ROANOKE, Va. – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is advising Virginia residents to be wary of Trio Alarm, a door-to-door alarm company that allegedly uses deceptive sales practices to gain new customers.
The BBB says it has received 18 complaints claiming that Norfolk, Va.-based Trio Alarm representatives have misrepresented the company and its services, WSLS10 reports.
RELATED: Should Alarm Companies Join the BBB?
Trio Alarm sales personnel allegedly told consumers that they represented the customer’s current alarm company, and that Trio Alarm had bought their current alarm company’s alarm contract. Further, consumers were told that it was necessary to sign up to Trio Alarm in order to move forward.
The majority of complaints came from the elderly, who said they felt misled, as they signed contracts that they didn’t fully understand, which led to them being signed up with two alarm companies.
Trio Alarm, which has a “D- rating” with the BBB has responded to customer complaints online, apologizing to consumers who felt they were duped, but maintaining that all company sales representatives and technicians wear badges and clothing with a visible Trio Alarm logo.
RELATED: Utah Alarm Companies Atop BBB’s Most Complained About Businesses
For its part, the BBB encourages all consumers to verify the identity of any door-to-door sales representatives. Additionally, the organization urges customers to review all door-to-door alarm companies before signing a contract.
