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BBB: Beware unscrupulous home security system pitches

By Denise Groene
Special to The Eagle

Each year the Better Business Bureau gets thousands of inquiries from consumers about home security systems.

Everyone wants to feel safe in their home and dishonest companies use this knowledge to their advantage.

The BBB has the following advice for homeowners who may become targets of home security system rip-offs.
Favorite lines

High-pressure and deceptive sales techniques are the hallmarks of untruthful companies. Here are some things they may say that should send up red flags:

▪ “I’m with (name of your present security company) which has been bought out by (name of some scam company).” They will then ask you to sign a new contract and buy new equipment.

▪ “I’m with (name of your present security company), and I’m here to upgrade (or replace) your alarm system. May I come in?” Do not let them into your home.

▪ “I wanted to let you know there have been several burglaries in your neighborhood.” They then try to sign you up for their security system network.

▪ “I have an offer that’s only good for a limited time.” (One of the oldest scammer tricks in the book.)

▪ “We’re offering free equipment.” (They then sign you up for an expensive system-monitoring contract.)