Unscrupulous Alarm Salespeople Hit East Texas

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau has seen a spike in the volume of inquiries regarding door-to-door alarm sales companies that have hit the streets in both the Longview and Tyler areas. While it is not typical to see this kind of activity in the spring, BBB expects an increase in door-to-door activity during the summer months, as many companies use students on their summer break from school to conduct door-to-door sales.

�Texas law requires any person who offers and/or provides investigations or security services to be properly licensed; those without a license are liable for criminal penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. �What many consumers don�t know is that there are also penalties for hiring or employing an unlicensed alarm system company.�

One victim claims she told the salesperson that she lived in a safe neighborhood and did not need an alarm system at this time. A few days later, she came home to find her door kicked in. Later that afternoon, that same salesperson returned to ask if she had changed her mind.

While the bureau says most alarm companies employ ethical selling practices, BBB advises consumers to use caution and to be aware of the following tricks of those companies who operate dishonestly:

Trick # 1: Don�t count on the salesman in your house being licensed with the state.

Alarm salesmen can work under a licensed salesperson for up to one year before they have to be licensed themselves. In many instances, there is one licensed salesman in the neighborhood �overseeing� the other salesmen. The licensed salesman will generally pop into the house at some point during the sales pitch in order to show that he was present to support the unlicensed salesman. This is not acceptable. Under Texas guidelines, the licensed salesperson must remain for the entire presentation.

Trick #2: Getting rid of your old equipment.

Once an alarm system is sold to a consumer with an existing system, it�s likely the equipment will end up in the trash. The downside to this is that you might not actually own the equipment. In many cases, the existing equipment is leased. Expect to continue to receive a bill for the old equipment even if it�s already in the dumpster.

Trick #3: You�re not under any obligation to your existing alarm company.

Another deceptive practice used by unethical alarm companies is to tell the consumer that their original contract has expired, and are therefore under no obligation to the existing alarm company. Standard procedure for these types of contracts is for them to automatically renew after the initial contract is completed. In order to terminate the renewal, notify the existing company in writing thirty (30) days prior to the auto-renewal date. Otherwise, once the new alarm system installed, it�s possible you�ll either receive a bill from both companies until the end of the contract, or be obligated to pay a cancellation fee.

Don�t give in to high pressure sales tactics. Take the time to check for licensing and check out the company�s report on http://www.bbb.org to see the company�s complaint history and company history. Remember it is worth the time to do your homework before making any purchasing decision. It�s also in your best interest from local vendors. Not only does it help the local economy, it also protects you should you experience problems down the road. Keep in mind that a company from out of town is not likely to return to make any repairs or to make adjustments to your service. To see if an alarm company�s license is current, go to http://www.txdps.state.ts.us/psb or call BBB at (903)581-5704. To report a fraud or scam, call the BBB Hotline: (903) 581-8373.