Well, I got another interview call and to my horror this too turned out to be a scam, what is even worst is this company is a part of the previous company, and is operating under a different name. As I was tricked in to this scam before (luckily I did not waste my time or my money in to it) I’ve decided to bring awareness against such scams to general public as how these crooks take advantage of unsuspecting people. The company in question is ‘’Just Energy’’ also DBA ‘’National Home Services’’ and several other names. I replied to an ad that was on Jobs Classified (JC), the ad looked very attractive, all it said was make $1000/week. I have worked previously and I know this was an average wage, it did not look scam to me at the first sight. Like any other job seeker would do, I emailed a copy of my resume to the e-mail address that was posted on JC. The very same afternoon I got a reply from a person from Just Energy! She scheduled an interview for the following day with me. I was all thrilled, getting back to work is exciting to me. With same excitement I attended the interview, which was scheduled at their Islington Office. I was early by 30 minutes. Later I met this lady. Unlike other interviewers this lady spoke more to me, and did not let me speak- I found it odd. She did NOT ask me the usual questions like, where do you want to see yourself from 5 years from now, and the other questions usually interviewer would ask. The real red flag was raised when she showed me the checks that were posted on the walls of her room!! She told me these were the checks the people earned every week it ranges from $20,000 to $200. I was not at all impressed, c’mon I want a job, but not desperate. At the end of the interview, I was asked to come for the training. She said, two days will be class training and 3rd day will be fieldwork. I agreed.
Being a net savvy that I am, I googled ‘’Just Energy’’ I wanted to know more about my future employer. And what did I do?? I just opened cans of worms!! I am not quite sure from where to start, their history is such!! For the beginning you need to know that former ENRON employees run this company; scamming is their forte! For the people who do not know ENRON scandal, they can read it from here. Next, I checked with the Better Bureau Business (Chicago) and it has “F” rating , the worst rating. And the following reasons were given;
- 506 complaints filed against business
- Failure to respond to 19 complaints filed against business.
- 39 complaints filed against business that were not resolved.
- Overall complaint history with BBB.
- Government action(s) against business.
- BBB does not have sufficient background information on this business.
- Business has failed to resolve underlying cause(s) of a pattern of complaints.
- One serious complaint filed against business.
There are even more serious charges against this company. For a full report about Just Energy by Better Bureau Business, read it at the latter’s website. ( Click here ) These energy resellers have their heart at the wrong place. They mistreat both customers and the people who work for them. I will get back to you as how their sales men are mistreated at a latter part. Just Energy are energy resellers, and their door-to-door sales men will lie trough their teeth to bring the customers on board, if you fall for it you may very well forget any savings. When you sign up with them, you’re signing up for a 5 years contract. If you break it, expect a hefty fine for breaking the contract. These sales men are so conniving that without your consent they will switch your utility provider to Just Energy, this is very frequent with non-English speaking people and lonely elderly people & elderly couple. Read the unsavory details at consumerist blog ( Click here) The sales people of just energy are not the actual employees they are independent contractors and work for 100% commission. I was hired as an independent contractor, and the interviewer did not mention this to me! She neither said it is 100% commission based nor will I be hired as an independent contractor, the worst part was the training is not a paid training!! Even if you make sales, there is no guarantee that paychecks are on time. Ideally this is NOT a job you should be doing if you’re living a hand to mouth life! These contractors are made to sign a contract with Just energy that hold themselves responsible incase you mess up in your sales. Read as how 3 just energy salesmen facing charges on fraud that supposedly used personal information from four consumers to forge energy contracts they never agreed to (click here). There are many malpractices by these independent contractors. If you wear your heart on your sleeves, you should not be working for Just Energy or the likes.
What you need to do if an energy sales man shows up at your doorstep.
1. Never give them a chance to talk to you
2. Never share your hydro bills with anyone. Hydro Bills contains your enough personal information, which can be used to change your utility provider to Just Energy.
3. Don’t enter in to a long term contract with them
4. Never sign any papers. Do not fall for their cheap tricks. You don’t save a dime!
5. Remember, the choice is ultimately YOURS not theirs. Read the OEB's consumer's rights as well as energychoiceontario.com
Here is a forum that gives more info about energy resellers scams (click here) ! If you’re business or residential customer do not entertain any energy resellers, EVER!! Guard your personal information from these thieves. Be safe and be happy!
Take care and I will meet you all soon!! Remember, you take the first step to protect yourself!
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