The Door Knockers are Getting More Aggressive

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http://www.kmbc.com/news/28337656/detail.html

I am reading more complaints and warnings on door to door alarm salespeople – it’s rare that a day passes where I don’t see a “Google Alert” on pushy tactics or fraudulent behavior. Most of these negative consumer experiences involve one of the Utah-based companies specializing in door knocking, but there are variations. One trend is for burglars to pretend to be alarm sales door knockers to case your house (watch for a future post on that trend!), and the other is today’s topic: even ADT’s authorized dealers can go “over the top” in how they try to sign up new customers. In a report from KMBC in Kansas City, Missouri, it’s clear that one company didn’t just push the envelope of ethical sales – they tore it in half!

Some residents in the Waldo area said they have been intimidated by someone selling alarm systems for ADT. Residents told KMBC’s Cliff Judy that ADT salesmen even claimed they were working hand in hand with Kansas City police.

The Bogus Pitch

Homeowner Toni Zaner said a man in an ADT polo shirt offered to reactivate her security system. “He said it was a $1,200 activation fee and that Kansas City police would be covering the cost of that to help out the area,” Zaner said. “The first thing he said is he was working with the Kansas City Police Department. Of course, I knew that wasn’t true.”

Along with claims of working for the homeowner’s alarm company to gain entrance, of referencing non-existent crime statistics, this is a common ploy of door knockers – but not of ADT dealers. ADT is normally more disciplined, and comes down hard on dealers who cross the line and risk giving ADT a bad name.

“Just ‘Cause It’s Legal, Don’t Make it Right”

Police said they are not partnered with ADT, and the company has hired a third party to sell alarm systems in Kansas City. KMBC’s Judy reported that ADT has a license to sell and install the systems, and there is nothing legally wrong. But Zaner and her neighbors said they did not like the sales tactics that they saw.

Zaner said that at one point the salesman asked for her birthday, made one phone call and had her Social Security number. “I snatched it from him, and I asked him to leave,” Zaner said. “Just don’t believe it. Even if they’re dressed in uniform and it looks like they have official documentation, just don’t fall for it.”

Advice from the Victim

“This is beyond aggressive marketing. This is intrusive,” one homeowner said. ADT told Judy that it is the largest alarm system company in the United States, and every summer the company receives complaints of copycat companies trying to sign up customers. ADT confirmed that the salesman was an authorized dealer, but said the sales tactics were not acceptable. The company said it is considering severing ties with that dealer.

Alarm Sales Scam Update

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Greetings,

I was recently contacted by the Alarm Coordinators Office and I was advised that there are already alarm scammers hitting neighborhoods. Before you get caught up in a scam or just want some information on alarms before you buy one, check out the link below for more information.  It is from the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

The scammers have been preying on the elderly, telling them that their company is going out of business and they need to switch.  Once the check is written, you will never see or hear from them again.

John P. Trainor, KCPD

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea18.shtm.

Warning: Alarm System Sales Scams

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This warning was posted on the Santa Rosa County (Florida) Shreriff’s Office Web Site recently along with several other interesting warnings and advisories. These companies are operating in the Kansas City area using several different company names. Please read the warning and if you have any questions feel free to contact our office.

http://www.santarosasheriff.org/

Pensacola, Fla. (March 11, 2011) Your Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be wary of salesmen who are going door-to-door offering home security systems at no cost. The Vivint, Inc. has been the subject of numerous government actions and numerous complaints filed with BBB. Individuals in northwest Florida have alerted BBB that salesmen identifying themselves as being from Vivint, Inc. are offering free security systems if consumers pay for a monthly monitoring service. The Vivint/APX, which also operates under the name APX Alarm Security Solutions, Inc., has had 1,441 complaints filed against it in the last three years, the BBB’s standard reporting period. Additionally, the BBB Serving Utah, where Vivint/APX is headquartered, reports that at least four states have filed government action against Vivint/APX for a variety of violations including operating without a license and using false or misleading sales tactics. The state of Arkansas fined Vivint/APX $40,850 for over 40 violations in 2009. The state of South Carolina fined Vivint/APX $5,000 for violating South Carolina codes by having their license cancelled in another state (Louisiana). The South Carolina order references a $50,000 fine levied by Louisiana for utilizing unlicensed employees, violation of a Cease and Desist Order and engaging in false, misleading or deceptive acts or practices. Minnesota imposed a civil penalty of $25,000 against Vivint/APX for failure to comply with licensing requirements. And last year, the Oregon Department of Justice announced a $60,000 settlement with Vivint/APX for misleading and aggressive sales practices. Your BBB warns consumers to be cautious doing business with anyone who shows up on their doorstep. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision on-the-spot. Verify licensing, bonding, insurance or any other requirements that may be necessary for that industry. Consider getting estimates from multiple trustworthy businesses to ensure you’re getting the best deal. For additional information and advice you can trust start, with bbb.org.

Top 11 Tips For Protecting Personal Data

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The Federal Trade Commission estimates that more than 9 million Americans fall victim to identity fraud each year. Identity theft can cost a consumer thousands of dollars and severely damage their credit report. In honor of Data Privacy Day, Cintas Corp. and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) issued a list of top 11 data protection tips to help consumers avoid identity theft.

“Identity theft is a serious issue and anyone who doesn’t take precaution is putting themselves at risk of becoming the next victim,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC. “Being aware and proactively protecting yourself from identity theft is much easier than cleaning up the pieces after being exploited.”

The top 11 tips to protect personal information include:

1. Shred all documents containing confidential information. A home office strip shredder may not fully protect you. Identity thieves can simply use tape to put the pieces back together or reconstruct your documents using software. Instead, consider using a secure document management provider to shred all documents and files. Ensure your provider is AAA NAID Certified and PCI DSS compliant. These organizations verify adherence to stringent security practices and standards defined by the specialists in the information destruction industry.

2. Guard your Social Security card. Your Social Security number is the gateway to your identity. Never carry it in your wallet. Also, check to see if your number is printed on any other cards you routinely carry with you.

3. Routinely monitor accounts online. Monitoring accounts on a regular basis enables you to notice suspicious or irregular activity before receiving your statements or bills in the mail.

4. Keep personal information private. Secure your personal data at work and educate yourself on your company’s personal information policies. Keep your information private at home as well, especially if you have roommates or employ outside help.

5. Suggest a “shred-all” policy at work. Many companies are now implementing shred-all policies in the work environment to protect confidential business and personal information. Organizations can implement a program by partnering with a secure document management provider. The right provider will place secure, locked bins throughout a facility for easy accessibility. Employees can drop business and personal documents that need to be destroyed in the certified bins. A provider will visit the facility on a routine basis to securely remove, destroy and recycle the documents.

6. Check credit reports regularly. The three major credit bureaus offer annual free credit reports. Space out your free reports to monitor your credit activity throughout the year. Visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com to learn more information and request a free report.

7. Use unique passwords. Avoid using obvious passwords, such as a birth date, maiden name or Social Security number.

8. Practice safe online habits. Social networking sites often contain outside links and applications that ask for personal information. Use caution when revealing any information on such links or Web sites sent from unsolicited emails. Keep firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software up to date on your computer.

9. Protect personal information while on vacation. Keep track of items in your wallet or purse and be sure you return from vacation with everything you left with. Prepare for the worst by copying the front and back of all credit cards and placing the copy in a safe place. This way, you’ll have the name of the issuer, account number and customer service number at your fingertips. Prior to leaving, keep personal plans to yourself or a limited number of friends. Broadcasting travel plans and the dates you will be away through social networks gives identity thieves an opportunity to search your information.

10. Explain cautions to children. Children may not realize the risk of revealing personal information on social media sites such as Facebook.

11. Use a secure mailbox. Make sure your mailbox is approved by the United States Post Office. Another secure option is to mail items directly from a post office location. Also, never clip outgoing mail to your mailbox and always have new checks delivered to a post office box or the bank.

Keep Your Pets Safe

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  • Keep Pets Near Entrances When Away From Home – Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet.
  • When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
  • Secure Young Pets – Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.
  • Since Pets Left Alone Can’t Escape a Burning Home – Consider using monitored smoke detectors which are connected to a monitoring center so emergency responders can be contacted when you’re not home. These systems provide an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.
  • Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling – Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to update the number of pets listed.

PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS Burglaries Increasing

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PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS — Crooks are stepping up their crimes in Prairie Village, as the number of burglaries continues to climb even after police thought they caught the culprits. 

Back in November Prairie Village police arrested three suspects in connection with a string of home break-in’s.  A neighbor gave chase after he saw saw the men carry out a flat screen tv and take off. 

But since the suspects arrest there have already been 23 burglaries in the small city, most with the same M-O.  Police say most of the recent burglaries happen the same way.

A car pulls up, someone knocks on the front door.  If no one answers, the thieves kick the door in, grab what they can and take off. 

“This crime is taking 30 seconds or less so the most important thing for us right now is to have some cooperation with neighbors, being able to have them call us if they see anything suspicious,” said Captain Wes Lovett of the Prairie Village Police Department.

Since the crime happens so fast police say it’s crucial that neighbors to call police immediately when they see something suspicious.  Out of the 23 break-ins since December 17 have been front door kick in’s with flat screen tv’s being stolen.  

“A lot of the burglaries are happening at evening time when it’s dark and what they are looking for are houses that have no lighting on the outside,” said Lovett. Police say although you can’t always keep a burglar out of your home, there are some tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim especially during the winter months. 

“Since it’s been snowing, if you have some neighbors that aren’t going to be home for a little while, maybe make some tracks in their driveway, make it look like someone’s been going in and out.” said Prairie Village Crime Prevention office Matt Boggs.  

Police say a lot of these houses are selected because it looks like nobody’s home.  They recommend putting both outside and inside lights on a timer or using a motion sensor light.  Pick up your trash cans as soon as possible and don’t let your newspapers pile up on the driveway, all signs that invite the bad guys to your home. 

Police say the most important thing is to look out for your neighbors and notify police of the first sign of suspicious activity.

Protect yourself against Identity Theft

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Last Winter we were all confident that by this time our Economy would be improving and Unemployment we be significantly lower than it is. Unfortunately it appears as though the “Dog Days of August” may continue through the remainder of the year. Identity Theft is again in the news therefore it is a good idea to take a few simple precautions to protect your identity.

  1. Request a Credit Report on yourself from the 3 major Credit Bureaus. Check each of these reports for accuracy.
    1. Equifax 800-829-3616
    2. Experian 877-300-2512
    3. Trans Union 800-888-4213
  2. Report any lost or stolen credit cards to the issuing Bank and all 3 Credit Bureaus immediately.
  3. Before disposal, shred any documents that contain any personal information about you. ATM receipts, Bank and Credit Card Statements and Tax Returns.
  4. If you close a checking account make sure all remaining checks are destroyed.
  5. Do you have a family Web Site? Don’t disclose too much personal information such as your place of birth or mother’s maiden name. These are often used as passwords.
  6. Keep copies of all critical documents such as: Birth Certificate, Marriage License, Social Security Card all Credit Cards and Bank Records in a Safe Deposit Box or Fire Proof Safe.
  7. Reconcile your Checking and Savings account statements with your Bank frequently to assure there are no discrepancies.
  8. Shred all unused “Pre-Approved” credit offers.

Awareness combined with a little Common Since will go a long way to protect your Identity.

Protecting your Home While you Are Away

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A few years ago all we had to be concerned about was the Voice Mail Greeting on our Home Phone. We learned that telling a caller that we were not at home was an open invitation for burglars break in and take what they wanted. Now our Voice Mail Greeting simply state “We Can’t Take Your Call, Please Leave a Message and We will Call You Back”.

Social Media, that has taken off like Wildfire over the past few years is creating the same problem we had with voice mail greetings years ago. As a society we have embraced Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter on a level no one could have anticipated. We are putting our lives on display for all to see. Information about our Homes, Children even Vacation Plans. To give you an idea how far this has gone I had a friend post that he had passed three Kidney Stones last week on Linkedin. That is “Too Much Information” for me.

Therefore the questions we need to ask ourselves now have become a little more complex:

Are you putting too much information on Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter?

Who can access the information you Post on Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter?

Is putting our Lives on Display in such detail making our Homes and Family More or Less Secure?

Finally, how many people know that You Are Away From Home because of your Posts on Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter?

Scam Artists Swindle Thousands- Stay Informed

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The issues referenced in this press release are not unique to Atlanta, Ga. These companies are operating in the Kansas City area as well as across the United States. The best advise we can give our customers is to be suspicious of any stranger that knocks on your door regardless of who they claim to represent.
 
Press Release: Atlanta, GA June 21,2010
Scam Artists Swindle Thousands from Unsuspecting Security Consumers
 
(Atlanta, Ga., June 21, 2010)-Temperatures are not the only things on the rise this summer. The security industry's summer scams are back with a vengeance, and costing consumers more money and headaches. Security customers have reported that representatives identifying themselves with major manufacturers like General Electric ®, Honeywell ®, their current security alarm service provider or even their local county, have been giving prospective customers exaggerated details of recent break-ins and cut phone lines to get the customer's attention. The companies state that their current system is obsolete and they have updated equipment, complete with backup systems available at no cost to the customer. Once confusing paperwork is signed, the customer is stuck with a five-year, non-cancellable contract. When the customer realizes they are responsible for these additional monthly payments, it's usually too late. The equipment is installed and their contract is sold to a national security company. "These individuals are fast talking, well-dressed and good at what they do. They wear logo shirts from various manufacturers and often flash official looking I.D. Unfortunately for customers, they misrepresent who they are and what they're really selling," says Vince Raia, President EMC Security, Atlanta, GA. Many customers are stuck with a legal and binding contract. Although the presentation is misleading, the contract is clear and customers have little recourse to get out of them. "Breaking the contract requires the customer to pay the full term contract amount or a settlement fee that can total in the thousands. Even if customers want to remain with their current provider, the equipment is usually proprietary to the companies who purchase the contracts afterwards. The summer programs sales programs are a lucrative business, averaging 40,000 signed contracts in a three-month sales period. For many contracts, most States adhere to the federal three-day buyer's remorse law where a consumer can cancel a qualifying contract within three business days. However, once the security backup installation is started, even if within those three days, this Law is difficult to enforce.
 
Customers should contact their security company if someone comes to their home suggesting their security system needs an upgrade, backup, maintenance or any type work. If customers suspect someone is falsely representing themselves, they should contact the police.
The issues referenced in this press release are not unique to Atlanta, Ga. These companies are operating in the Kansas City area as well as across the United States. The best advise we can give our customers is to be suspicious of any stranger that knocks on your door regardless of who they claim to represent.

Summer Door Knockers

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A Van pulls into your neighborhood and several people pile out and begin canvassing door to door. The individuals are usually described as “college age” young adults. They can be selling anything from Lawn Care, to Pest Control, Siding, Alarm Systems, Replacement Windows, House Painting / Repair and on and on. This is nothing new.

The sad news is that quite often these folks are not what they represent themselves to be. They utilize deceptive sales tactics and insist on an immediate purchase commitment from the prospective customer. Better Business Bureau Offices across the country are getting complaints about these “Summer Sales Campaigns”.

Here are some basic words of caution that apply to all door to door sales:

  1. Don’t open your door to someone you don’t know. Keep them outside and ask them for identification. If you are still not comfortable ask them to leave and if they don’t call the Police.
  2. Never open your door to someone who wants to “check out your furnace” or any other part of your home. If you need something in your home inspected make an appointment with a reputable dealer.
  3. Remember it is your home, your castle, and you have every right to turn anyone away, especially if you feel threatened.
  4. Someone who knocks on your door out of the blue is automatically suspect these days, whether he is legitimate or not. If you invite someone like this into your home, you are taking an unacceptable risk. If the person you are talking to seems to be legitimate, straightforward, and you are interested, ask for written material, name of the company and location so you can check them out.
    1. Tell them you will think about it and call them back. Any honest company will be glad to do this. If you get pressured to buy now ask them to leave.
  5. It is an unfortunate fact that a company with a good reputation can sometimes fall victim to misrepresentation or activities from a secondary or bogus representatives. If you have been or are approached by someone selling any product or service in this manner, gather all the information you can and contact the Better Business Bureau.
  6. Various companies, often with questionable reputations, have been doing this for years. They recruit young people for low pay to sell their goods and services.

Never forget the old saying: “If it Sounds to Good to be True it Probably is TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE”