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Lifestyle Management

Security systems now allow you to monitor more than just your home or business.  CCTV systems allow you to monitor the well-being of your family members and pets, and supervise the activity of caregivers and babysitters. You can see what’s going on in your home without actually being there. For many children with aging parents, this represents the perfect solution. Now you can keep an eye on your parents while they live in comfort in the home they’ve owned for years. And you’ll save thousands compared to an assisted living home. If you have in-home care, you can watch nurses and caretakers attending to your loved one. You never have to worry about what’s going on at home. As long as you have a smart phone or a computer, you’re connected.  We can even provide alerts when there is inactivity or a fall. If you worry about them wandering away, we can set up a GEO fence that tells you when your loved one crosses it.

Receive Notifications

E-mails and text messages have taken over the world of alarm systems, just as they have everywhere else.  With Safeguard Alarms you can arm, disarm and receive notifications through e-mails and texts when your home or business is experiencing a break-in, gas leak, flood, fire, individual inactivity or falling, or even when someone wanders outside the perimeters of a GEO fence. You can be connected to home no matter where you are.

Mobile Personal Security

What’s better than home alarm systems?  Mobile ones.  Take your personal security system with you when you leave home.  Today, GPS can track you through a simple panic button that alerts a dispatcher and opens a two-way voice channel.  No matter where you go, security can follow.

Did you know your alarm system could do all of that?  Most people don’t. Call Safeguard Alarms at 816-356-9900 and we can tell you about all of your options and find the best ones for your lifestyle.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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?

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.