HAVE YOU BEEN RIPPED OFF? WAFB STORY BELOW!
Local residents have informed us that another alarm company is going door to door claiming to be associated with Certified Alarm Systems and GE Home Security. They are offering you a free upgrade to your existing system, and are able to do this upgrade ON THE SPOT. If you are approached by anyone offering free equipment or upgrade, do NOT be fooled! Never turn over your Certified yard sign or equipment to anyone without contacting Certified Alarm Systems to verify the validity of the transaction.ASK TO SEE IDENTIFICATION!
All persons employed by Certified Alarm Systems will carry an ID card issued by the State Fire Marshal, please ask to see this card before letting anyone into your home. Every summer, an out of state company employs college students in the area to go door to door to homes with existing security systems and offer this upgrade. When school starts back in the fall, this company representative that contacted you will be no where to be found....BEWARE of anything that sounds to good to be true...it usually is!
This isn't the first time this has happened. Click here to read the story>Security company accused of taking advantage of the elderly
Posted: May 15, 2010 2:07 PMBATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - The State Fire Marshalls Office is investigating a security company, accused of pulling the old bait and switch. Investigators believe the company may be targeting the elderly.
Certified Alarm Systems sent out an email warning all of their customers. They say a company is going around claiming to be with Certified Alarms. Salespeople are allegedly tricking the elderly into signing a new more expensive contract with a totally different security company.
Judith Dunaway, 67, says she got a knock on her door about a week ago that led to a security system being put up in her home. Dunaway says she felt rushed into signing a contact with Silverline Security.
"It was a little scary because I have the tendency to back down when I am confronted," said Dunaway. "I wasn't happy with the situation and something told me just to back out."
Dunaway was able to back out of her contract because she says her alarm system from Silverline was missing a part.
Dunaway considers herself to be lucky. The numerous people who commented on a complaints board say they were not so lucky.
The web page is filled with complaints about Silverline Security's business practices.
"The Fire Marshalls Office stands ready to fine anyone who takes advantage of people," said State Fire Marshall Butch Browning.
His office is currently investigating Silverline, after several alleged victims came forward. Browning says the salespeople are from out of town places like Florida, Georgia and Utah.
"What's actually being alleged in this and other investigations we've had is that they lock people in to a long contract," said Browning.
Silverline is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau and has a rating of A- but Dunaway says that's not the grade she would give them.
Dunaway's system has been taken out and she is now carefully looking for a new security company to sign with.
"I will be getting an alarm system. In this day and age you can never be too careful," said Dunaway.
Browning says if found guilty, Silverline could be banned from Louisiana.
Certified Alarm Systems is urging people to contact them with any questions or concerns. You can call 225-928-7867.
Copyright 2010 WAFB. All rights reserved.
Catch A Crook!
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