Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
Q: This past Friday evening a sales person knocked on my door. He was selling home alarm systems and boy, was he smooth! Because it’s obvious that I am a senior citizen, I truly believe he played on my fear of living alone. Ultimately, he did talk me into buying the system. Now that I’ve had the chance to look over all the paperwork he has left me with I see that I could be stuck in a five year contract with a termination clause. By the end of the contract I will have paid a small fortune for the system. Is this some sort of a scam? – A.G., Levittown
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A: Most importantly, consumers must always be wary of anyone selling door to door. They will tend to use high pressure to sell their service or product. By the time they have finally broken down the homeowner’s reluctance, a contract has been signed. Since the contract is signed in the home, every consumer has the right to the 3-day cooling off period or what is commonly called the “3-day right to rescission”. A giant red flag should go up if the salesman advises you that his installer can do the installation immediately or the very next day. By doing that you are effectively giving up your 3 day right to cancel, which quite frankly is what they want you to do. If a consumer has the opportunity and is given the time to thoroughly read the terms and conditions most would have never agreed to sign the contract.
Keep in mind that many municipalities require a permit to solicit door to door. Never allow anyone in your home without the proper permit and proper identification. If you are interested in getting an alarm company service in your home check around to compare service and prices. Get the best deal you can get. Most likely it isn’t with the door to door salesperson.
For additional consumer tips and brochures covering a variety of topics please visit us at the Bucks County Consumer Protection website. http://www.buckscounty.org/government/CommunityServices/ConsumerProtection/ConsumerTips
