This summer, beware of door-to-door home security scams. These guys are swindlers and they will lie to get you to switch your account. Their offer will sound great, but it’s not legitimate. You might end up with some unpleasant consequences: double bills, a non-working security system, and a real headache trying to get the situation fixed. Never change your security provider without calling Monitronics first at 800-396-9815.
Look for the signs of a scam:
1. Offering free upgrades or equipment
They might claim that your system is analog and will quit working. This is not true.
2. Claiming that Monitronics is out of business.
We’re here to provide you with reliable, 24/7 protection.
3. Using high pressure sales talk, trying to make you switch security companies.
The pressure should be a red flag: honest and legitimate sales people don’t need to be pushy.
Report these scam artists right away to Monitronics and don’t be fooled. These people are often friendly, neatly dressed, and college-aged. They are usually unassuming and can be perceived as very helpful and informative. The sales pitch varies, but often they will deceive you by saying that your Monitronics home security alarm system is inadequate or faulty and needs to be replaced. They might claim that we are out of business. None of it is true.
They will likely pressure you to sign a contract immediately and install the same day. They’ll even offer to help you cancel your Monitronics service.
If you take advantage of their offer, you immediately risk your home security. The equipment is often installed improperly, which can cause your Monitronics alarm to stop working. Plus, you risk signing multiple long-term service contracts that will force you to pay two monthly bills.
Make sure you know the facts and whom you are dealing with when a door-to-door security sales person shows up. Get the name of the sales person and his or her company and call Monitronics at 800-396-9815. We care about your safety.
Posted in: Business Security, Home Security, Industry Happenings
Is grafitti art or vandalism? It can be as simple as a few words or images sprayed or scrawled on a surface, like a fence or a wall (or a building, which makes people quite unhappy). It can be complex as full color, elaborate murals. The debate rages on the art versus vandalism question, but one form of graffiti is generally agreed to be more dangerous than the rest: gang tagging or gang graffiti.
Gang tagging is when someone marks a place with some sort of image or word that indicates gang territory, fights between rivals or collaborations, or as a way of marketing street drugs. It can mean that you’re in the cross hairs of danger. Plus it’s ugly and makes a neighborhood look trashy.
Many police departments offer graffiti control programs–check with your city to see if they can provide you with more information on how to prevent graffiti vandalism. Here are our tips.
How can you keep graffiti out of your neighborhood?
* Call your local police or sheriff and report all vandalism.
* Remove or paint over any graffiti on your property right away after taking a pictures of it.
* Educate your child about this crime.
* Help neighbors in graffiti removal.
For Business Owners
* Protect spray paint from theft–consider locking the up. And remember not to sell them to minors.
* Place signs in the spray paint area about the penalties for graffiti vandalism.
* Keep spray paint displays in an area that is easily seen by employees.
How to Remove Graffiti
* Keep matching paint on hand so you can cover it right away.
* For glass or previously painted metal surfaces, use MEK (methylethyl ketone) to remove graffiti.
* Ask your local hardware store for other graffiti removal products for glass, unpainted metal surfaces, brick, and cinder block.
What if You See a Tagger in Action?
* DO NOT speak to or attempt to stop the person.
* Get a good description of the person and get a license plate number if possible for police.
* Call 911 to report a vandalism-in-process.
Posted in: Business Security, Home Security, Tuesday tip
There are loads of security companies out there clamoring for your business. How do you cut through the clutter and find the best fit and price? Obviously, we’re a little biased when we say this, but we think Monitronics is the way to go for residential or business security systems. Here’s a checklist for how to pick a security company and a bit about how Moni measures up.
Security
You want to know that your company is watching your premises at all times. Is the monitoring central station 24/7? Are they Five-Diamond Certified? We are both.
Response
How fast can the company respond to your alarm? Every second matters in an emergency. In 2009, our average response time was 22.1 seconds.
Trust
Who are you letting in your door? Are they well-trained and vetted? Our Monitronics authorized dealers go through background checks and are experts at security assessments and installations. They know how to customize a security system to fit your needs.
Guarantee
What happens if you have a problem with your system down the road? What’s the policy on fixing it? Monitronics’ lifetime service guarantee is great insurance. Generally speaking, it covers the parts and labor on your system with a reasonable deductible for any service request.
Convenience
With an online MyMonitronics account, you can pay your bill, update emergency contacts, test your system, and more.
Portability
Will your company relocate your home alarm system for free? We will!
Since 1994, we’ve been earning the trust of our customers through our proven performance and customer service. Let us prove ourselves to you. Visit us online and we’ll connect you with a Monitronics authorized dealer in your area. If you prefer to call, you can reach us by phone at 800-290-0709.
Posted in: Business Security, Home Security, Tuesday tip
During an emergency, every second seems like an eternity. And every one counts. With two-way voice, you can communicate directly with the Monitronics central station without even picking up the phone.
Two-way voice is an audio device that is a part of your alarm system. It has a speaker and microphone so that when an alarm goes off in your home or business, central station can tune in, hear what’s going on, and speak directly with the resident or intruder.
Our five-diamond certified central station responded to calls in an average of 22.1 seconds in 2009. That kind of fast action is crucial when it comes to your well-being.
Two-way voice works when you use a security system that incorporates it as a standard feature. Monitronics has many panels, like the GE Simon XT pictured, where this feature is built-in. Check your owner’s manual with your MyMonitronics account (under “system summary”) to see if your alarm is two-way compatible and how it works.
Other benefits can include:
* Increased sense of security and confidence in alarm system
* Priority response from the police–they know it’s not a false alarm
* Intruders chased from the building
* Reduced false alarms and potential fines for those alarms
* Effective communication for a person not able to get to the phone (like a medical emergency)
* People focused on getting out during a fire, knowing that help is on the way
Generally speaking, a system consists of one speaker and one microphone in the center of the house, which can provide coverage of about 2,500 square feet. If your coverage area needs to be bigger, your authorized Monitronics dealer can add additional speakers and microphones.
If you are interested in learning more about two-way voice and how it can enhance your security, please call 800-447-9239 or visit www.monitronics.com.
Posted in: Business Security, Home Security
Many municipalities in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico require an alarm user to obtain a permit in order to operate a monitored alarm system.That means some paperwork that you need to complete and a possible fee to pay in order for you to legally operate your security system. Without current and up-to-date permits, some law enforcement agencies may not dispatch police, fire, or ambulance to your home or business. That’s a scary proposition.
The way it works is that, if your alarm goes off in a municipality that requires a permit, the alarm monitoring company must give the permit number to dispatch responding authorities. Although not all cities require a permit, it is your responsibility to check with the area authorities and inquire as to the local requirement, to obtain a permit if one is necessary, and to ensure the permit is always kept up-to-date. Contact your local authorities for more information on permits in your city.
Posted in: Business Security, Home Security, Tuesday tip
When you’re buying a home security system, you’re bound to ask yourself, which is right for me: wired or wireless? Both systems have a lot of popular features in common, however, your individual home and needs may determine your best fit. Here is a little guide with the advantages of each type and few items to consider. Read on to see the differences.
Hardwire
• No large transmitters exposed for customers concerned about aesthetics
• Keypad has a smaller footprint on the customer’s wall
• More user codes available
• Only one battery to change
• Most new homes have pre-wiring in place for hard-wire systems
• Less cost on parts to add additional devices to a basic system
Wireless
• Two-way is included and does not require additional cost
• Keyfobs and medical pendants are easily added
• Fewer/no exposed wires for customers concerned about aesthetics
• Shorter installation time means less interruption of the customer’s day
• Easier placement of equipment in desired locations
• Some parts can be sent directly to the customer, eliminating a service call
• Slightly higher installation investment due to cost of equipment
Installing either a wired or wireless monitored alarm system is one of the best things you can do to protect your home and your family from crime, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and help with response to a medical emergency. Plus, a monitored alarm system can lower your homeowners insurance rates up to 20% annually. You can’t go wrong, no matter which style system you choose. If you would like to discuss further any of these differences, please call one of our customer support specialists at 800-447-9239.
Posted in: Business Security, Home Security
