Direct Energy Door-to-Door Salesperson Trespassing and Won't Leave // Rockville, Maryland
Channel: D B
Date: 2017-05-24

Incident Date: May 2, 2017 @ ~8:00pm
Location: Rockville, Maryland
Company: Direct Energy (directenergy.com)

I am not and have never been a Direct Energy customer. I have never expressed any interest in being one, and am quite satisfied with my current energy provider. 

In January 2017, a Direct Energy door-to-door salesperson came to my home to sell me service. Due to the salespersons behavior, notably of ignoring my No Soliciting sign, I emailed Direct Energy and trespassed them from my property. They responded to my email, informing me that I've been added to their Do Not Knock/Do Not Visit list and will not receive further visitors to my home.

On May 2, 2017, another Direct Energy door-to-door salesperson came to my property, despite being on their Do Not Knock/Do Not Visit list. The salesperson identified himself as Mark. In the city of Rockville, door-to-door salespersons are required to get a special permit, and Mark didn't appear to have the proper permit/license displayed. Mark repeatedly lied, saying I was already a Direct Energy customer, and asked for information from my gas and/or electric bill.

I informed Mark that I had previously trespassed Direct Energy and its representatives from my property, and he remained. I then repeatedly ordered him to leave my property and he remained. I closed the door on him and called the police.

To my understanding, Mark continued to be employed by this company, or the third party they hire to perform door-to-door solicitations, despite this video and behavior.

Also, a special note: I have a "No Solicitations" sign clearly displayed next to my door. While this has no legal effect (they can lawfully choose to ignore it), some companies do honor that type of signage. This company did not honor that type of signage.

Links that may be of interest: 
  * https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Beware-of-Slamming-by-Third-Party-Utility-Suppliers-420424444.html
  * http://www.occ.ohio.gov/sites/default/files/publications/telecom/Factsheet_Telephone-How-to-Avoid-Slamming-and-Cramming.pdf