Warning Regarding Door to Door Alarm Sales
Every home in Central Texas is being systematically visited by door to door alarm sales representatives
working for an out of state company.. Each summer they recruit college students to do "internships" and
canvas across the U.S.
The representatives state that they are offering a promotion that allows the homeowner to get a free
security system if they will display a sign in their yard.
Don't sign anything.
Most homeowners do not realize that they are not getting the system for free. In fact, they are signing a
36-60 month contract for monitoring service for as much as $49.99 per month. That is a total of $3246.
Most companies monitoring rates start at about $19.99.
Some important things for consumers to know…
1. The State of Texas requires that alarm salespeople undergo DPS and FBI background checks as part
of the requirements to represent an alarm company. The law states that the licensee carry the card at all
times. The salespeople typically have a name badge, but it is not the official license required by the State
of Texas If they are reluctant to produce their license, they are probably working illegally.
Visit www.tbfaa.org and read the warning regarding summer sales.
2. Consumers can verify the individual’s license at:
www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb/individual/individual_search.aspx
3. Alarm companies in Texas are regulated by the Dept of Public Safety. If a consumer feels that the
person is not licensed or wants to report door to door activity they can contact the DPS Private Security
Bureau: (512) 424-7710 or email Private_Security_Bureau@txdps.state.tx.us.
You can also contact your local police department to report suspicious activity.
4. Do not give out personal information or your social security number.
Don’t let anyone in your home that you did not invite. They may seem nice, but you don’t know what kind
of record they may have or what their intentions may be.
5. Research the company and read the contract.
Google the company such as "InHouse Complaints" and see what you find.
Here is an example: Google
Common Mis-Statements from Door to Door Salespeople
Typical complaints
Every home in Central Texas is being systematically visited by door to door alarm sales representatives
working for an out of state company.. Each summer they recruit college students to do "internships" and
canvas across the U.S.
The representatives state that they are offering a promotion that allows the homeowner to get a free
security system if they will display a sign in their yard.
Don't sign anything.
Most homeowners do not realize that they are not getting the system for free. In fact, they are signing a
36-60 month contract for monitoring service for as much as $49.99 per month. That is a total of $3246.
Most companies monitoring rates start at about $19.99.
Some important things for consumers to know…
1. The State of Texas requires that alarm salespeople undergo DPS and FBI background checks as part
of the requirements to represent an alarm company. The law states that the licensee carry the card at all
times. The salespeople typically have a name badge, but it is not the official license required by the State
of Texas If they are reluctant to produce their license, they are probably working illegally.
Visit www.tbfaa.org and read the warning regarding summer sales.
2. Consumers can verify the individual’s license at:
www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb/individual/individual_search.aspx
3. Alarm companies in Texas are regulated by the Dept of Public Safety. If a consumer feels that the
person is not licensed or wants to report door to door activity they can contact the DPS Private Security
Bureau: (512) 424-7710 or email Private_Security_Bureau@txdps.state.tx.us.
You can also contact your local police department to report suspicious activity.
4. Do not give out personal information or your social security number.
Don’t let anyone in your home that you did not invite. They may seem nice, but you don’t know what kind
of record they may have or what their intentions may be.
5. Research the company and read the contract.
Google the company such as "InHouse Complaints" and see what you find.
Here is an example: Google
Common Mis-Statements from Door to Door Salespeople
- We wired your home for security
- We are working in conjunction with your homebuilder
- We're working with local law enforcement
- We purchased your existing alarm company
- We have local service if they have problems.
- Our equipment is free.
- We do not do credit checks and the monthly fee will not increase.
- We have a military clause that allows cancellation of the contract.
- The homeowner’s alarm system is obsolete and needs to be upgraded.
- Their existing alarm company is no longer in business or is closing and asked them to stop by.
Typical complaints
- I was not told that I was signing a 5 year agreement.
- The system stopped working and there was no one in the area that could fix it.
- The system was non-functional but I could not get out of the contract.
- We moved and could not cancel the service until the term was up.
- The company damaged my credit and sent me to collections.
- The company removed my existing alarm system and installed the new one that did not work.
- I had to pay to have my local company re-install the other system and was sent to collections.
- The salesperson was very aggressive and wanted me to sign their contract today.
| InHouse Systems, Inc. | 3403 S. Kegley Road | Temple, TX 76502 | TX Security Lic. B-11614 | TX Fire Alarm ACR-1959 | 800-259-5054 Home | Contact | Privacy |
| Questions? Contact us or call (800) 259-5054. |
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