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AARP AARP States Oklahoma Scams & Fraud

Fraud Watch Network Alert: Be Wary of Door-to-Door Home Security Sales

The summer months unleash door-to-door sales agents across the country. We’ve received reports of a scam run by con artists claiming to be from home security companies.  While many home security companies conduct legitimate business using door-to-door sales agents, be wary of anyone using high-pressure tactics or creating a false sense of urgency – common traits of a scam!

How it works:

It may be a scam if an agent comes to your door offering a great promotion on a home alarm system, but you have to act now to get the deal. Or, if you have a home alarm company sign in your yard, the person may say he is a technician from that company and he’s there to install system upgrades. Yet another twist is that the person will say he is from a company that bought out your current home alarm company, and he has to install new equipment.

What you should know:

  • Home security scams are hard to spot because scammers work hard to make the deal look legitimate.
  • The scam artist may claim you’ll get a big insurance discount by purchasing an alarm system, but that isn’t always the case.
  • A legitimate alarm company would never send a technician to upgrade equipment without first making an appointment with you.

What you should do:

  • Realize that not all salespeople are legitimate and approach a door-to-door deal with caution.
  • Rather than accepting offers at your door, get references from friends and neighbors when looking to buy a home security system and then reach out to the company yourself.
  • When you are approached by a door-to-door sales agent, research the company by entering its name into an online search engine, to see if any complaints come up.
  • If you do decide to accept a door-to-door offer, read the fine print. The written contract should include everything you agreed to orally. And triple check the contract length to make sure it suits your situation and needs.

If you do sign up for a home alarm system or an upgrade, and then regret it, you have a three day “cooling off” period during which you can cancel your purchase, thanks to a rule by the Federal Trade Commission. It applies if you sign the contract at home or a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business.

If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud, contact the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office by visiting  www.ok.gov/oag or calling 1-405-521-3921 or 1-918-581-2885. When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You have the power to protect yourselves and your loved ones from scams. Please share this with friends and family.

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