In the last two weeks, I’ve received two offers for a free home alarm system.
The first one came after I filled out a form to win a drawing at a community celebration. I received a call saying I’d “won” a home alarm system. I’d only need to pay $1 a day to have it hooked up to a company that would respond when the alarm went off.
I asked the caller if he would send me information about the deal in the mail so I could mull it over. He said he couldn’t do that. Instead, he kept saying I needed to set up an appointment with a representative of the company. A big red flag. I told him I wasn’t interested if I couldn’t study the proposal.
The company called later and left me a message, but I didn’t call back.
Then on the Fourth of July, I heard a knock at the door. The salesman said he’d like to offer me a “free” home alarm system if I’d put his company’s sign in my yard so my neighbors would know I was a customer.
More knowledgeable now, I asked if I’d have to pay $1 a day for it.
I kept saying no. He kept talking. Finally, I closed the door.
One consumer rip-off that shows no sign of abating is the annual invasion of door-to-door salespeople who use dubious and intrusive tactics to sell burglar-alarm systems to unwary homeowners, according the article “Avoid Summer-Time Burglar Alarm Scams” on the ConsumerReports.org blog.
Consumer protection officials advise consumers to be sure that they verify everything the company says and do comparison shopping with firms that don't sell door-to-door.
They warn consumers to be suspicious of any alarm salesperson who:
- Attempts to upset you by telling about an upswing of burglaries in their neighborhoods.
- Claims to represent or wear clothing with logos from major alarm manufacturers such as GE and Honeywell, firms that don’t sell directly to consumers.
- Tries to gain entrance into your home.
- Offers a free system, because "free" systems usually come with higher monthly service fees and may be cheaply made.
- Says the company is ready to install your system right away.
- Claims your current alarm company is no longer in business.
Consumers need to focus on the quality of the equipment and service, the article advises. Also, look at the length of the agreement and determine if there are any early-termination fees.
Other tips include:
- Make sure that you deal only with well-established companies.
- Check out any company you may buy an alarm system from with the Better Business Bureau.
- Find out which local or state agency has jurisdiction over alarm companies and check the records of any company you're considering using.
- Find out whether your homeowner's insurance company offers a discount for using certain alarm companies.
Good luck avoiding these summer high-pressure salesmen. I’m glad I did.
