Spring brings warmer weather, but unfortunately it also brings the increased activity of door-to-door salespeople. Typically, making any big purchasing decision based on the claims of a door-to-door salesperson is not advisable, and one of the most common types of door-to-door salesperson is one claiming to work for a home security company. Unfortunately, one of the biggest types of scams conducted during door-to-door sales involves home security systems.
David Myers, VP of Business Development for F.E. Moran Security Solutions, based in Indianapolis, recently told the Detroit Free Press that the best course of action when dealing with door-to-door salespeople is to simply leave the front door closed to eliminate the opportunity to be scammed. In fact, according to Moran, there are a number of organizations posing as security companies that simply canvas residents door-to-door and when they gain a bad reputation in the area, these companies will change their name and continue the process.
One of the most frequently reported home security scams involves salespeople that tell homeowners they are with the local security company that handles the resident’s current home security contract and they are going upgrade the present system. Often, without knowing what they’re signing, a homeowner will sign another contract, leaving them with two monthly security contracts to pay each month. This can also result in the homeowner discarding their current security equipment, and in many cases, the homeowner may not even own this equipment.
In addition to posing as employees of a resident’s current company, another common scam involves selling residents faulty or inferior equipment. Often, they will tout these systems as being free or low-cost, as long as the resident agrees to sign a contract. In this situation, these contracts will lock the individual into a long-term arrangement, and in many circumstances the equipment doesn’t work. Not only does this leave the resident paying a contract for equipment that doesn’t work, but it also leaves the resident at risk for home break-ins because of faulty equipment.
One of the primary ways to avoid spring-time security scans is to confirm with your security company before making any purchasing decisions, according to Myers. Reputable security companies won’t send sales representative or technician to perform upgrades without the knowledge of the resident, and if in doubt, Myers says it’s best to contact your security company with any questions you may have.
Additionally, it’s important to never sign a contract with a security company on an impulse, particularly when being pressured by a door-to-door salesperson. Gus Apple, from Nelson Alarm, told the Detroit Free Press that conducting research prior to purchasing an alarm system or signing a contract is vital to avoid being the victim of a scam. Apple strongly recommends that residents read all contracts thoroughly and collect quotes from several companies prior to making a long-term decision.
Spring security scammers take advantage of vulnerable individuals most frequently, such as the elderly, so it’s important to inform family members of the potential for these scams.