SAPD Warns of Alarm Company Scam

SAN ANGELO, TX -- (Press Release) The San Angelo Police Department has received complaints from citizens about an Alarm Company group doing door-to-door sales and using strong-arm sales tactics. If you in any way doubt the credibility of the alarm sales person’s license, feel threatened or intimidated by his or her actions, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE SAN ANGELO POLICE DEPARTMENT at 657-4498 or 657-4315. Speak to an officer or dispatcher and explain your concerns.

The Texas Department of Public Safety Security requires out of town companies to check in with the Texas municipality they plan to sell in but are not required to purchase a city sales permit. They are required, however, to have on their person (at all times) their DPS Security License. This shows that they have been approved by the DPS to sell or install alarm systems in your home. If the sales person has their DPS Security License they have fingerprints on file with TX DPS Security Bureau along with a background check on that person. ALWAYS ASK TO SEE THE SALES PERSONS TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SECURITY LICENSE.

If you want to find out if a company has checked in with SAPD you can call the alarm coordinator at 657-4304 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. If you have already fallen victim to an unlicensed alarm salesperson, you should file a report with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508.

If you are signing a contract with an out of town company, take into consideration who will be available if there is a problem with your alarm system or if it requires maintenance. READ YOUR CONTRACT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING. What you might understand from the salesman and what you are signing may be different especially concerning the longevity of the contract. If the salesperson specifies “free installation” make sure you aren’t signing an agreement to pay for that installation! Never feel pressured to sign anything. Be cautious of those who push you to sign a contract quickly or who may be offering unusual deals or incentives.

Best policy – Let the salesman leave the information (along with a contract if available) with you while you have a chance look over it and to check out the company with Better Business Bureau and on other internet sites. Also, shop around and compare quotes for installation as well as the monthly monitoring charge as you could be making this monthly payment for 3 to 5 years! DO NOT LET THEM RUSH YOU INTO MAKING A DECISION THAT YOU WILL BE LEGALLY LIABLE FOR.