In recent weeks BBB’s across the country have fielded hundreds of calls from consumers regarding door-to-door salespeople selling, upgrading, or ‘checking on’ residential alarm systems. Six different business names and/or affiliations have been reported: Stryke Alarm, LLC, Vision Security, Pinnacle Security, LLC, Honeywell, GE Securities, and Devcon Security.

One customer, in the state of Washington, reported that a salesperson used high-pressure tactics to gain access to their home and deceived them with a ‘free’ offer that came with a $300 installation fee and 60 month service contract.

BBB of Southern Arizona cautions consumer that representatives are not always truthful and may use well known, legitimate company names in order to gain your trust.

If you encounter a door-to-door salesperson, BBB offers the following tips to stay safe and confident:

• Always think safety first. If you’re home alone and don’t recognize the person, don’t open the door. If they are a legitimate company, they will leave a brochure or business card.
• Be aware that because you have a security sign or other type of sign in your yard, you could be a target for this type of unethical selling practices.
• Always, always check with your own security company, or other company, first. You can even ask the sales representative to wait outside while you do. If they are telling the truth, why would they mind waiting?
• Scare tactics may not work on everyone but they can on our senior citizens and others who have no one to turn to for advice. If you believe this type of business practice is happening in your neighborhood, please call the police and let them know. At least there will be a record on file.
• Tell your Neighborhood Watch if there is one established. BBB can come out and speak to your group on this matter and other scams to advise you of the red flags to be aware of.
• Finally, if there will be any changes to your service you will be contacted by your company. You won’t hear this information from someone who knocks at your door, and especially someone who tries to scare you. Try and remember the name of the company the person is representing and file a complaint with BBB. Trust and truth in the marketplace is all of our responsibility.

If you have any questions about door-to-door sales or scams, call (520)888-5353 or visit www.tucson.bbb.org.

When salesmen knock on your door, they could represent any number of different legitimate products and services such as magazines, cleaning supplies, home alarm systems and even frozen meat and poultry. They might also be itinerant workers who are offering a low-ball estimate to fix your roof or repave your driveway. Regardless of what they are selling, protect your home and your wallet by confirming their credentials.

BBB recommends being cautious of a door to door salesperson or itinerant worker if they:

Use high pressure sales tactics. A reputable salesman will give you time to think through the deal and make an appointment to return at a later date. Watch out if you’re asked to sign up immediately before you do your research. Do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics—even if the deal supposedly won’t last long or the salesperson is aggressive—it’s worth it to stop and think it over first.

Offer a deal that sounds too good to be true. Some salesmen might offer an extremely good price for their products or services. The adage holds true that you get what you pay for and many people have been quickly disappointed when the products didn’t live up to the hype or the company did a shoddy job.
Fail to follow federal law. Federal law requires that if you purchase more than $25 in goods, the salesperson must inform you of your rights to cancel within three business days. Called the “cooling off” rule, these rights are typically included with the company’s contact information on the receipt or contract.

Work for a company with a poor rating from your BBB. Before you break out your checkbook, always check the company out with your BBB first to see how many complaints they’ve received in addition to BBB’s overall rating.

Finally, pay with a check or credit card—rather than cash—in order to take advantage of the consumer protections provided.