These days, the risk of home security scams is something about which everyone needs to be aware. It is true that the people planning these types of scams tend to prey on the elderly and those who live alone but that does not mean families are not at risk as well. There are a few tips every household should follow to make sure that they are not taken advantage of by these criminals. They may seem like common sense, but many intelligent people have found themselves on the wrong end of one of these situations.
Many home security scams are initiated by someone who appears at the house claiming to be a door-to-door representative from the company. While some companies do send representatives directly to the homes of prospective clients, it is not a typical way of doing business. Most companies these days will communicate with customers in writing, over the phone, or via email. Before letting anyone into the home or listening to a moment of his or her sales pitch, ask for a valid form of company identification. It is also a good idea to call the company and verify that the identification is, in fact, valid. Regardless of the situation, it is never a good idea to entertain an uninvited stranger without validating their credentials.
When presented with a contract by someone who claims to be from a home security company, it vital to read each and every word carefully. Some people are intimidated by this because they do not feel that they have an adequate understanding of all of the legal jargon in these documents. Do not be afraid to ask for advice from a trusted person who will understand the ins and outs of the contract before signing. If a salesperson truly is from a legitimate company, they will be used to customers taking these precautions and will not apply pressure to make an immediate decision.
When looking at the contract or speaking with a representative, do not underestimate the power of good common sense. If something seems like it is not right, there is a good chance that it is not. For example, many of these scam artists claim that they represent the current security company, which is going out of business. A client would always be notified of something like this in writing, not in person. It is best to check the validity of these claims by calling the company directly. Do not take the word of the person at the door at face value.
Even if things seem like they are on the up and up, it is a good idea to research the company before making a commitment. Speak with other people who have signed with the company and make sure that their experience was positive. It is also a good idea to see if any complaints against the company have ever been filed with the Better Business Bureau. Even if the company is a legitimate business, it is a good idea to make sure that they exercise ethical business practices before getting involved with them. This little bit of extra research can save a great deal of trouble in the long run.
One of the most powerful tools that these scammers have is the ability to apply pressure to prospective clients and put fear in their hearts. When speaking to these people, do not be fooled by scare tactics or give in to a high-pressure sales pitch. It is easy, especially for someone who lives alone or who has children, to be frightened by the idea of an intruder and make a hasty decision. However, there is no harm in taking an extra day to think things over. A legitimate company will understand the need for a client to do their research and give the purchase careful consideration before making a commitment.
It is an unfortunate truth that there are dishonest people in the world who try to scam the average person out of their hard earned money. They do this by claiming to be from a home security company and convincing people that they will be unsafe if they do not immediately sign a dodgy contract. They tend to focus their energy on elderly people and people who live alone. However, it is vitally important that every homeowner is aware of this danger and knows how to avoid becoming a victim. Trust your instincts if it seems that something is amiss and do not give in to someone who is applying pressure to get a quick decision.