Fraud Watch Alert: Summer Brings Home Security Scams

How it works:

It may be a scam if an agent comes to your door offering a great promotion on a home alarm system, but you have to act now to get the deal.  Or, if you have a home alarm company sign in your yard, the person may say he is a technician from that company and he’s there to install system upgrades.

What you should know:

• Home security scams are hard to spot because scammers work hard to make the deal look legitimate.
• The scam artist may claim you’ll get a big insurance discount by purchasing an alarm system, butthat isn’t usually the case.
• A legitimate alarm company would never send a technician to upgrade equipment without first making an appointment with you.

What you should do: 

• Realize that not all salespeople are legitimate and approach a door-to-door deal with caution.
• Rather than accepting offers at your door, get references from friends and neighbors when looking to buy a home security system and then reach out to the company yourself.
• When you are approached by a door-to-door sales agent, research the company by entering its name into an online search engine, to see if any complaints come up.
• If you do decide to accept a door-to-door offer, read the fine print. The written contract should include everything you agreed to orally.

If you do sign up for a home alarm system or an upgrade, and then regret it, you have a three day “cooling off” period during which you can cancel your purchase, thanks to a rule by the Federal Trade Commission. It applies if you sign the contract at home or a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network invites you to FREE Senior Fraud Conferences hosted by the Oklahoma Insurance Department across the state.

JUNE 27 – TULSA

Marriott Tulsa Hotel – Southern Hills

1902 E. 71st St.

Tulsa, OK 74136

JUNE 28 – GROVE

Grand Lake Event Center

26301 S. 655 Rd.

Grove, OK 74344

JULY 20 – ELK CITY

Western Technology Center

Rooms 103 & 104

301 Western Drive

Elk City, OK 73644

JULY 26 – TAHLEQUAH

Go Ye Village

1201 W. 4th Street

Tahlequah, OK 74464

The conferences begin at 8:30 AM and a complimentary breakfast will be provided. Sign up today to learn how to protect yourself, friends and families from frauds and scams. TO REGISTER CALL 1-800-763-2828. Find out more about these events at aarp.org/OK.

To request a Fraud Watch Network presentation in your community, contact msourjohn@aarp.org.

If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud, contact the State of Oklahoma Office of Attorney General by visiting www.ok.gov/oag or calling 1-405-521-3921 or 1-918-581-2885.

When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You have the power to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. Please share this alert with friends and family.

P.S. Spotted a scam?  Tell us about it.  Our scam-tracking map gives you information about the latest scams targeting people in your state.  You’ll also find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing their experiences so you know how to protect yourself and your family.