We are so excited for summer! The weather is starting to warm up and the snow should be gone for good (knock on wood). At Simplx we can’t wait to get outside, enjoy the sun, and make sure that every home in Fort Wayne is safe and secure. A big part of keeping our community safe is knocking on doors, meeting neighbors and talking about our security system. However, you need to beware of others who would try to scam you.
During the spring and summer months, some alarm companies hire traveling sales 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.
Wouldn’t it be nice if salesmen wore name tags to let you know if they were trustworthy or not?
Unfortunately they don’t. So, how can you tell the difference between a trustworthy security company, like Simplx, and a potential scam?
Simplx | Potential Scam |
Local – Check our driver’s license! We’re here for the long haul and we will take care of you for life. | Just here for the summer. Come September, the sales rep is out of Fort Wayne and unavailable to help you. |
We can show you if your system is working or not via a live test with our monitoring center. | Say that your alarm system has stopped working (without any proof) to sell you a new system. |
Upfront with cost. No hidden taxes or fees. Our rates are flat and guaranteed not to go up. | Say equipment is free or their rates are low. But there are hidden activation fees or they raise rates after a year. |
Polite and only come into your home if you allow us. | Pressure their way into your home and refuse to leave. |
Honest about local crime. We provide accurate burglary stats based on public police reports. | Scare tactics – Claim supposed burglaries in your area without any backup. |
We take pride in being Simplx and wouldn’t pretend to be anyone else! | Claim to be from your security company and to “upgrade” your system. They then install a new system and have you sign papers that include a costly contract. |
If you have any questions or concerns about your home/business security call us at 1.888.6.SIMPLX. Enjoy the much-deserved warm weather and stay safe. We’ll be doing the same!
Reference:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0195-some-home-security-systems-may-be-scams