Protect Yourself Against Phone Scams

Have you experienced the robocall offering a ‘free’ security system? Yes, these are annoying, but they can also be dangerous.

Some of these scammers have been found to scope out your property offering a free system or free upgrade if you’ll just allow a sign in your yard. Once the robocall connects to a live person, some may ask for some ‘general information’ including your name, whether you currently have an alarm system, and how many people live at home. Some of these individuals then experienced a break-in soon after.

Another popular phone scam is for personal emergency systems targeting senior citizens. Similar to the alarm system scams, they offer a ‘free’ medical alert system. The call indicates all that is needed to ship the free system is permission which you give by speaking to a representative. Once a scammer is on the phone with you, they will ask for some sort of personal identification number such as social security number, or credit card information, leaving you exposed to identity fraud.

These scammers imitating security and safety professionals are especially concerning to us. According to the Federal Trade Commission, home security scams are among the most popular scams. Our team at Alarm Engineering will never use a robocall device or show up at your door unannounced to provide any upgrade or addition to your system. Be wary of anyone who claims to be representing us using these tactics.

Outside of these popular scams, there are many others such as free cruises, government grants, insurance and computer tech support. Read about the most common telephone scams here. 

Here are the red flags of a scam, according to the Federal Trade Commission

• You’ve been selected for a special offer or gift
• Free bonus if you buy…
• You’ve won a valuable prize
• You’ve won money in a foreign lottery
• Low risk investment with huge return
• You must make up your mind right away
• You trust me, right?
• You don’t need to check our company with anyone
• We’ll just put shipping and handling charges on your credit card
• Don’t say “yes”

Protect yourself from these and many other scams and hang up if they display any of these red flags or you are suspicious. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you are ever confronted with an alarm scam and aren’t sure if it’s really us, call our office directly at 410-546-2210.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.