Beware of Home Security System Scams

The summer months unleash door-to-door sales agents in communities across the country.  The AARP SD Fraud Watch Network has already received reports of a scam run by con artists claiming to be from a home security company.  While many home security companies conduct legitimate business using door-to-door sales agents, be wary of anyone using high pressure or scare tactics or those creating a false sense of urgency. These are common traits of a scam!

 

Be wary if an agent comes to your door offering a great promotion on a home alarm system, but you have to act right away to get the deal.  If you already have a home alarm company sign in your yard, the person may say they are a technician from that company there to install system upgrades.

• 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 usually the case.
• A legitimate alarm company would never send a technician to upgrade equipment without first making an appointment with you.

• Realize that not all salespeople are legitimate and approach a door-to-door deal with caution.
• If you're looking to buy a home secruity system, get references from friends and neighbors and reach out to a company yourself rather than accepting an offer at your door.
• 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.

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.

When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You can join the Fraud Watch Network and receive alerts about scams like this happening in South Dakota. Any one of any age can join for free by visiting aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or to receive Fraud Watch Network alerts by phone, call 1-866-542-8172.