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.

Watch Out for These 10 Holiday Scams

As charitable giving ramps up over the holidays, so do scams. Protect yourself this holiday with these tips:

1. Read before you click: phishing scams are increasingly “smart” and even look like a shipment tracking email.  
   • Before you click, the safer route is to go to the trusted shipping site and plug your tracking number in directly.
2. Watch out for fake charities. 
   • Make sure the charity you’re giving to is legitimate – do a quick search to make sure other’s online experiences have been good ones with the charity you’re considering.
3. Watch your statements closely. 
   • There are many ways criminals can steal your identity and credit/debit card numbers. Check your statements closely to ensure all purchases are legitimate.
4. With a quick bump or, more often these days, a distraction from an accomplice, criminals can remove your wallet from your pocket or purse in seconds and even take items from bags. 
   • Keep your wallet inside a closed purse or in a pocket with your hand on it. Leave non-essential identifying information and spare credit cards at home. Return frequently to your car to drop off purchases in the trunk and out of sight.
5. At the register, be aware of your receipt and change.
   • Be on the lookout for any unauthorized cash back from your debit card and make sure you received the correct change.
6. You see a parcel waiting notice on your door with a phone number to call; with so many deliveries this time of year you aren’t sure which parcel it might be.
   • Make sure this an 800 or a local call or else it might be a scam where you are charged exorbitant phone charges or you may be asked personal questions that lead to identity theft. Also be wary of parcel thieves, and look out for your neighbors as well.
7. Twice-used gift cards. Make sure gift cards you purchase are from reputable retailers and that the activation code is still secure. 
   • Some scammers will take activation codes from cards at the store and use them after they are loaded.
8. If you’re looking to book a vacation home for the holidays, be wary. Here are a number of red flags to look for in vacation home rental scams.
   • First, as always, if the price is too good to be true, it usually is just that – not true. Never send your payment by a wire transfer or a cashier’s check. Use a credit card, so you can retrieve your funds if the transaction is fraudulent.
9. You’ve won! These fake contest scams are increasingly common. 
   • It is impossible to win a contest you haven’t even entered. It is important to remember that no legitimate lottery charges you fees to claim your prize, nor ask for any personal information from you.
10. The grandparent scam is another one done throughout the year; however, it is more prevalent during the holidays when college-age grandchildren may be traveling. The scam starts with a phone call apparently from a grandchild who has encountered a medical or legal emergency and needs money immediately. Often the scammers get personal information to make the call sound legitimate through the child’s Facebook page or other social media.
    • A good way to be proactive is to have a secret word a child should use in an emergency situation. If the caller doesn’t know it, it is probably a scam.

Information is power when it comes to scams. Use caution and trust your gut – when something feels not right or out of the ordinary, stop and take a step back. 

Read the more scam details and tips from The Today Show and Scambusters.

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.

Is your Home a Likely Burglary Target?

Let’s Get into the Mind of a Burglar

UNC-Charlotte conducted a study to learn the motivations and habits of burglars. Understanding these motivations and habits helps us defend against theft more effectively. 

Selecting the Target

The study found homes to be the burglar’s primary target, with commercial buildings next in popularity. Further, burglars most often consider the following factors while choosing their target. How does your home stack up?

• Proximity of other people (visibility)
• Proximity to major routes (traffic)
• People in the house (occupancy)
• Presence of police officers
• Presence of escape routes
• Signs of increased security – including home alarm systems, dogs and surveillance equipment

Deterrence

Several studies agree that the mere presence of an alarm system is the single most important deterrent strategy. The UNC-Charlotte Study (among others) specifically found that would-be burglars typically look for another target when they see home security equipment or signs. 

The Plan

Burglars most often follow a pattern when breaking into a home, only one in eight pick locks. Most burglars force open windows or doors to gain entry and once inside they want to maximize their time for high-dollar items. Most start with the master bedroom and end with the kitchen.

According to one study respondent, “People leave things in the same basic locations could have done it with my eyes shut.” So, one security strategy includes putting valuables in places where they are least expected to be found.

Timing

Many historical statistics show that most burglaries happen in the afternoon, when people are likely to be out of the home. This UNC-Charlotte Study found that the timing preferences of burglars differed depending on whether the perpetrator was male or female. Males tended to break into homes later in the day. This demonstrates that a 24/7 professionally monitored security system is an important security tool. 

In summary, the houses most prone to burglary are the detached homes, those located close to a highway entrance, and those without alarm systems. When it comes to precautionary measures, the combination of precautions and a home security reduces the probability of burglary significantly. Luckily there is a wide variety of choices for alarm equipment now available, ranging from wireless sensors, sirens,  driveway/entry alerts, and handheld keyfobs. Modern technology enables you to receive real time alerts on your tablet or smartphone. When it comes to surveillance, video serves as the eyes that watch our home, family and valuables 24/7.

Keeping entry points locked, installing alarm systems and cameras, and being a good, observant neighbor around is still the best plan. Since expert burglars appear to be highly habit driven, we all should make security a habit. Remember, it is not only the material possessions that are at risk, but more importantly, the safety of loved ones.

Get inside the Mind of a Burglar here.

Get Started Now

Tell us a little about yourself and be sure to use the FIRSTMONTHFREE promo code for even more savings. Our team offers no-hassle onsite security and safety assessments and gives you options to consider that work within your budget.

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.

Watch Out for Door-to-Door Sales Scams

Many scammers are still knocking on doors during spring and summer. Be wary when a stranger shows up at your front door with a “limited time offer” that has to be purchased RIGHT NOW! TODAY! The most common door-to-door scams involve selling meat, magazines, asphalt paving and alarm systems.

The Better Business Bureau has issued multiple warnings about these companies and their tactics. Attorneys General in several states have been after these companies for years, too.

Don’t fall for these popular alarm system scams

Alarm Engineering doesn’t use high pressure sales tactics or door to door drop-ins.

Remember…never sign anything until you call our office to double-check.

All Alarm Engineering team members arriving at your home for an appointment will carry identification and will be wearing an Alarm Engineering shirt and driving a company vehicle with a logo. If you ever have a question about the veracity of someone claiming to be an Alarm Engineering employee, call us and we will be happy to confirm for you.

A trained professional is always here to help 24/7, give us a call if you have any questions: 410-546-2210.

Ready to Make the Change?

Are you with another alarm company today and are tired of your monthly rate going up every year and poor service? Most of the time, we can reprogram the equipment you’re already using at no charge to you. Have you seen our five star Google Reviews?

Tell us about yourself and let’s get started. Use the promo code FIRSTMONTHFREE for even more savings.

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.