BCPD - Beware of Phony Alarm System Sales Pitches

Beware of Phony Alarm System Sales PitchesSome Salespeople Steal With A Smile and a Promise

Baltimore County, Md. (August 10, 2009) - Baltimore County Police are warning residents that there are sales representatives selling home alarm systems. The problem is not just a local one, but one the police want to address before more people fall prey to unethical salespeople.

The sales representatives are clean-cut, polite young men as a rule. Two cases reported to the Department had the same pitch. Case one concerns a homeowner who signed a contract with a nationally known security system company and was told the system was “free.” The pitchman said the only cost was a monthly monitoring fee charged by the Baltimore County Police Department. She was told to pay the company the monthly monitoring fee which would then be passed along to the police. The consumer didn’t know that the Baltimore County Police Department does not monitor alarm systems. She was told not to discuss her “special deal” with anyone.

The second case is much like the first with the same free deal. The difference here is when she told the salesperson she didn’t have the money at the time, he put up the $100 in cash to help with the monthly fee. The money he earned in commission more than paid for the $100 he furnished to pay the fee.

Summer is the time when these security people hit the streets representing many well known alarm companies. Not all salespeople misrepresent the alarm companies, but consumers need to know what to do when anyone knocks on their front door selling a product.

Ask to see the representative’s alarm technician license issued by the Maryland State Police.

Nothing is “free.” The old saying “if it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.” If the salesman tells you this is a limited time only sale, then there is something fishy going on. Get quotes from other alarm companies before you decide.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been victimized by this type of fraud, call the Maryland Department of State Police-Licensing Division at 410-653-4500, and dial 5, then 0. You may also contact the Maryland Attorney General-Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662.