Texas homeowners are being warned by the Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA) to be aware of unlicensed alarm companies who are selling alarm systems illegally.

Out-of-state alarm companies have allowed door-to-door salespeople to misrepresent vital contractual elements in order to pressure and mislead homeowners into signing a long-term monitoring contact with hidden fees, according to TBFAA.

“Unfortunately, we have seen a tremendous rise this summer across the state of homeowners who have been mislead into buying one of these rogue alarm systems,” says Chris Russell, TBFAA president. “If approached by a door-to-door salesperson, consumers should first check for references on the company and ask to see the salesperson’s ‘pocket card’ issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Bureau (PSB). If the salesperson does not have a card, which will include their picture, they are not licensed to sell alarm systems in the state of Texas.”

In order to operate in the state of Texas, all alarm companies must register with the PSB.

Russell says alarm companies are capitalizing on college students seeking summer employment by sending teams of salespeople to cities across Texas. “While licensed alarm representatives will complete the process ethically and responsibly, these representatives will not,” he says.

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