During the summer scammers descend on neighborhoods during the summer selling security systems door-to-door, at times using deceptive business practices. When these scam artists see the ADT sign in your yard, they may falsely associate themselves with ADT to trick you into switching services.
After they leave, you’re on your own. There may be no local office to turn to for support and service and, what’s worse, your account may be sold to another company for monitoring.
ADT recommends
Follow these tips to prevent sales scams before they happen:
| ADT representatives will carry proper company-issued identification. | |
| To confirm a representative is really affiliated with ADT, ask to see their official identification. If they don’t show it, don’t believe them. | |
| When in doubt, call 800.ADT.ASAP, or go to ADT.com/verify, before you let them in your home. |
ADT says that the following should be red flags:
We are here to upgrade your ADT system.
I’m with the company that manufactured your alarm system.
ADT just monitors your home; they do not service the equipment.
ADT is no longer covering your area.
Our company just bought ADT.
ADT is going out of business.
ADT systems are more vulnerable to burglaries.
f you are a victim of fraud, it’s important to understand that you can cancel the contract. The Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel the deal if you sign the contract in your home or at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business. You do not have to give a reason for canceling your purchase. You have a right to change your mind, even if the equipment has already been installed.
The salesperson must give you two copies of a cancellation form (one to keep and one to send back) and a copy of your contract. The contract must be dated, show the name and address of the seller, and explain your right to cancel. You may have additional consumer protection under state law. Check with your state attorney general, local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau.