Police Chief Cautions Residents to Beware of High- Pressure Sales Tactics

If someone comes to your door trying to pressure you into buying a home security system, Chief Randy Caplinger urges you to report that to the Smithville Police Department.
According to Chief Caplinger, the police department has been receiving complaints from some who have felt uncomfortable with the sales pitch made to them. As part of their high pressure tactics, Chief Caplinger said these people will mention names of prominent citizens in the community who have bought their product, using that as a means of persuading the prospective buyer to make the purchase as well. “Several young college age people have been in here going door to door selling home security systems,” said Chief Caplinger. ” The company they are representing is AMP Security but a lot of people are misunderstanding thinking they are affiliated with ADT Security company, which they are not. They are working for a company called Vector Security out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. AMP Security is out of Utah,” he said
“According to the complaints we are getting, a lot of the people (homeowners) are being pressured to buy these systems and being told by the salesmen that someone they (homeowners) know has already purchased this system, and has (referred the salesmen) to them (homeowners). What we are finding is, the people’s names they (salesmen) are using did not buy the systems,” said Chief Caplinger.
“We would ask that if anyone comes to your door trying to sell you a security system, and they tell you that someone you know sent them, before purchasing that system, we ask that you actually call that person (you know) and ask if they actually bought the system and if they know anything about it and find out what the up front cost is. Make sure you know exactly what you are paying for up front and what is going to be involved in this because with the contracts we have looked at, there is only a three day clause in there to actually back out of that contract and to have that equipment removed,” he said.
“If you feel pressured in any way to buy that system and you are unsure, just contact us and we will speak with these people,” said Chief Caplinger.”We already know who they are. We have their names. People are telling us they are being pressured. They feel uncomfortable. It sounds real good to them and it may be a good deal but we want people to feel comfortable. They are using some of the prominent names in Smithville, telling them that these people have already purchased these systems, which they haven’t. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, don’t purchase anything. Tell them you want to check further. Call the police department and we will send an officer out there to make sure everything is okay,” said Chief Caplinger.

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