The bad news?
Unscrupulous security salespeople will try to scam homeowners this year.
The good news?
The shady tactics of these salespeople are out in the open, which means you can outsmart them.
In this blog, we'll show you how to handle a sketchy security salesperson if they come knocking on your door.
We'll cover the following topics:
- Signs you're being scammed by a security salesperson
- What to do if you feel like you're being scammed
- How to find a reputable home security company
- Our Prodigy Smart Home team
Interested in a security system for your home? Our security representatives don't use high-pressure sales tactics—only honest, upfront recommendations on the right security system for your home and budget. Call 800.552.1111 for a free estimate today or schedule today!
Signs you're being scammed by a security salesperson
If you notice any of the following signs, you may be dealing with a scammy salesperson:
- The salesperson says you need to "act now." Limited-time offers and high-pressure prodding are not signs of a reputable company or salesperson. If the salesperson doesn't give you time to research the product or service, then you're probably dealing with somebody shady.
- The salesperson claims your area has seen a recent spike in crime. Most likely, that isn't going to be true. You can always look at local news sources or contact police authorities to ask if your area has seen more burglaries or break-ins.
- The salesperson says they are from your current security company, and that you need to upgrade your equipment. Reputable companies will always contact you about any upgrades before sending someone to your home.
- The salesperson claims your current home security company has gone out of business. They may also say "your security company has merged with ours, and we're taking over accounts." Whatever they say, they're trying to get you to sign a new contract. Your current security company would probably never send a rep to tell you this in person, they'd contact you via email or direct mail first. If the salesperson claims your company is out of business, you can always call the business to confirm.
- The salesperson requests to enter your home or refuses to leave. This is a definite red flag. If the salesperson is pushy about inspecting the system in your home, or doesn't leave after you've asked them to, you'll know right away they are not trustworthy.
What to do if you feel like you're being scammed
At first, the sales rep seems harmless. Then they start making unsubstantiated claims and use scare tactics to coerce you into buying security equipment you're not sure you need. You feel pressured and uncomfortable.
What do you do in that situation?
Nobody likes conflict, but a few helpful tips could spare you from their scam, saving you a lot of time and money.
If you feel like you're being scammed, try the following tips:
If you're NOT interested in a home security system...
- Firmly tell the salesperson you're "not interested" and wish them a good day.
- If the salesperson persists and requests to enter your home, simply say no. If it makes you more comfortable, you can say you have food on the stove or some other excuse that lets them know you don't have time.
- If the salesperson continues to talk after this point, you can wish them a good day and simply close the door. It may feel uncomfortable or rude, but remember the salesperson is interrupting your day—you didn't ask for them to be there.
- If the salesperson refuses to leave your property or attempts to enter your home without your permission at any time, call the police.
If you're interested in a home security system...
… ask the salesperson to come back for a follow-up appointment.
This will give you time to research the company and make sure their services are legitimate. If the salesperson tries to pressure you to make a decision at that moment, kindly ask them to leave. That's a sure-fire sign that they're up to something sketchy.
However, if the salesperson seems legitimate and agrees to a follow-up appointment, ask them for as many details as possible, such as:
- Their name
- The name of the company they represent
- The company's street address and telephone number
- The license number of their company
You can use this information to verify if the company is reputable. If the company is listed and approved by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the state Attorney General, you'll know the company is legitimate.
Note: If you end up signing a security contract with that contractor (or any contractor) at your home, you legally have 3 days to cancel because of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) "Cooling-Off Rule".
How to find a reputable home security company
If you're really interested in a home security system for your home, there are plenty of respectable companies who can help.
To find out if a particular security contractor is trustworthy, do the following:
#1: Make sure the company is licensed and insured
If a company is licensed, that means the company has met the legal requirements to practice business in your state. Additionally, if a company is insured, that means that you will not be held financially responsible if an accident occurs while a technician is installing equipment in your home.
You can find out if a company is licensed and insured by seeing if the company is accredited by the BBB or by confirming with the Attorney General's office.
#2: Look up online customer reviews
Check sites such as Google, Yelp or the BBB. If the company has high praise from customers, chances are they will provide high-quality service for you as well.
#3: Make sure the company offers upfront pricing (in writing)
Ask for upfront pricing on all potential charges for installing a security system, plus the ongoing monitoring monthly fee.
If a contractor will not provide you with upfront pricing information, that's a red flag that you shouldn't hire them.
Has a security tech come to your door claiming to be with Ackerman?
After everything we've discussed in this blog, you're right to be suspicious of anyone who knocks on your door. That said, you may have noticed some representatives walking door to door in your neighborhood, claiming to be a part of Ackerman Security's team.
Don't be too quick to close the door on these representatives, as they're legitimate and part of Ackerman's new Prodigy Smart Home team.
We can assure you that Prodigy techs and representatives are helpful, resourceful and focused on keeping your home and family secure. They're specialists in smart home security solutions and will help you determine if you would benefit from home security automation.
How can you confirm that they're really from Ackerman? Just give us a call and we'll verify the ID number on the back of their badge.
Learn more by visiting our Prodigy Smart Home page.
Interested in security services from a trusted Georgia company?
For over 50 years, Ackerman Security Systems has been metro Atlanta's largest and most respected security company. We make sure every employee on our team—from sales reps to technicians—follow respectable business practices and never sell you on a security service you don't actually need. (Trust us—we hate sketchy salespeople just as much as you do!)
Visit our home security page for more information about the security systems we install and what to expect when you hire us.