Don't be ripped-off by
door-to-door scammers

Protect yourself from con artists posing as
home security system representatives

Most reputable companies don't solicit door to door. If someone knocks on your door and offers you a great deal on a home alarm system, use caution and be very, very careful. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to do their due diligence prior to making any decisions on home security systems:

Be aware of pressure sales tactics. Some unscrupulous door-to-door sellers will put pressure on you to close the deal at that moment, and even make special offers to entice you. Often times, they want you to sign a contract immediately or install the same day. Listen to their tone. Are they increasing in volume as they speak to you? Are they ignoring you despite saying you are not interested? Find a way to end the conversation quickly to avoid long, drawn out pressure sales pitches.

Verify the individual. If you are interested in buying from a door-to-door seller, get everything in writing including price, warranty and all conditions. Tell the salesperson you will check it out and get back to them. Get the individual's business card and check with the company to verify this person is an employee.

Ask to see their license. Security systems sellers and installers are required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the seller is required to provide proof upon request. To check whether a home security salesperson or installer is licensed in Texas, please visit the following website: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb/individual/individual_search.aspx

Warnings issued on door-to-door alarm system solicitors
By Matthew Waller and Megan Goodson - The Dallas Morning News

[July 21, 2009] The Texas Department of Public Safety said it is actively working cases in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin after reports of young solicitors aggressively marketing alarm services in those communities without a license.

State officials say scam artists are going door to door offering new monitoring contracts and alarm installation. In some cases, the homeowner is left paying for two separate alarm systems, or a system that may not work at all. (read more)

Houston, Beware of Security Alarm Scam
By Vijaianand Thirnageswaram - The Houston Examiner

[July 9, 2009] Scammers dressed like professional with name tags knocking doors to sell fake security alarms.Texas law enforcment officials are warning homeowners to beware of home alarm system scams.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says any home-alarm salesperson, company or installer should be licensed by the Private Security Bureau. That means they should be carrying DPS Private Security pocket cards which include their photograph. (read more)

Home security scam goes door-to-door
Better Business Bureau - Manitoba/British Columbia

[June 26, 2009] The Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to beware of high-pressure home security system sellers. "Consumers are calling in high volumes, inquiring about people who are showing up to their doors selling alarm systems," explained Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO.

There are concerns with the aggressive sales tactics to install the security systems, pricing issues, and further problems with contracts involved, which lock-in consumers to long-term service. (read more)

Consumer Alert: Home Security Alarm Scam
By LaTresha Woodruff - Fox 16

[June 16, 2008] The latest scheme involves door to door sales people posing as representatives of legitimate security companies offering to put in security systems at reduced rates. What people don't realize is those systems carry expensive long-term monitoring agreements

Consumers should be leery of signing up without having them come in and examine your home and talk to them about the type of contract they want and the protection it offers. (read more)

Security scam should alarm homeowners
By Susan Thornton - Denver Post Columnist

[August 2, 2007] A pleasant-looking person comes to your door wearing a golf shirt prominently embroidered with the name of an unknown company and a respected manufacturer, and sporting official-looking tags purporting to show registration with the Secretary of State's office. The salesman offers you a free home security system because you're located at a high-visibility location. All you have to do to get the "free" system is post the company's sign in your front yard so your neighbors will see it, pay an "activation fee," and sign a monthly service contract.

Unfortunately, the "free" alarm system being offered is a low-end product that industry experts say is easily disabled by a burglar unless properly installed. And the monthly cost of the service contract is higher than many local companies would charge. (read more)

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are safer than others

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