Sammy Follows: Be Aware of Home Security Sales Scams

Steps for protecting your home, bank accounts to avoid being scammed!

More and more, Alert 360 has been receiving calls from our customers about other home security companies attempting to scam them. As a result, several times a year, we remind homeowners with security systems about common sales scams used by some security companies. These home security companies often use false sales tactics to trick homeowners into signing contracts or providing access to their security systems or bank accounts. These tactics unfortunately can result in homeowners being billed by two companies for the same service – or a malfunctioning security system.

Spring and summer often are prime times for door-to-door home security sales and potential security contract scams. However, we’re now hearing from customers who are being approached year-round. To help, we’ve developed a ‘Scam Alert’ webpage and hotline for homeowners to share suspicious sales tactics or activity they have witnessed in their neighborhoods.

This activity often includes representatives from other home security providers posing as Alert 360 representatives who want access to customers’ homes, personal information, or security systems. We’ve seen a spike in scams the past month and remind all homeowners to be aware of the following tactics and tips to avoid becoming a victim of this scam.

How to Recognize a Security Scam

At Alert 360, we have nearly 50 years of experience installing home security systems and providing security alarm monitoring. Based on experience, we suggest home security owners be on alert for home security salespersons who:

• Tell you that your home security provider is no longer in business, no longer serves your area, or was sold to their company;
• Ask you to sign a new contract to ensure your security service continues;
• Request access to your security system or tells you that your system has been recalled, requires replacement or repaired;
• Show false documents to support claims they need access to your system; and
• Use high-pressure tactics to force you to sign a new contract on the spot and won’t allow you to contact your current provider.

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

Follow these steps to safeguard your home, security system, and bank account if you are approached by a door-to-door security sales scammer:

• Call your home security company to confirm it has sent a representative or to check the details;
• Check all the details before signing a contract so that you don’t end up being billed by two home security companies;
• If you have a doorbell camera, view who’s at your door using a mobile app and your smartphone, or ask the visitor for more information, such as a company name and phone number – even if you’re not home;
• Know the facts. Stay up to date on news from your home security company by checking its website often and following your provider’s blog and social media accounts;
• Report suspicious activity concerning a person going door to door in your neighborhood, or call your home security provider when you have concerns; and
• Call us or use our Alert 360 Scam Alert page to report suspicious activity, receive assistance, and help avoid others being scammed.

Remember: These high-pressure and deceptive sales practices often result in a homeowner unknowingly signing contracts with two home security companies. Alarm owners might also experience damage to their security systems and unintended access to personal information. You should never feel pressured to sign a contract without taking the time to review the details, understand the terms, and check with your current security provider.

At Alert 360, we take providing home and business security systems very seriously. We have been combatting deceptive security sales for decades. When homeowners are aware of these tactics and know the steps to avoid being scammed, they can more easily protect their homes, security systems, and bank accounts.

Find more ways to protect yourself, your family, and your home from door-to-door sales scams in one of these recent blogs:

Be on the lookout for COVID-19 scams, fraud
Alert 360 Alerts Homeowners to Home Security Sales Scams
Use these 5 Tips to Secure Your Front Door and Know Signs of a Security Sales Scam

With local home security offices from coast to coast, Alert 360 is in your neighborhood or a phone call away. We also offer a free, limited-touch home security evaluation and service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Your Local Alert 360 Home Security Company Can Help! Find a local Alert 360 home security office near me at Alert360.com. Visit our Alert 360 Home Security Support Center and FAQs for helpful online help anytime or contact us here.

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