We all want to feel secure in our own homes, so the idea of a free alarm can sound pretty good. But as ABC2 News Joce Sterman explains, door-to-door sales that ask you to sign up on the spot may lock you down longer than you think.
They say every man's home is his castle, but since most don't have fortress protection to prevent break-ins and crime, alarms are a popular alternative. And with some companies, you don't even have to search. That’s because they come right to your door and offer free systems they'll install the same day. It sounds good but the Better Business Bureau and local police departments are warning about some of these offers, saying you've got to be careful about signing up on the spot. Angie Barnett with the BBB says, "You've got to read the fine print and really think about it."
If you don’t think about the offers, you could end up like many Marylanders, trapped in a five year contract. The BBB says you typically have three days to cancel on a door-to-door sale, but they've heard from many folks who say they got the equipment installed right away. As Barnett explains, at that point there's no turning back. She tells ABC2, "What most people complain about is purchasing something on the spur of the moment because of an emotional appeal. They want to get out of the contract, but they're bound. They can't."
That's why the BBB advises against signing up for a high pressure deal, even if the equipment is free. Instead, Barnett says you should ask for a copy of the contract and think it over. Make sure you understand how you're committing and how much it'll cost you each month.
The BBB also says it’s important to get quotes from several companies before making your decision. And before you sign up, check the alarm company's record with the BBB and make sure they're registered with Maryland State Police. Barnett says, “You want to make sure they've been fingerprinted, they have badge identification and that they've gone through the proper channels to offer this service in the state of Maryland." Those are just a few simple steps to protect yourself from those claiming to help you protect your home.
