So, I remembered reading this thread a while back, and one night a couple of weeks ago a guy knocks on my door and tells me he wants to help me save money on my con-ed bill. I say I'm not interested, he urges me, I say I don't have time, he says it will just take a minute. He then insists I go get my con-ed bill. I say no, and try to close the door, he pushes it. I get firm, close the door, and promptly call con-ed. they explain what has been said in the posts above - it's an EBSCO, they are legit, though not from con-ed. he also warned me that if you show them your bill they can and will convert you to their service. that doesn't sound legit to me, but I didn't argue. Then I call 311 and ask about EBSCOs, and they tell me that if I didn't buzz the person it, it's trespassing, and I should call the police. I didn't want to call 911 because it wasn't an emergency, so I asked to be connected to my local precinct. The call is connected, and I speak to two different people, both who insist I call 911. I do, and 15 minutes later two cops show up. They insist that EBSCOs are legit, and that there's nothing they can do. I argue that most legitimate companies don't come door to door at 8pm, ask to see bills, or push doors, all to no avail. I also explained that unless the person who rings my bell is someone I buzzed in, it's solicitation. they shrug, apologize, and leave.
so, the only point is that EBSCOs are apparently legitimate, though, as everyone has said, they are shady in pratice. Make sure not to show them a bill, or give them any identifying info.
