Bates Security Issues Scam Warning to Homeowners in Lexington Area
Recent activity by door to door security salesmen using unscrupulous tactics prompts security expert Bates Security to warn citizens of what to watch out for.
LEXINGTON, Ky., June 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Bates Security LLC, a locally owned commercial and residential security provider based in Lexington, Kentucky, is warning Lexington and Central Kentucky homeowners with home security systems about security scams currently happening in the Lexington and Central Kentucky area.
Salespeople are going door to door in our communities, sometimes past 9 at night, imposing as whomever the homeowner's security company provider is. They trick the homeowner into thinking they are with Bates Security, for example if that is who they use for their home's security, and then push their way into the home. These sales reps then use high-pressure sales tactics to induce the homeowner to into signing lengthy and expensive five-year contracts.
"These out-of-town outfits show up around this time of the year and go door to door, showing up un-announced and act as if they are from your security company, trying to take advantage of the trust you have with Bates or whoever you use" said Bryan Bates, Vice President of Bates Security. "They trick you into thinking they are with Bates Security to get into your home and then to trick you into switching to their service."
"They apply high pressure sales tactics and you end up stuck in a five-year contract that you didn't realize you were signing," said Bryan Bates. "No one from our company will show up at your house without a pre-arranged appointment and will always have an ID Badge identifying them as an employee of Bates Security."
With 38 years of installing home security systems and providing professional monitoring to the Lexington area, Bates Security urges homeowners to be on the lookout for the signs of these home security scams.
These salespeople will include at least one of the following in their sales pitches:
- Show up at your house with no appointment and insist on coming inside.
- Request access to your security system or tells you that your system has been recalled, requires replacement, repairs or the communicator needs replacing.
- Tells you that your current home security provider is no longer in business, no longer services this area, or was sold to their company.
- Posing as your current provider, they'll ask you to sign a new contract to ensure your security service continues.
- Shows fake documents to support claims they need access to your system.
- Uses high-pressure tactics to force you to sign a new contract on the spot and won't allow you to contact your current provider.
Bates Security gives homeowners these tips for staying vigilant against these scrupulous tactics.
- Verify with your security provider that the person at your door works for your security company.
- Do not make such a big decision like home security immediately. Instead, do some research on the company, including utilizing the BBB. A simple way to get around this is to tell them you need some time to think about it and ask them to come back later.
- If the salesperson says they are from your existing security company, or from another company that is taking over its business, don't take their word for it. Call the company they are claiming to replace and confirm their identity.
- Ask for a business card or the company's phone or website. Ask for an email address or even the mailing address for your records. If they do not have this basic information, you have your answer on whether this salesperson is legitimate or not.
- Do not let them in. If they tell you that they need to come in, ask them to have the company call you and set up an appointment. If you have told them to leave and they refuse to, get law enforcement involved.
- If you signed a contract with these scams, under the law, the salesperson must notify you about this right and include two copies of a cancellation form with your contract – one to keep and one to send back. If the salesperson did not provide these forms, contact your state Attorney General's office for help. You can also file a complaint about the company through the FTC Complaint Assistant site.
About Bates Security
Pat and Sonny Bates purchased Sonitrol of Lexington in 1984 and shortly thereafter Bates Security. Today, the operations are driven by the Bates' sons, Jeremy, and Bryan. The team has built Bates Security into the largest, privately-owned company based in Kentucky and has opened three branch offices since 2016. Bates Security was awarded Small Business of the Year by Commerce Lexington, Dealer of the Year by SDM Magazine, and is currently ranked at #37 on SDM's list of Top 100 Security Companies in North America. Visit http://www.BatesSecurity.com to learn more.
Media Contact
Danielle Pond, Bates Security, +1 9499228519, [email protected]
SOURCE Bates Security
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