Buffalo Grove Officials: Use Caution with Electricity Salespeople

Buffalo Grove officials say residents have reported receiving visitors who may be attempting to trick them into contracting with alternative electricity suppliers.

They caution citizens to keep their guard up; the visitors could actually be scammers or ComEd competitors using “aggressive marketing” tactics to lock customers into contracts.

Trustee Beverly Sussman said Monday that one resident told her that someone was going door-to-door, claiming to be a village representative and inquiring whether the resident wanted an alternative supplier to ComEd.

Another resident told Trustee Jeff Berman that an electric company provider claiming to be the “village’s preferred provider” tried to sell its services, he said.

There are legitimate electricity suppliers in the area but Deputy Village Manager Ghida Neukirch emphasized none have been authorized to represent the village, nor are village or ComEd representatives going door-to-door.

The Village Board voted Monday to issue requests for proposals from prospective electricity suppliers. If Tuesday’s passes, the proposals will be reviewed for competitive rates, which will be extended to residents and small businesses in the village.

Until then, residents who sign up with alternative suppliers on their own could be locked into contacts that include early termination fees. In the event of a successful referendum, residents would have the option of opting out of the aggregation program, which is expected to result in an estimated 25 percent decrease in electricity supply rates for current ComEd customers.

And if those visitors aren’t legitimate salespeople, but scammers?

The outlines “common spring scams” in its blotter.

Among the tips offered to residents are:

• Don’t buy from unfamiliar companies. Ask for written information about any offer. 
• Always take your time making a decision. Consult a family member, friend, accountant or others you trust.
• Never send money or give out your credit card or bank account number unless you are absolutely sure the company is legitimate.

Police urge residents who are suspicious of a visitor to call 911. The department’s Crime Prevention Unit can be reached at (847) 459-2560.