Guard Against These 5 Door-to-Door Alarm Scams

Aggressive Door-to-Door Alarm Sales teams may be swarming your neighborhood soon. You may be surprised to learn many of these “seasonal” companies target homes that already have security signs in the yard. Many agencies including the Federal Trade Commission, States Attorney and other state officials urge caution when approached by a door to door alarm representative.

Here are some examples of the tactics these companies use to scam homeowners. Remember, we are here to help with any question you have.

1. “Alarm Engineering is in your neighborhood today offering free system upgrades.”
2. “This is a limited time upgrade offer. You MUST sign up RIGHT NOW to get your upgrade.”
3. “Alarm Engineering has gone out of business or sold out to us.”
4. “Our computer has detected a glitch in your system and we’re here to check it.”
5. “We are General Electric Security.”

Our team will never show up to your home unannounced. 

Now that we’ve introduced you to some common ways these companies gain entry into your home, here are some details to keep in mind. If you are ever unsure if the person at your home is really from Alarm Engineering, call our office to verify at 410-546-2210.

“Alarm Engineering is in your neighborhood today offering free system upgrades.”

Scam artists who use this approach will sign you up with an entirely different company. Alarm Engineering respects your time and our team members NEVER arrive at your home unannounced. Call us at 410-546-2210 if someone tries this or any alarm scam at your door.

“This is a limited time upgrade offer. You MUST sign up RIGHT NOW to get your upgrade.”

We don’t believe in high pressure tactics and never tell you to “sign right now.” We do offer free Customer Loyalty Rewards upgrades that offer the added security of cellular connectivity, remote access with free apps, lights, locks, video (including doorbell cameras) and more. Give us a call to discuss all your options at 410-546-2210.

“Alarm Engineering has gone out of business or sold out to us.”

Again, if another company tries to convince you that Alarm Engineering has been sold, give our office a call right away. We have been locally owned since 1985 and we plan on sticking around to serve our customers for years to come. 410-546-2210

“Our computer has detected a glitch in your system and we’re here to check it.”

Slick scammers claiming to be remote access technicians from reading your yard sign may tell you “the company computer” has noticed recent glitches in your system and they’ve been sent to repair it. Their goal: To con you into letting them into your house on the pretext of “fixing” or “examining” the existing security device. In fact, they’re tampering with the alarm system so they can return and burglarize your house or sign you up with a different company.

If there is an issue with your system that we detect, our team will contact you and look to set an appointment time that works for you, not just show up claiming it needs to be repaired. If you ever are concerned that your system isn’t working right, give us a call to troubleshoot it. Also, we highly recommend you test your system regularly.

“We are General Electric.”

These people coming to your door may even have GE logos on their clothing. They are not GE Security. Legitimate manufacturer representatives will not arrive at your home to make any changes to your system. The Alarm Engineering team provides all your service directly.

The Real Deal

We appreciate you trusting Alarm Engineering with your home or business security needs. Customer Loyalty Rewards offers you up to $500 towards your system upgrade.

Since a worn yard sign is more likely to be targeted by such individuals, just let us know if you need replacements here

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410.546.2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Salisbury: Multiple Vehicle Break-ins Reported

WBOC reports that the Salisbury Police Department is investigating multiple vehicle break-ins that took place recently. Break-ins were reported near Marley Manor Apartments and the Salisbury University student housing. According to police, some of these vehicles were unlocked.

Decrease the likelihood of your vehicle being broken into:

Don’t tempt a Burglar. If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, hide them. Even car chargers indicate that you might have something worth stealing in your vehicle, so hide those as well.

Hide before you drive. Thieves will stake out parking lots to watch what you put in the trunk of the car. So if you must place anything valuable there, try to do so before you leave home.

Stay visible. Park in well-lit, busy areas of a parking lot whenever possible.

Turn it off! A surprising 1/3 of motorists admit to leaving their vehicle running while unoccupied. Even more break-ins are for vehicles that are not locked. Turn your car off and lock it every single time.

Check out more car break-in tips here.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

 Realtor Safety & Security Tips

In 2014, the kidnapping and murder of Beverly Carter, an Arkansas Real Estate agent, shocked the nation. Her body was discovered buried near a home she was scheduled to show, and according to the suspect, was targeted because she was a “rich broker working on her own”.

Here on the Eastern Shore, many of our real estate professional partners were shaken as well. The Mid-Shore Board of Realtors organized a safety class for their members and we teamed up with Steve Gadow from the Talbot County Sheriff’s office to host and lead the class.

Some safety tips from our class include:

Your Profile

• Avoid using photos that display expensive jewelry.
• Don’t give out your home address.
• Don’t give out your home phone number.

Jodi Garvin, Alarm Engineering Systems Specialist and Steve Gadow from Talbot County Sheriff’s office presenting safety tips to the members of the MSBR.

Private Showings and Open Houses

• Always tell at one person at the office and one personal contact where you are going and when you anticipate being back.
• Have clients complete an information form (including driver’s license and vehicle information) or take a picture of them and their tag number when you meet them.
• Bring someone with you whenever possible.
• Look up your client before you meet to see if they have a criminal record and their phone number and address is valid.
• Never let a client in your blind spot – always have them in front of you.
• Don’t wear expensive jewelry while showing a home.
• Be ready to defend yourself: your keys, your cell phone, a safety whistle and pepper spray are all good options.
• Investigate some personal security app solutions for your phone. Some options are listed and rated here.
• Leave your purse in the trunk of your car.
• Create a duress code for your office so you can call them if you’re in trouble and a bad guy won’t know what’s happening. For example “Tell Tammy I’m running late for our staff meeting” could be a signal to the office that you need help.
• Know the exits of the home you’re showing and make sure the doors are unlocked in case you need a quick getaway.
• If there is an alarm system in the home, urge sellers to keep the monitoring going until it’s sold. This way, you can use the panic button on the alarm system in an emergency. This also keeps an unoccupied home protected until it’s sold.
• Have the client follow you in their car – don’t invite a client into your car unless you know them well.
• Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, get to a safe place. No sale is worth your safety or life.

These tips aren’t just for Realtors, but for any professional who works one on one with strangers outside of an office, like our Systems Specialists who conduct free onsite consultations. If your office or professional group is interested in a Security and Safety class, let us know at [email protected].

Arm yourself with information and stay safe!

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Helping Delmarva Update – Salisbury Neighborhood Housing

Alarm Engineering donated and installed several security systems in our customer’s Salisbury Neighborhood Housing homes. We are thrilled to help this local non-profit continue the mission of facilitating home ownership and community investment opportunities that build pride and confidence among residents and partners and transform City of Salisbury neighborhoods and surrounding areas into thriving and attractive communities.

If you want to learn more or submit your donation request to Alarm Engineering’s Helping Delmarva initiative click here. 

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Salisbury Police: HVAC Theft On the Rise

HVAC unit thefts are on the rise according to the Salisbury Police Department.  Here at Alarm Engineering, our call volume for HVAC related thefts is on the rise not only in Salisbury, but in neighboring communities as well.

HVAC units are largely unprotected and being outside, they are surprisingly easy to steal in less than five minutes. Costing several thousands of dollars, this is a huge loss for a home or business owner. 

So, what options are available to thwart theft of your HVAC unit?  Steel cages can be built around the units that are bolted to the concrete slab, but these fixtures are costly and an eyesore.

Get Started Now

Here at Alarm Engineering, the same monitoring technology you enjoy at your home or business can be extended to protect your HVAC unit as well. Tell us a bit about you and find out how you can protect yourself against this rising threat.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.