Alarm Scam alert

1,721 Views | 3 Replies | Last: 7 yr ago by TheAlarmGuy
TheAlarmGuy
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We are a local company and are always here to serve you. please give us a call for your security needs. We can match or beat any price given to you by any of these out of town companies.
thank you.

below is from the Bryan PD

Alarm Scams
During the spring and summer months, home security or alarm companies hire traveling agents to go door-to-door, making unsolicited "cold calls" on homeowners. In some cases, the salespeople use high-pressure or deceptive sales tactics to get potential customers to buy expensive, and sometimes substandard, systems or equipment they don't need.
Before you let anyone inside your home, ask for identification. In the State of Texas, Alarm Solicitors are required to have a Private Security Registration card that looks similar to a driver's license. In addition, in the City of Bryan Solicitors are required to have a permit on their person at all times. Ask the name of their business and what type of goods or services they wish to sell you.
Unscrupulous door-to-door sales agents may use a variety of approaches or pitches to get you to buy an alarm system and monitoring services. Here's what to look out for:
They may make a limited time offer, and claim you have to act now. They may try to get you to sign a contract by telling you that the equipment is free. More than likely you have to sign a long-term and expensive system monitoring contract.
They may pressure their way into your home and then refuse to leave. It is not impolite or rude to tell a salesperson you're not interested. If a salesperson continues to pressure you after you've asked them to leave, call the police.
They may use scare tactics. For example, they may talk about a rash of supposed burglaries in your neighborhood.
Some door-to door sales agents target homeowners who have signs on their properties for security systems with other companies. In these cases:
The sales agents may state or imply that they are from your existing security company and that they're there to "upgrade" or "replace" your current security system. Once inside your home, however, they may install a new security system and have you sign papers that include a costly contract for the monitoring service.
They may claim your security company has gone out of business, that they've taken over the accounts, and that you have to buy new equipment and sign new contracts. If this happens, call your current monitoring company to confirm. Normally, you would be notified of a change like this by mail or telephone, not by an unannounced visit by a representative from another company.
The City of Bryan Peddlers and Solicitors Ordinance requires solicitors:
Immediately leave when asked by the homeowner
May not solicit if there is a sign placed near the entrance that bears the words "No Peddlers or Vendors", "No Trespassing", or "No Solicitation"
May only conduct business between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm.
May not use fraudulent tactics or misrepresent their product or service in anyway.
Always get the name of the door-to-door sales agent and contact the Bryan Police Department to report any of the above actions.
Before you buy a Home Security System:
Get references.
Check out the company by entering their name in a search engine online.
Verify that the contractor's licenses are current and in good standing. The State of Texas requires the Alarm Installer to have a State issued ID that indicates they are a registered Alarm Installer.
Get written estimates from several companies, and ask plenty of questions.
READ THE FINE PRINT.
The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel the deal if you sign the contract in your home or at a location that is not the seller's permanent place of business. You do not have to give a reason for canceling your purchase. You have a right to change your mind, even if the equipment has already been installed.
The City of Bryan requires anyone that has an active alarm system on their home register your alarm with the City of Bryan. An alarm permit is $75 for three years. You may go to the City of Bryan Police Department website to register your alarm or go in person to the Bryan Police Department.

The safety of our community does not have borders. It is the goal of every law enforcement agency to protect the citizens that we serve. Be the eyes and ears of your police department. When you see suspicious activity contact the College Station Police Department at 979-764-3600, the Texas A&M University Police Department at 979-845-2345, or the Bryan Police Department and the Brazos County Sheriff's Office at 979-361-3888. Together we can make a difference in our community.
Sponsor Message: Advanced Security Concepts | Reliable security by dependable people at an affordable price | david1@advancedsec.com | 979-690-8516 | State Lic B09523
Rexter
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I just had a call from " GE Security" trying to sell me something. The number was 979-426-7037. The guy gave up after my third "hello".
armymom
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These days not sure why anyone would answer a door to a stranger! Also the third "hello" for phone solicitors works well!
enchanted
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ASC tried calling the number you have listed and recording says it's no longer working. Do you have a new number? Thanks
TheAlarmGuy
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Phone number is the same. 979-690-8516. Lots of phone line issues the last couple of weeks,Frontier, suddenlink today is having major issues. You can email me david1 at advancedsecurity dot com
Sponsor Message: Advanced Security Concepts | Reliable security by dependable people at an affordable price | david1@advancedsec.com | 979-690-8516 | State Lic B09523
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