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.