West Virginia Attorney General: Trio Alarm Uses Deceptive Sales Tactics

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has filed a civil complaint against Trio Alarm, claiming that the door-to-door alarm sales company tricked customers into signing contracts with the firm.

CHARLESTON, W.V. – West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is investigating allegations against Wisconsin-based Trio Alarms, which residents claim used deceptive sales tactics to sell its security systems.

The attorney general filed a civil complaint against Trio Alarm and manager Tyler Ignatowski on May 27. The complaint alleges that Trio’s employees made door-to-door sales of home security systems even though the company did not have a license to do so in the state of West Virginia. Additionally, the complaint claims that sales representatives used fraudulent high-pressure sales practices to deceive customers, Charleston Daily Mail reports.

RELATED: BBB Warns Virginia Residents About Trio Alarm’s Deceptive Sales Practices

The complaint states that Trio Alarm employees looked for home with window stickers or yard signs that indicated that a security system was installed in the residence. Sales reps allegedly told homeowners that Trio Alarm acquired the firm that installed the original security system or that Trio was “upgrading” the current system.

Consumers said that they signed documents they believed authorized the upgrade of their current system. Months later consumers realized they signed contracts to pay Trio for the installation of a new security system and monitoring after receiving bills from their original providers and Trio.

Some consumers were charged early termination fees by their original providers or had to pay to have a system from a licensed dealer reinstalled, according to the complaint.

RELATED: Door-to-Door Alarm Firm Faces Lawsuit for Misleading Ohio Consumers

Trio’s alleged actions are a violation of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act. Under the act, Trio is subject to a fine of up to $5,000 for each individual violation.

Part of the complaint is a petition for injunctive relief, which would prevent Trio from collecting or attempting to collect any money from its “customers” until the courts make a final determination in the matter, Charleston Daily Mail reports.

Trio has 30 days from the date of filing to respond to the allegations.

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