by 
The Curious Bag
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The home security scam is a recycled door-to-door scam that has been going on since the 1890s when electric lights were new and companies tricked homeowners into "free" home wiring that actually cost high yearly fees, according to an article in the DenverPost.com. Today, security system companies are using the same method by having a salesperson come to your door offering a "free" security system that is not really free at all, but is more costly and an inferior product. While not all door-to-door salespersons are frauds, there are some red flags to watch for.
Scare Tactics
Beware of salespeople who try to scare you by telling you there has been an increase in burglaries in your area. This is a lie they use as a ploy to get you to buy out of fear rather than need.
Nicely Dressed
Don't be fooled by a nicely dressed salesperson with a company logo shirt. According to ConsumerReports.org, some scam artists will wear shirts with a GE or Honeywell logo. The problem is that those companies do not sell directly to consumers.
"Free"
Be leery of salespeople who offer you a "free" system. Most alarm companies, explains ConsumerReports.org, do not make money from the system, but from the monthly fees they get you to pay. These fees turn out to be very costly, usually costing more than highly rated security systems.
Obsolete System
Beware if a salesperson tells you that your alarm system is obsolete and no longer works. This is often a lie they tell you so that you will buy the system he is selling, even if you have a working system. You can easily call your security company or the police department to verify if your system still works.
Immediacy
If the salesperson wants to install your alarm system right away, this could be a scam. A legitimate company will first determine your particular needs. The scammers will quickly put in the product in a slipshod way, causing you aggravation and more expense, according to the DenverPost.com.
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