Beware of Door to Door Alarm Sales
For the past few years, several out-of-state companies have brought a college-aged sales force into our local communities to perform aggressive door to door sales of their alarm systems.
· They often misrepresent themselves as being from your alarm company or may use a well know brand name like Honeywell or GE Security.
· They may claim to have a new and better product; or that there is a problem with your current system that they are there to fix.
· They may be pleasant, but typically use high pressure sales tactics.
· They require you to sign a new monitoring contract that commits you to payments to a different company.
· They may offer a “no-cost” installation, but the monthly fees are exceptionally high.
· They often target senior citizens and attempt to confuse the homeowner into signing a new contract.
· This has been a nationwide phenomenon and there have been thousands of consumer fraud complaints and complaints to the BBB. Be prepared! Go on-line and Google “alarm summer sales complaints” for a sample of their activities and tactics.
A legitimate alarm company will never show up at your door without your knowledge and an appointment. The representative should always be able to produce appropriate identification.
If ever in doubt, call your alarm company to confirm the identity of someone representing them.
You have the right to ask a person to leave your home or premises and if they continue with their sales efforts after you have asked them to leave, notify the police.
Has a 'door to door' security system sales person knocked on your door in the last year?
Washington Alarm placed #70 in Security Dealer Magazine's Top 100 Monitoring Companies in the United States. The placement is based on
recurring monthly revenue through out 2009.
Washington Alarm is independently owned and our market is primarily Washington State. It is great to be recognized nationally and we have all of our subscribers and employees to thank for this recognition.
Follow the link below to SDM Magazine's list...
SDM Magazine Top 100
Washington Alarm maintains A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
We would like to thank all of our subscribers and our hard working employees that make it happen!
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Crime+up+slightly+in+Seattle%2c+though+rape%2c+murder+fall.-a0215019308
By: Sara Jean Green; Seattle Times staff reporter
Even though Seattle saw increases in both violent crimes and property crimes during the first half of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, the slight rise came after back-to-back years that saw crime dip to lows not seen since the 1960s.
Data released Monday by the FBI showed incidents of violent crime (murder, rape, aggravated assault A person is guilty of aggravated assault if he or she attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another or causes such injury purposely, knowingly, or recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life; or attempts to cause or purposely or and robbery) in Seattle increased from 1,582 during the first six months of 2008 to 1,927 during the same period this year -- a rise of nearly 22 percent, the FBI reported.
Property crimes (burglary, larceny, theft and car theft) in Seattle also rose approximately 4.5 percent during the first half of the year with 16,325 incidents, compared with 15,629 incidents during the first half of 2008.
The number of murders, rapes and auto thefts in Seattle all declined during the first six months of 2009 compared to the previous year, but robberies, aggravated ag·gra·vate
tr.v. ag·gra·vat·ed, ag·gra·vat·ing, ag·gra·vates
1. To make worse or more troublesome.
2. To rouse to exasperation or anger; provoke. See Synonyms at annoy. assaults and thefts all increased. The number of arsons nearly doubled in 2008, while reports of burglaries in the city remained virtually unchanged.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Crime+up+slightly+in+Seattle%2c+though+rape%2c+murder+fall.-a0215019308
Some tips published by the Lynnwood Police Department for keeping you safer while you're away on vacation:
- Don't publicize your trip until after you return (ex: Facebook etc.).
- Don't leave large amounts of cash or jewelry in your home. Consider a safe deposit box.
- Let the local Police Department know you'll be gone - some offer free vacation house checks.
- Consider using a trusted friend or relative as a house sitter while you're gone.
- Unplug all appliances except the refrigerator and freezer. If gone for an extended period of time, turn off power to the hot water tank and washing machine.
- Leave a description of your car, license number, and itenerary with a trusted close neighbor.
- Check all windows and doors to be sure they're all shut and locked.
- Make arrangements for all newspapers and other packages to be picked up or stopped.
- Have someone rearrange drapes, lights, and pick up debris in the yard.
- Consider having a neighbor park their car in your driveway.
Some tips published by the Lynnwood Police Department for keeping you safer during the holidays:
Make a note of your parking spot so that you don't have to wander around the parking lot after shopping.
Have your keys in your hand before leaving the mall and walk purposely to your car. Make sure nobody is in the care before entering, and lock the doors immediately when you get inside.
If you are leaving a mall alone at night, request a security escort to your car.
don't leave packages visible on the seats or floor of your car. Use the trunk.
If you take packages to your car trunk and want to go back to the mall, move your car. Most newer vehicles have a trunk release inside the car (in the glove box or by the driver). If the thief sees something you just purchased that he wants, he can easily break a window and open your trunk.
At an ATM, choose one that is located inside a mall, store, or well-lit location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need. Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near. Do NOT throw your ATM receipt away.
Don't display large sums of cash in public. Be discreet about money or other valuables you are carrying.
Stay alert in crowds to protect your valuables. Be aware of pickpockets.
Carry your cash separately from your credit cards.
Don't keep your keys in your purse. If a thief swipes your purse, he has your keys, address, and ID.
Try to park as close to the entrance as possible. In a parking garage, park on the level that leads directly into the mall, so you can avoid elevators or stairwells. Stay alert for people standing behind parked cars or pillars. At night, park under a light when possible.
When you leave your car, lock it the old fashioned way - turn the key in the lock. Don't use the remote because some high-tech theives use scanners to copy your remote's frequency.
Remove car stereo faceplates upon exiting the car.
And, special winter weather warning: many people warm up their cars in the morning and leave them unattended. Don't do this! Not only is it against the law, but a running car is also an invitation to a car thief!
Be happy, healthy, and safe this holiday, and consider keeping your HOME safe with Washington Alarm!
We're always looking for the best way to save our customers money! Right now, existing customers can refer a friend, and get $50 back as a thank-you! Or, if you're a new residential subscriber, you can get $100 off installation of your new system! Call us at 206.328.3288 or send us an email at sales@washingtonalarm.com for more details!
We are a member of Seattle Executives Association, and
here is a link to their blog!
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Seattle Execs.
Mayumi Nakamura
Bruce Wiggins
