Door Knockers: Warning Signs of a Door to Door Scam

Summertime is a time to enjoy swimming, barbeques and other outdoor activities. If you’re like many people, there is a lot more going on in and around your house during summer, and it may not even be uncommon to have drop-in guests. We’d like to tell you about one drop-in guest you don’t want at your door: Door knockers.

Door knockers are people who represent themselves as legitimate professionals, but their real goal is to gain access to your home. They do this to learn about your existing home security system in to make it easier to commit a burglary or robbery later. Some door-to-door security sales men may even claim to be from ADT.

Here’s how to tell if it’s a real ADT professional:
• ADT professionals usually drive marked vehicles and wear ADT uniforms.
• Our representatives carry a photo ID and business cards, which they will gladly show you.
• Most of our customer appointments are prescheduled, not cold calls

If you’re not sure the person at your door is from ADT, ask for his ID number and call us at 1-800-ADT-ASAP (238-2727) to verify it and we’ll be happy to help you. If the solicitor is unwilling to show you ID or stalls for time, there’s a good chance they aren’t legitimate. Don’t let them in or volunteer any information about your home alarm system.

So what are warning signs of a door to door scammer or con artist?
• Vagueness – If the salesperson doesn’t identify themselves by name or the name company they’re from, that is suspicious. “I’m from the alarm company” or “We’re affiliated with ADT” are highly suspicious.
• Pesky persistence – Real ADT representatives are professional and courteous, and won’t make you feel pressured to enter your residence. If the salesperson is aggressive or frightening, simply shut the door. If that seems rude, remember – he’s on your property
• Asking for money – If they ask for cash or request credit card information for a supposedly “free” installation.

If you truly fear for your safety, call the police or activate your ADT alarm. That’s what we’re here for. We have a bulletin with additional facts about these phony ADT door knockers here: http://bit.ly/MN895P. Be sure to tell the other members of your household, as well as your loved ones, about these con artists and we can help defeat their unscrupulous activities.

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Who Is Really Knocking On Your Door?  

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