Be on your guard

They are in your area!

by Paul Alcock

We received a call this afternoon from one of our customers. They had been approached at their home by a 'Rep' who stated he was there to change out their security system since they had bought out our alarm company.

The customer felt that something was not quite right and asked them to return another day. Then she called our office to see if it was a legitimate call.

This approach has been tried numerous times and is well documented in the Alarm Industry News. The idea is a simple one, or should I say 'two'

Here's the first scenario: A guy knocks on your door, wearing a cap that looks like it belongs to a security company rep. When the you answer the door, the 'rep' informs the you that their company bought out your old alarm company and the new one needs to update the alarm system. If you agree, then they come into the home, make a change to your alarm panel, provide you with a new contract that requires a bank or credit card payment and off they go. You have just been 'Slammed' and now you are in trouble!

You now have two payment responsibilities: Your existing alarm company and the new alarm company that will be charging you. So now you are liable for two payments. Not a good spot to be in.

Here's the second scenario: In this scenario, the guy knocks on the door and following the same ruse, he gets inside your home.. can you spell 'Burglar' because your home has just been 'entered' and your valuables are likely to be missing when he leaves.

Both of these scenarios have been reported in various Alarm Industry News all over the country. 

So be aware. 

If a sales rep visits your home, the probability is that they are legitimate sales reps. But you can ask for their ID card. All alarm system sales reps in Florida must carry their Alarm Certificates. 

No legitimate alarm sales rep will approach you to upgrade your alarm system because your old company was bought out!

Thanks to the mindful home owner in this article, she was not taken in by this scam and did not fall for it.

Hopefully, reporting on this incident will assist other homeowners. So please share this article with your friends and neighbors.

For more information, call us at 954-7956-7070 or visit our website at ACT-Security.com