BBB Tips: Securing a Reputable Home Security System

The Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & Northeast Georgia understands that your family is your most precious asset and that’s why we want to provide these tips on how to keep your family safe.

The safety and protection of family is one of the most prominent reasons why homeowners seek installation of a home security or alarm system. With security of your family being a top priority, selecting a company to affirm their safety should be taken seriously.

When searching for a reputable home security company, the Federal Trade Commission recommends homeowners ask for certain information. Verify details provided by the company with your local BBB. If a salesperson is hesitant or reluctant to provide you with this information, it may be considered a red flag:

• Contractor or company’s name
• Street address (physical location)
• Telephone number
• Contractor’s license or registration number
• State that issued the license
• Name under which the license is filed

So far this year, consumers across the U.S. and Canada have viewed BBB Business Reviews for home security and alarm companies more than 356,000 times! BBB Business Reviews provide information consumers can use to help make a wise-buying decision.

In addition to verifying basic contact and proper licensing or registration information, BBB suggests homeowners:

• Get estimates from at least three companies.
• Compare all costs for different systems including installation fees, monthly monitoring charges and cancellation fees.
• Discover local regulations involving burglar alarms in your community and ask if there are fees for false alarms.
• Review and understand the entire contract before signing. (The length of the service contract and terms of cancellation should be included in the contact).

Be aware that some sales agents may use high-pressure or deceptive sales practices to convince homeowners to make a quick commitment to a purchase that is over-priced, of poor quality or even a scam. If a company or sales agent utilizes sensational marketing or scare tactics to sell their products or systems, it’s important for prospective customers to evaluate the overall source used for information and any context associated with provided data.

Take your time and do proper research before hiring a home security/alarm company. After all, your family’s safety could depend on it!