By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
September 23, 2011

A number of Kansas City residents use home security systems to deter criminal activity. But now, a few “security companies” are becoming the criminals themselves.

Kansas City Police Department Master Patrol Officer James Schriever recently sent an email detailing the scam.

Kansas City residents have been contacting Schriever about a door-to-door home security sales team offering to replace or upgrade a homeowner’s alarm system free of charge.

“They will even ask you to switch providers if you have an existing alarm,” Schriever said. “If it sounds too good to be true, it is. These systems are free, but they could cost you time, money and your safety.”

These security system offers are scams and could cost a resident extra money through bills from both the previous security company and the scammer or a faulty alarm system.

The sales teams often uses “high pressure sales talk” and “scare tactics.”

Those who sign the security contract will receive a defective piece of equipment and when contacting the security company, a representative will tell the customer he or she should have purchased the top tier alarm system instead.

“These people are often friendly, neatly dressed, college-aged and most are from out of town,” Schriever said of the door-to-door sales teams.

Schriever is warning residents to check with the Better Business Bureau, State Attorney General’s office and Consumer Reports about a company’s history and performance before signing any contract. Personal referrals are also effective, he said.