Whenever you think of having a secured home or protect your property, installing a home security system often comes to mind. But in the recent times, there are reports of door-to-door security system scams and you need to be cognizant of it.
What is door-to-door sales?
This is when sales reps visit door to door in a target geographical area and try to persuade the residents to buy their products or services
Whilst door-to-door sales may be legal in some areas, they may not in other areas and you should be wary of it.
But whether or not a salesperson is legitimate, you have the right to feel comfortable in your own home when someone comes knocking on your door.
How Do You Spot Door-to-Door Security System Scams?
- Unscheduled appointment: Whenever a salesperson shows up on your front door without a prescheduled appointment with their security company, this is a red flag that you could get scammed.
In fact, they have scoped out potential targets with this strategy, and in order not to fall into their trap, it is better off to ask them to leave your property or you would call the cops.
Conversely, if you have a scheduled appointment with a security company and the salesperson shows up on your front door, simply ask for their ID, employee number and call the company to confirm.
Your front door is a gateway to your home and your family so you would want to protect it at all cost.
- Selling you an upgrade: There are many unscrupulous companies out there that will go door-to-door, promising to get you a free security upgrade by replacing the existing security equipment to new ones. Beware, you may end up paying for more than one security system service.
How do they even know what security system you have in place? They simply look for the alarm company sign in your yard, the sticker in the window, or decal on your door.
Their intention is not far from tricking you to sign a new contract. Do not buy their lies, this is an avenue to scam you.
- Selling you add-on that you don’t need: Another possible way of swindling you is trying to sell add-on service(s) that are unnecessary just to squeeze extra cash from you.
Sometimes, your security company is not exempted from this dastardly act. If you are a homeowner looking to install or upgrade your home security system, you are strongly advised to conduct your research thoroughly, check for their track record, and possibly read customer reviews online before subscribing to their service.
Don’t be in a hurry to sign off paperwork, ensure you understand the contract terms because they can be wily, and many consumers may not know that they’re signing up for an automatically renewing contract.
- Unexpected maintenance visit: A legitimate home security company will not send out their technician to your home except on your request.
Whenever someone suddenly shows up on your property, and claiming they are from the security company to carry out equipment maintenance despite you have not reported any fault, this is another red flag that you may be in danger.
They might be there to spy your valuables and then come back to invade your home.
Bottom Line
Door-to-door security system scams are on the rise and you should protect yourself from being a victim. These scams are often time carried out by door-to-door salesmen.
One of the sales strategies they use for new homeowners is scaring them with false home invasion occurrences in the neighborhood, in order to pressure them to buy something they don’t want.
They also prey on older or disabled people because they know they live alone.
Whenever a door-to-door salesperson shows up on your front porch without a prescheduled appointment, simply ask them to leave your property.
But when the situation is getting out of control, you may need to call the cops. CWP
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