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.

In the past three years, more than 53,000 customers have complained to the Better Business Bureau about satellite TV providers, with 39,000 of those complaints filed against DirecTV and 13,000 filed against Dish Network. Many complaints stem from fees and terms outlined in the customer agreement and BBB recommends that TV viewers planning to make the switch to satellite should read the fine print closely.

According to company reports, DirecTV has more than 18 million customers in the US and Dish Network has more than 14 million. The complex policies and fees that are sometimes unique to satellite service has led many customers to complain to BBB about the contractual obligations outlined—but often overlooked—in the fine print of their agreement.

“Many complaints to BBB about satellite providers stem from steep cancellation fees,” said Kim States, BBB President. “If customers aren’t satisfied with their service or they can’t afford the cost after the introductory period, it isn’t that easy to cancel because the early termination fees can run into the hundreds of dollars.”

Following are examples of common complaints BBB receives about satellite TV providers:

• Early Termination Fees – Complainants report paying cancellation fees amounting to more than $600. Commonly the customer felt that the company didn’t provide the services promised and they shouldn’t have to pay to cancel service they weren’t happy with or didn’t receive. In some cases the customer claims they were not aware of the policy or that a sales rep misrepresented the terms.
• Introductory Offers – Many promotions will offer a lower price or premium channels for an introductory period, after which the customer will be charged the full price. Some complainants state their monthly bill increased substantially more than they anticipated. Others state they were promised gift cards for signing up that never materialized or rebates that couldn’t be redeemed immediately.
• Billing issues – Some complainants state that they were charged for services they didn’t order—such as pay per view movies—or were charged for services which they thought would be (more…)