The Niles Police Department said it has been notified by legitimate alarm companies in the Chicago area of a scam targeting homeowners.
According to Early Warning Alarms, subjects are going door to door and telling homeowners that they are affiliated with the alarm company. The subjects may try convincing homeowners to sign a new five-year contract, according to the company. They are doing this by telling homeowners their current alarm company went out of business, they need to update their security equipment or contact information, or a contract change would save the homeowner money.
Niles police said they have not received reports regarding this type of scam. However, due to the nature of the scam, the department chose to alert the public.
“If you have fallen, victim to this scam you are asked to file a police report immediately,” Sgt. Robert Tornabene said in a news release.
The department also offered several tips homeowners can follow to prevent them from falling victim to the cam.
Police said customers should call their current company, using the phone number on paperwork already in the customer’s possession, before signing any contracts or changing their service. They can also speak to a family member, or contact their local police department to determine if a solicitation may be a potential scam.
If solicitors come to your door, police said you should ask them for a business card with their company name, their name and phone number on it. If they represent themselves with a business card from your home alarm company, call the telephones number on your billing statement to verify this is a verified contractor or employee for your legitimate alarm service.
Homeowners may find themselves confronted by sales agents who push their way into a home or refuse to leave.
Police said it’s always safer to say “no” to someone on your doorstep, rather than trying to get a salesperson out of your home.
“Firmly tell the person ‘no,’” Tornabene added. “If they continue to pressure you, close the door and call the police.”
Additionally, high pressure scare tactics such as limited-time offers or pressure to “act now” are often signs of a scam. Police said these instances should be reported immediately to police.