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News Release

Contact: Matt Laible, Communications Department, 612-673-2786

Be wary of high-pressure sales pitches for home alarm systems

Aug. 21, 2007 (MINNEAPOLIS) Minneapolis is warning residents to be wary of door-to-door home alarm sales efforts in city neighborhoods. Offers that include free alarm equipment can easily cost homeowners hundreds of dollars in the long run.

A home alarm system can be a good idea for some homeowners, but it’s important to make sure you understand all the costs that could be involved. In some cases, there are hidden installation fees associated with new alarm systems. And all companies charge monthly monitoring fees, which can range from $30 to $50 or more. Depending on the deal, homeowners can be locked into a servicing contract for two-to-three years.

In addition, homeowners foot the bill for false alarms in Minneapolis. On the first false alarm call, residents are assessed a registration fee of $30. The second one in a year costs $100, and the charge goes up $100 for each one after that. Poor-quality alarm systems could trigger false alarms on their own, making the resident pay this cost again and again.

False alarms are very costly to taxpayers because they can tie up police and other emergency resources needed for actual crimes. For this reason, the City requires homeowners to cover some of the costs associated with false alarms.

If an alarm salesperson comes to your home, the Department of Regulatory Services advises you to do the following:

• Make sure the business is licensed – All door-to-door salespeople operating in Minneapolis need to carry a solicitor’s license: a picture I.D. card that customers can ask to see. If they do not provide one, it’s a sign that the business may not be on the up-and-up. To find out whether a salesperson or company is licensed, call Minneapolis 311.

• Document your conversation – Take good notes on the offers. Get the salesperson’s name, the company name and phone number. Also, get a written statement – not an estimate – that lists all costs, including installation and monthly or annual monitoring fees.

• Ask about the company’s policy – If the false alarm is due to faulty equipment, will you be reimbursed? Will service calls for the alarm be charged to you? Any contract should have this in writing.

• Do not sign up right away or feel pressured to do so – Many sales pitches try to prompt you to act on the spot with one-time offers or other special deals. Remember, there are many alarm companies to choose from.

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Communications Department
301M City Hall
Minneapolis, MN 55415

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