With warm weather already upon us, many door-to-door security sales representatives will be out in full force trying to acquire new customers. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more common for these sales reps to use unethical selling practices, including falsely identifying themselves as employees of their targets’ security companies. Below is a list of tips posted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) that you may find helpful if you happen to find yourself in this situation.
- Always think “safety first.” If you’re home alone and don’t recognize the person at your door, don’t open it. If the person represents a legitimate company, they will leave a brochure or business card and you can contact them later if you are interested in their products or services.
- Security signs can be instrumental in
deterring burglars from targeting your home. However, keep in mind that if
you have a security sign in your yard, you could be a target for unethical
door-to-door selling practices.
- Always check with your own security
company, or other company, to make sure the sales representative is who
he/she claims to be before letting them enter your home. You can even ask
the sales representative to wait outside while you contact the company
they claim to represent. If the sales rep is telling the truth, he/she
won’t mind waiting.
- Scare tactics may not work on you,
but being threatened can be an upsetting experience for anyone. If you
believe this type of business practice is happening in your neighborhood,
please call the police, and let them know.
- Tell your neighborhood watch about
these practices if there is one established. The BBB can come out and
speak to your group on this matter and other scams so you can be aware of
what red flags to watch for.
- Finally, if any changes will be made to your service, you should be contacted by your company before they send out a sales rep or a technician. You shouldn’t receive this information from someone who unexpectedly knocks at your door, and especially from someone who tries to scare you. If someone unexpectedly arrives at your door with this information, try to remember the name of the company the person is representing and file a complaint with BBB. Trust and truth in the marketplace is all of our responsibility.
At WH Security, we hope you have a wonderful summer! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any security needs or questions.