Ron lives in Mountain Home and asks we not share his last name. He became more and more concerned after he received a call saying he needed a security system because of excessive crime.
Mountain Home, by many standards, is a typically quiet Idaho town of about 12,000. Crime stats show its burglary rates were well below the national average for towns of similar size. In 2010, the city had 51 burglaries, 276 thefts and nine auto thefts.
?The man said that Boise has the highest production of methamphetamines in the world and that by not having a security system in my home, I was inviting my family to be murdered,? Ron said.
Ron was only one of a number of area residents to hear this sales pitch. Strong-arm tactics like these are made to scare homeowners into subscribing to a security system or switching from their present system.
Feeling uneasy about the phone call, Ron called the sheriff?s office. He says the caller claimed to work for ADT, but company officials said the phone number was not associated with ADT Security Services. ADT locally is a BBB-accredited business and has a valid state license.
We at BBB dialed the number that showed up on Ron?s caller ID. We heard Smart Home Protection Services on the recording. While Smart Home Protection Services is not an accredited business and is not licensed in Idaho, we persisted and contacted the real company. A representative claimed no affiliation with the phone number and said, ?Any person with that kind of sales tactic would no longer be working for Smart Home Protection Systems in any capacity.?
The BBB suggests that individuals looking to buy a home-security system contact at least three companies before selecting an installer. Buying a system off a phone conversation or from a door-to-door salesman is not usually the best procedure. To find out what kind of system is best for you, it is wise to call a professional installer. You may also get a recommendation from the insurance company that covers your home.
Verify that the company is properly licensed and ask if it screens employees before hiring. Ask for references and check out the company with the Better Business Bureau.
Because of the number of complaints filed with the BBB about home security systems, the BBB offers these tips:
? If approached by salespeople, get the details upfront and find out what they are selling.
? Be extra cautious with products that need to be ordered and can?t be delivered instantly. Take a moment to verify credibility and confirm affiliation by asking for printed materials listing full contact information. Avoid high-pressure offers that must be redeemed immediately.
? Be careful with personal information such as Social Security numbers. Don?t give out this information when asked.
? Pay attention to payments. Be wary of companies that offer limited options such as cash only. Before making any transactions, ask for receipts and ask about return policies.
Robb Hicken, 208-947-6115
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