Crooked alarm deal targets the elderly

Mar 6 2009

PEOPLE are being conned into signing up for expensive security systems.

Trading Standards are investigating a business, which cannot be named at this stage, who are playing on people’s fear of crime to persuade them to purchase the sophisticated systems.

Dozens of people have complained about cold calling from the organisation.

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Trading Standards said: “Most companies selling security systems are honest traders carrying out their businesses in accordance with the law.

“However, a minority try to exploit consumers’ fear of crime to sell them security systems that they might not need or systems at exorbitant prices.

“Calls from salespeople from one particular company focus on the claim that the installation of the alarm is free.

“But it is not always clear that the consumer is required to sign a maintenance contract for monitoring the alarm for a period of years and this could end up costing many thousands of pounds.”

Many of the complaints trading standards have received are from elderly or vulnerable members of the community.

On one occasion, an elderly person signed an agreement for an alarm system which was to be fitted for free.

She was unaware that maintenance of the alarm would cost her £3500 over five years.

And she was also under the impression that once she signed up to the agreement, she could not cancel it.

Councillor Peter Convery hit out at the company responsible.

He said: “I am concerned that these tactics may be used within South Ayrshire, possibly preying on vulnerable consumers and bamboozling them with incorrect information and possible scare stories.

“This company appears to be trying to restrict consumers’ rights and elderly or vulnerable people in particular may be persuaded to believe what the salesperson is saying.

“After all, consumers are relying on the expert knowledge of the salesperson.”