June 16, 2009 9:39 AM
Door-to-door fraud - alarm companies
This was issued by our local Sheriff's office, but seemed like a scam everyone needs to hear about:
Alarm System Salesperson! Friend or Fraud?Loudoun County, Virginia- With springtime weather and warm temperatures outside, you may have noticed some charming, friendly persons knocking on doors in your neighborhood trying to sell home security systems. While some door-to-door salespersons are honest, the chance does exist that you may be taken advantage of if you are not cautious and informed. Sure these door-to-door salespersons appear clean-cut and honest, but are they friend or fraud?
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office asks residents to be on the lookout for door-to-door solicitors who:
•Use tricks to get into your home - they may imply they are from your alarm company and need to test or upgrade your alarm system; however, reputable alarm companies generally do not send technicians to your home unannounced.
•Say they want to upgrade your old, outdated security system.
•Say that you need to take advantage of the offer TODAY, when a reputable alarm company will give you the time you need to carefully consider your purchase.
•Say that it is not necessary to contact your current alarm company prior to having another alarm company add to, change, or do any kind of work on your security system.The agency is also reminding residents to check registrations and permits. You can protect yourself by checking for proper licenses, registrations, and permits. Virginia strictly regulates the private security industry. Every company selling alarm products or services is required to be licensed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (VADCJS). Furthermore, the license number issued is required to be prominently displayed on all materials and advertisements where the company name is shown. Additionally, those persons working for a licensed private security company are required to meet minimal training standards and be registered by VADCJS. They must also have a pictured registration card on their person whenever working. Finally, Loudoun County requires a solicitation license for those engaged in door-to-door sales, and a pictured registration card issued by the Sheriff's Office must be presented when requested.
So protect yourself from fraud by asking to see proper documentation from solicitors at your door and especially from all who enter your home. Additionally, the False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU) of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office requires all alarm companies who sell/install, service, or monitor alarm systems in the County to be registered with FARU, regardless of their location. Ask for our registration number as well when you are checking identifications, and should you have any questions or concerns and wish to validate information with us, please call our office at 703-737-8344.
And finally, before you sign a contract make sure you are not going to be double-billed for services. Unfortunately, if you sign a contract without checking all of the details, you may end up paying for two alarm companies for the same service. So before they do any work, check with your current alarm service provider and/or call the Loudoun County Sheriff - False Alarm Reduction Unit for assistance.
Posted in Loudoun County, Safety | Permalink
Comments
Thank you for posting this! My husband and I own a small independent alarm company. We had the misfortune of choosing a company name 15 years ago that is very similar sounding to a door to door selling alarm company that popped up a few years ago. I field calls all summer long from upset people who think we are the ones they purchased their "alarm" from. One in particular infuriated me as it was from an elderly lady who was practically in tears due to double billing for monitoring. She didn't realize that her "upgrade" was actually a completely different company until she received two charges on her account. She wasn't sure how she could afford her medicine with both bills. I called her original installing company and explained the situation in hopes that they could help her in some way. I just don't understand how someone can sleep at night harming someone's Grandma to make a few bucks.
Please readers, heed Barbara's advice. Any reputable company worth their salt will not use door to door high pressure sales to get you to purchase their product. If you are interested in purchasing a security system, get at least 3 quotes from locally owned companies, research their licensing, ask for copies of their contracts in advance so you can take the time to read them, ask your neighbors, friends, family for referrals and remember...cheapest is not always best.
Posted by: Maggie Dee | June 16, 2009 2:25 PM
