With the arrival of springtime, some charming, friendly persons are knocking on doors in Loudoun County neighborhoods, trying to sell home security systems.
While some door-to-door salespersons are honest, the chance exists residents may be taken advantage of if they are not cautious and informed.
The Loudoun County Sheriff¹s Office asks residents to be on the lookout for door-to-door solicitors who:
* Use tricks to get into your home. For example, may imply they are from your alarm
company, and need to test or upgrade your alarm system. But reputable alarm companies generally do not send technicians to your home unannounced.
* Say they want to upgrade your old, outdated security system.
* Say that you must take advantage of the offer immediately. A reputable alarm company will give you the time you need to carefully consider your purchase.
* Say that it is not necessary to contact your current alarm company prior to having another alarm company add to, change, or do any kind of work on your security system.
Also, check for proper licenses, registrations, and permits. Virginia strictly regulates the private security industry. Every company selling alarm products or services is required to be licensed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (VADCJS). The license number issued is required to be prominently displayed on all materials and advertisements where the company name is shown. In addition, persons working for a licensed private security company are required to meet minimal training standards and be registered by VADCJS and have a registration card with their photo on their person whenever working.
Finally, Loudoun County requires a solicitation license for those engaged in door-to-door sales, and a pictured registration card issued by the Sheriff¹s Office must be presented when requested. Protect yourself from fraud by asking to see proper documentation from solicitors at your door and especially from any who enter your home.
The False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU) of the Loudoun County Sheriff¹s Office requires all alarm companies who sell/install, service, or monitor alarm systems in the County to be registered with FARU, regardless of their location. Ask for the FARU registration number as well when you are checking identifications. Should you have any questions or concerns and wish to validate information with us, please call the FARU office at 703-737-8344.
And finally, before you sign a contract, make sure you are not going to be double-billed for services. Unfortunately, if you sign a contract without checking all of the details, you may end up paying for two alarm companies for the same service. So, before they do any work, check with your current alarm service provider, or call the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office FARU for assistance.
Excellent, excellent article !! You said everything the public needs to know about these alarm salesmen going door to door selling security alarms to the unsuspecting public.
My 2007 story and still paying for it:
Listen to what the news article says. Firstline Security (now Bankrupt, 1/25/08) APX/SAI have/had been doing hard core door to door selling in the USA. I'm in California and they came thru like gang busters in 2007 and sold a product that did not work most of the time. the customer service was RUDE and they didn't know what they were doing 95% of the time. No matter what company they say they are, don't sign. Do your own checking and contacting a alarm security business. If you have a good working product and a relationship with your alarm service don't change for the enticement of a lower price !! And they give you a 36/60 month contract they won't let you out of. NOT worth it. Believe me, I know. Be sure to ask for their license to do business in your state or country or if you don't want to get that far, slam the door shut FAST so they can't talk you in to something you will regret. They didn't have license approvals when they came into California per the BBB. But now 2 years later, Firstline Security is trying to collect on their contracts thru Alarm Service Monitoring. How can they do this without having had a licence to sell? I've contacted the BBB, State Attorney General. But, they are going to start billing again starting June 2009. Can someone help with any information they may have on how to stop Firstline Security/Alarm Service from further billing on illegally obtained contracts and no license??