Summer is prime time for door-to-door salespeople, whether they're selling magazine subscriptions, home improvements, lawn service or, in this case, alarm system monitoring.
The Better Business Bureau recently received a complaint from the son of an elderly woman in St. Louis. His mother was tricked into signing a long-term contract with Vision Security of Orem, Utah, after a saleswoman knocked on her door and claimed to represent ADT, the mother's alarm system company for 18 years.
The saleswoman said that she would replace the woman's existing system with a new, improved system. The woman agreed, not realizing that she was signing up for a new five-year contract with Vision Security, which has no connection with ADT. The family later discovered the ADT sign and equipment in the woman's trash.
Vision Security has a D+ rating with the BBB and has been the subject of more than 270 complaints nationwide in the last three years. Many consumers complained that Vision salespeople misled them about its relationship with their existing alarm company. The BBB report on its investigation of Vision is in today's BBB press release.
Vision has responded to some of its complaints, and it agreed to cancel the St. Louis woman's contract, and ADT restored her previous system.
Here are some BBB tips on dealing with home security salespeople:
- Be wary of salespeople who say they want to upgrade or improve your current alarm system, or who claim they have been authorized to take over monitoring for your current system. If you have any doubt, call your current provider.
- Ask the salesperson for identification and contact information. Make sure the salesperson has any license needed to solicit business in your neighborhood. If you have questions, call the police.
- Do not rely on oral promises and do not sign any contract that you have not read and understood. Security alarm salespeople may make oral guarantees that are not a part of the contract.
- Home security companies routinely offer free equipment installation. The company makes its profit on monthly monitoring charges.
- Understand exactly what kind of system you are getting for your money and make sure you know how long you will be locked into a monitoring contract.
- If you have any concerns, ask for a day or two to research the company before signing a contract. Do not be pressured into making a hasty decision.
- Most contracts allow you to cancel within three days of signing an agreement. Many companies have special arrangements with senior citizens, giving them additional time to cancel.
- Ask for references in your area and contact them about their experience with the company.
- Check out a BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org or by calling 314-645-3300.