Since we all want to feel safe in our homes, we tend to trust home security salespeople; however, not all security system companies deliver what they promise you. In the spring and summer, you may have received a few unsolicited knocks on your door from a few traveling security system salespeople who use high-pressure or deceptive sales practices to try to convince you must buy their expensive, and often substandard, systems. You can always trust Unlimited Security to look out for you, as our client. We assess each customer’s situation and never try to sell someone he does not need. Because we do look out for all of our clients, we wanted to share with you some information about these security system scams from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), our country’s consumer protection agency.

What should I be looking for to determine if the security system sales pitch is a scam?

Home Security Scams - Nashville TN
Signs of a security system scam include:

  • claims from the salesperson that you need to act now because the offer is for a limited time only
  • offers of free equipment to get you to sign a long-term and expensive monitoring contract
  • attempts to enter your home and refuse to leave until you sign a contract
  • scare tactics by telling you exaggerated crime statistics in your neighborhood

What can I do to be sure the sales pitch is not a scam?

Before purchasing a home security system from a door-to-door salesperson, the FTC recommends you ask for the following information:

  • name of contractor
  • street address of contractor (no post office box)
  • telephone number
  • contractor’s license number
  • state that issued the license
  • name under which the license is filed

You can use this information to check out this business with your state Attorney General, local consumer protection agency, the Better Business Bureau, and state licensing officials. If the salesperson is uncomfortable with these questions and is reluctant to give you the answers, chances are the salesperson is attempting to scam you.

What should I do if I do want to buy a home security system?

Here are some suggestions from the FTC:

  • get references from your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and customers of the company
  • enter the company’s name in a search engine like Google to find out other people’s experiences with that company and their products
  • check with the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies to verify the contractor’s license is in good standing
  • get several written estimates from different companies and ask each company questions about the installing and monitoring process, the costs, the warranty, and other questions about the security system
  • read the fine print to be sure everything is included that was promised to you
  • contact your police and fire departments to see if you need to register your system

Have more questions about home security system scams? Get in touch with us, and we will clearly and truthfully explain all of your options.