Door-to-Door Scammers and Unethical Businesses

We've written about this topic before and think it is important to revisit it again. Unfortunately, in all industries there are people who engage in unethical business practices. How do consumers know who to trust?

The video below shows a couple in the Missouri area who were unsure of this particular alarm company's sales pitch but who were still talked into signing a contract, leaving them without security system for several days.

  

If you are approached by another alarm company who is wanting to "upgrade" your system, provide you with a "cheaper" monitoring service, or who says they've merged with your existing alarm provider, call your existing alarm provider first before you make any decisions. Most reputable companies who have purchased or merged with other businesses will send clients letters explaining the acquisition.

In all industries, ask for references and go online to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or contact them directly at 816-421-7800 (Kansas City's BBB) to check the company's ratings. Also, look for any unresolved complaints. The BBB will drop a business's rating if there are complaints that have not been resolved in an appropriate fashion (if a company does not respond to a complaint or shows no effort to work with the client.)

Protect yourself with knowledge and don't be embarrassed to ask questions. If you are confused by what a fast talking "salesperson" is telling you, ask them to leave or walk away. You can always call them back later if you have conducted thorough research and are satisfied that they are trustworthy.