Several Hoboken neighbors have raised the alarm about one or several individuals going door-to-door, claiming to be with an energy service provider and asking to see resident’s utility bills. The setup frequently turns out to be a common scam. New Jersey residents can choose to work with a third-party energy supplier, however, the company in question has a spotted past. Read on for more about this scam and for information from the Hoboken Police Department about how to stay safe.
What’s Happening at Local Hoboken Buildings?
The Hoboken Girl was alerted to three buildings where the man was spotted earlier this week. A resident at 4th and Madison described two interactions with the man, while residents of 770 Jackson and 800 Jackson also spotted a person soliciting buildings. It’s unknown whether it is just one individual or more than one, and The Hoboken Girl reached out to the Hoboken Police Department for more information.
Spokeswoman Marci Rubin shared, “Hoboken Police did receive a call for that type of situation yesterday. In that case, the individual was identified and did work for a legitimate utility company. Police still recommend always verifying who an individual is before letting them in the building, never open the door for someone you do not know, and never hesitate to call the police if you suspect someone is not who they say they are, as the person did in yesterday’s case. (Always better to be safe than sorry.)”
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All residents describe the same type of interaction: someone knocking on their door, claiming to be with an energy service provider, offering lower rates, and asking to see utility bills. The person is often wearing a t-shirt or a lanyard with the company’s name on it. The person claims to be with Indra Energy. Residents report that the individual is often let into their building unwittingly by another resident, perhaps expecting a delivery.
The company, Indra Energy, has dozens of consumer complaints listed with the Better Business Bureau. In 2022, the company settled a lawsuit filed against it by the state of Pennsylvania based on the company’s abuse of telemarketing policies. The state of Ohio settled a lawsuit against the company in 2020, barring the company from doing business in Ohio for five years.
Third-Party Suppliers
New Jersey residents can shop around and use a third-party supplier for electric and gas utilities. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has resources for consumers, including consumer rights, and specifically calls out customers of third-party suppliers. Complaints made against utility companies are available on the BPU website.
As of Q2 2024, 111 complaints have been made against Indra this year.
A spokesperson for Indra shared the following statement with HG:
“Indra Energy is committed to providing exceptional customer service and conducting our business with the highest ethical standards. We contract third-party companies for door-to-door marketing, who undergo comprehensive training on ethical sales practices, customer interaction, and local solicitation laws. Indra Energy has strict policies in place to ensure that our representatives always behave in a professional, respectful manner.
At Indra Energy, we take reports of inappropriate behavior very seriously and representatives found violating our policies face strict disciplinary actions. We encourage any customers who have had a similar experience to contact our customer service team immediately at [email protected] or (888) 504-6372.”
Scams + the No-Knock Registry
Jersey City banned door-to-door solicitation in 2017 and created a No-Knock registry similar to a do-not-call registry. In Hoboken, door-to-door solicitation requires a license, and non-compliance could net a fine of up to $1000 and/or imprisonment.
The Hoboken Police Department issued a press release in May 2023 alerting residents to this type of scam after an off-duty officer made an arrest of a solicitor at his home. The Hoboken Police Department advises that utility workers almost never need to be inside your home, so if someone comes to your door and you have not been contacted in advance do not let them in. Employees of legitimate utility companies must carry an official company identification and present it when asked. If you don’t trust the ID is legitimate, call the company to verify. In Hoboken, you can also call police dispatch at 201-420-2100 to confirm whether a vendor has checked-in to work in the city, as they are suggested to do.
For more advice from PSEG on how to spot, and protect yourself from, a variety of utility-related scams click HERE.
What to Do if Someone Knocks at Your Door
If you suspect a utility worker is a fraud and potentially dangerous, ask them to wait while you close your door, lock it, and call the Hoboken Police Department at 201-420-2100.
Refrain from engaging or calling them out as fake, as this could put you in further danger. These scams often target senior citizens, so make sure your elderly loved ones are aware of this type of crime, what to watch out for, and how to respond. If you ever feel like you, your family, neighbors, or property are in imminent danger, call 9-1-1.
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Things to Do in Hoboken + JC Instead of Scrolling TikTok (If It Gets Banned)
While the country patiently awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on whether to ban TikTok on January 19th, we Hoboken + Jersey City residents will have plenty to do to replace all of that scroll time and unplug. Here at The Hoboken Girl, we’re thinking positively and embracing the pending change to use this as a time to reconnect with ourselves, our hobbies, our passions, and even our community — something the world could use a little more of right now. Keep reading for an extensive list of what to do with all your time in Hoboken and Jersey City if TikTok gets banned.
For Self-Care Gurus
Book a spa service (like a facial or massage) at Woodhouse Spa, Salvation Wellness, Alivio Wellness, Gaia’s Cavern, Skin by EC, Studio 17, or SoJo Spa.
Try a sensory deprivation float tank experience or Scalar Lightwave Therapy at Om. Life Wellness.
Try cryotherapy, compression therapy, LED light therapy, and more at Zen Om Studio.
Listen to a guided meditation or inspiring podcast while getting a mani-pedi at one of your favorite local salons.
Visit Chrissy The Crystal Indigo for healing work, an aura reading, or a tarot reading. Plus shop around for amazing metaphysical items.
Get an IV Drip for an extra boost at Hoboken Drip Lounge.
Try acupuncture for an overall wellness boost.
Visit a local dispensary for a little extra relaxation.
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For Foodies
Take a cooking class at Hudson Table.
Explore dozens of mocktail creations at local eateries.
Get your handmade chocolate fix at Lepore’s or Lee Sims.
Go on a self-guided hot chocolate tour.
Make your own sushi at Saku.
Visit Van Hook for a gourmet grilled cheese or decadent, customized charcuterie board.
Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and go on a self-guided coffee tour. (Yes, we have a spot for each stop!)
For Creatives
Work with your hands by taking a pottery class at Blue Skies, Clay Studio, or Betty’s Ceramics Club.
Design your own colorful creation at Tipsy Tie Dye.
Learn the art of shoemaking and design your very own pair of shoes at Hoboken Shoedio.
Tap into your inner fashion designer and sew your own clothes at Galastella Studio.
Craft a designer-quality handbag Youssoufiani.
Try a paint and sip or woodworking class from our local activities guide.
Visit Dirty Hippie Studio to stock up on affordable art supplies and shop creations from local artists.
For Readers
Shop around a local bookstore like WORD, Symposia, or Little City Books to find some new reads.
Visit one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s public library branches and grab a library card. (Check out the New Jersey Room at the Priscilla Gardner Library in Jersey City + the Library of Things at the Hoboken Library Main Branch.)
Participate in the Completely Booked Book Swap on January 30th.
Cozy up in a local coffee shop with your next read.
Join a local book club.
For Fitness Lovers
Unwind with a yoga or meditation class.
Let it all out and go axe-throwing with friends.
Mix things up with a unique workout class. (Think rowing, dancing, kickboxing, and more.)
Sign up and begin training for the next Jersey City Marathon happening on April 13th, 2025.
For Fashionistas
Shop small at one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s many boutiques.
Go on a self-guided vintage/thrift shopping tour.
Grab a fresh magazine like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and more at Davis Stationery. (You can even use it for vision boarding when you’re done!)
Check out new stores that joined the neighborhood.
For Lovers of the Arts
Attend a show at White Eagle Hall.
Grab a ticket for an upcoming show at Jersey City Theater Center or Mile Square Theatre.
Visit the Liberty Science Center, Hoboken Museum, or MORA Art Museum.
Catch a movie at your local movie theater.
Do a self-guided art crawl to admire the many murals of Hoboken + Jersey City.
Visit a local art gallery.
For Adventurers
Take a Top Rope Belay Certification class at The Gravity Vault.
Go on a self-guided walking tour of Hoboken. (Bonus: try our Frank Sinatra walking tour).
Go on a self-guided tour of one of Jersey City’s many neighborhoods such as Jersey City Heights, Paulus Hook, or Journal Square.
Walk along the waterfront and take photos of your findings.
Take the ferry to NYC for a waterfront adventure.
See More: What’s Filming in Montclair + Essex County? An Ongoing List of Movies + TV Shows
For Social Butterflies
Check our events guides for hundreds (yes, hundreds) of things to do every week.
Invite visitors to town and show them around to remind yourself of all the reasons to love Hoboken + Jersey City.
Join a co-working space to mix up your day-to-day or hone in on a creative project.
Get involved in local volunteer opportunities.
Seek out local networking opportunities.
Join Hive Athletic or Volo Sports for some group sports fun.
Post in our Hoboken + Jersey City Insiders FB Group for local meetups.
