Why Homeowners Should Avoid Free Home Security Systems

Most everyone knows that the home security industry is very competitive and companies vie for customers by offering mouthwatering deals everyday to unsuspecting consumers. A large portion of home security companies are reputable, however there are also newer companies that are out to intentionally defraud homeowners.

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that one in nine homeowners across the country is using home security systems to protect their homes. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also announced that they had received over 26,000 complaints over home security scams over the course of 2010. There are lots of things to watch out for and be cautious of being propositioned by home security scam artists.

Steer clear of newer alarm system companies that operate through the means of heavy telemarketing campaigns that tell homeowners that they have won a home security system. Unfortunately, these types of scams are frequent and simply not true.  Generally, when these companies call they do not leave their companies name and when consumers call back they roll out a pre-recorded sale jargon message to draw them in.

These types of companies seem to hone in on seniors because they think they are easy targets. After a person accepts the so-called prize, an appointment is scheduled to meet the winner at their home to sign a winner’s agreement of acceptance. This agreement is actually a contract that is chocked full of legal terms so as to confuse any homeowner who reads it.  If the homeowner decides to sign the contract, they then find themselves locked in to a three year agreement in which the winner is stuck paying overinflated long term alarm system rates.

Often times, this matter is complicated more by the fact that this contract also serves as an automatic renewal even after the original term expires.  The old adage rings true that if it’s too good to be true, it usually is. The best things a homeowner could do if they find themselves in this situation are to simply ignore and refuse these types of offers. Before you know it you could be stuck with an item you don’t want and a hair situation you can’t get out of. Read the fine print and know what you’re signing. Reputable companies don’t need to resort to marketing tactics such as these and you deserve suitable protection for your home at affordable prices that you can count on.

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