Warning of home security scam

Published 8 June 2015

This is a scam where a legitimate company specifically sells to vulnerable people, particularly the elderly, and overcharge for products. They claim that crime is rising in the victims’ neighbourhoods and the alarms they were offering to install ensured a swift police response. Such businesses will provide misleading and false information to get into homes.

In one incident, a man in his late 60s was targeted with repeat phone calls from a company offering a security system for a ‘limited time offer price’ and once agreed and fitted he was charged almost £3,300 more. In another incident a woman was highly overcharged for a basic security system.

Neighbourhood Watch advice is:

  • always be extremely careful of businesses which ‘cold call’ you, either by telephone or at your door. If someone contacts you out of the blue or turns up at your home unexpectedly, DO NOT agree to their business and DO NOT let them into your home. NEVER give them personal or card details
  • if you are thinking of having an alarm fitted, obtain three separate quotes from different businesses. Also, check what you will be paying a year for monitoring, as these costs and services vary
  • if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is
  • be alert and ring police if in doubt.

Regards,
Ronnie Turner
Community Engagement Officer
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: ronnie.turner@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk

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