your account number." That number lets someone switch you. Don't share it unless you have decided to switch.
• "You have to decide today." You never have to decide on the spot.
• "You can't cancel." You can. Most states give you a few days to cancel for free. Your state's help page says how many.

Some scam calls pretend to come from a state office. Pennsylvania's utility commission has warned about callers who fake its phone number to "confirm your switch."

If a caller asks about a switch or your account, hang up. Then call your utility at the number printed on your bill.

You never have to open the door. A seller must say which company they work for, and must leave when you ask. Many states have more rules, like set hours for knocking. Your state's help page lists them.

Switching someone without their OK is against the law. It is called slamming.

Call your utility, and call your state's utility office. You should not have to pay fees for a switch you did not ask for.

Each state has an office that takes complaints about utilities and the companies that sell energy. The links below go to each state's complaint page. You can also report a scam to the Federal Trade Commission.

Judy Saves will never call you or knock on your door. If someone says they are from Judy Saves, hang up.