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Home Security Systems

Home security systems can be a great way to protect your family and your home.  Each system is different, varying in price and sophistication.  When choosing an alarm company, b e wary of door-to-door salesmen. Some may pressure you into buying by claiming the product and service is a limited time offer. Most of the time, offers like this are too good to be true. Make sure you know what is being offered before agreeing to anything. Salesmen may also pressure their way into your home and then refuse to leave. Remember that it is easier to refuse them at the door than once they are inside. If the salesperson continues to pressure you once you’ve asked them to leave, you can call the police. Often, security salesmen use scare tactics, like claiming there has been an increase in burglaries in your neighborhood. Once again, don’t sign anything you’ve been pressured into, especially if you do not understand or like the terms of the agreement.  Visit our Door-to-Door Scams webpage for additional tips.

Houses with signs from security systems may be targeted by salesmen who may claim or imply that they are from that security system to upgrade or replace the existing system (instead they may install a new security system and make victims sign costly monitoring contracts). Scammers may also claim that security system has gone out of business and they are there to take over the account (if this happens to you, call the original company to confirm – if this were true you should have been notified by mail).

Here are some tips for purchasing a home security system:

• Ask your friends, family, and neighbors.  See if they can provide any references or information on how the services were installed and how effective they have been since.
• Check the contractor’s license.  The Maryland State Police licenses both security system agencies and security system technicians.  To check on a license, contact the Maryland State Police at 410.653.4200 or 800.525.5555.
  • Security Systems Agencies: A security systems agency is an individual or firm licensed to conduct a business that provides security system services.  This includes providing the following services to a residence or commercial property:
    • Surveying the property for the purpose of installing a security system,
    • Physically installing, maintaining or repairing a security system, or
    • Responding to a distress call or an alarm sounding from a security system.
  • Security Systems Technicians:  Security systems technicians is a person who is registered to personally provide security systems services as listed above.
• Research companies. Try to find reviews and complaints (complaints can be found through your state Attorney General, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Maryland State Police).
• Compare.  Get written estimates and ask questions.  Reputable companies will want to complete a professional assessment of your needs before selling you anything.  Make sure you ask:
  • Who will perform the installation and who will monitor it after it is installed
  • The contract period for monitoring as well as if there are penalties for termination
  • The cost of monitoring
  • Whether the company calls you before calling the police
  • When you will be notified if the alarm goes off
  • What happens if the power goes out
  • What is covered under the warranty (and for how long)
  • Who is responsible for repairs and upgrades
  • Whether interactive services are offered (smoke and fire detection, remote control, video-surveillance, etc)
• Read the fine print.  As always, do not sign the contract unless you understand each part and agree to all of them.  Your contract package should include:
  • The price of installation
  • The monthly/quarterly monitoring fee
  • The contract period
  • Any applicable discounts
  • A written warranty
  • The owner’s manual
  • An explanation of your right to terminate
  • Termination fees (if any)
  • Cancellation forms
  • The date and name and address of the seller