When the weather heats up, San Antonio sees an increase in door to door sales people. Often they are trying to sell you a new home security system. As News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooter Jaie Avila reports, the state is warning homeowners about unlicensed alarm companies.
Many of us have an alarm company sign in front of our house to discourage crooks. But they can also attract unlicensed security system salespeople who show up unannounced, start asking questions about your home security and offer to sell you a better system.
Ofelia Bairnsfather doesn't know if the salesman who came to her door Monday night was licensed or not, she didn't know he had to be. She just knew she was uncomfortable with a stranger coming to her door after 8PM.
"Because you don't know if they are who they say they are," says Bairnsfather. "Then they get to know information about your security system, and that's really scary because you try to get the security system to feel safe in your home."
In the warmer months, some security companies hire high school or college students to work neighborhoods and sell on commission, which the Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association says can lead to overly aggressive sales tactics. And if the salesperson isn't licensed with the Texas Department of Public Safety, they are breaking the law.
"I think door-to-door particularly for me doesn't make me feel very comfortable and trusting to that company," says Bairnsfather.
If someone shows up at your door and tries to sell you an alarm system you should ask to see their state ID card, which should have their picture on the front. That way, you know they are licensed and have been through a criminal background check.
Once you get that salesman's ID number, you can click here to check the number with the DPS website.
