Safeguard

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?

Popularity: 7% [?]

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 The companies state that their current system is obsolete and they have updated equipment, complete with backup systems available at no cost to the customer.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.

Popularity: 12% [?]

All Security System Monitoring Companies experience cost increases from time to time. Eventually these companies will increase the price charged to their customers. If you are locked into a 3 or 5 year contract and you don't agree with the new price you are stuck until your contract comes up for renewal.

With a Month to Month contract you are in control of the relationship not some out of town company you can't influence.

Popularity: 17% [?]

The Waldo Area once again is in the news. Home Invasions and Assaults on Women seem to be capturing most of the Headlines. Obviously if you have a Security System - Use It. If your Security System has not been evaluated to assure your System is up to date and excellent working condition contact Security System Service Provider and schedule an evaluation and test of your system as soon as possible. Verify that all your Door and Window Locks are installed correctly and Locking Securely. Be  good Neighbor and report any suspicious activity to the Police Department.

 When you are Walking or Jogging in the neighborhood carry Pepper Spray or a Hand Operated Air Horn with you.

Consider adding an Outside Siren with a Strobe Light to your Security System along with a Wireless Panic Device connected to your System. 

Information Links: http://kcpdchief.blogspot.com/2010/01/police-release-sketch-of-suspected.html, http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/1706360.html, http://www.doorzipperusa.com/

Popularity: 100% [?]

At Safeguard Alarms, we visit your home or business and conduct a full Security Risk Assessment in order to identify any unique risk points which need to be addressed.  This way, you’re getting security that satisfies your needs, not ours.

Popularity: 15% [?]