Beware of Security System Solicitor Going Door-to-Door

Neighbors of Broadlands -

I wanted to make you all aware of a solicitor going door-to-door in our community right now.

Over the last several days, a guy from a company called "APX" (pronounced "Apex", like the legit security company) has been canvassing my neighborhood going to houses that advertise they have a security system installed (ADT, Apex, Brinks, Vector, etc.) This guy pitches a problem with the currently installed system (if the phone line is cut from the outside on the back of the house, the alarm will sound if the house is broken into, but the monitoring company won't be notified). He says that his company has a fix for this problem, which is, installing a new cellular keypad and then hooking it up to their monitoring center. Sounds good, but this is where it gets interesting, and a bit sketchy...

1. He says that they have a hard time marketing this "fix", so they're going door-to-door (and only targeting homes with existing security systems, instead of trying to sell systems to new customers as well)

2. He's willing to do it for free

3. He wants to do it immediately, and doesn't have business cards when you ask to think it over and then follow-up with him

4. He said a Loudoun County cop around the corner just had it done and he also installed some upgrades on windows, etc.

5. He asked for my marital status and name

It didn't set right with me, so I called both my security company and the Sheriff's office soon after he left. They sent an officer out to look for the guy. You just never know when someone is actually trying to case your home. Please be wary of this individual if he comes knocking in your neighborhood...and don't answer any of his questions, as he may just be fishing for info. He will be wearing a black or navy polo shirt with "APX" stitched in red, and goes by the name of Jeff or Alex, if I recall correctly.

And, I'm not the only one a bit unnerved by this guy...my next door neighbor was, too. Stay safe!

 

We've actually had confrontations with him in our hood. Someone threatened to call the cops on him. Shows up after 9 one night. Not sure what to think of him, just aggressive/ambitious or someone to worry about. Someone called his employer and they do admit to employing him though, FWIW...

 

"We've actually had confrontations with him in our hood. Someone threatened to call the cops on him. Shows up after 9 one night. Not sure what to think of him, just aggressive/ambitious or someone to worry about. Someone called his employer and they do admit to employing him though, FWIW..."

and he does have the county certificate that is required for him to sell door to door. I am pretty sure he is legit. When he came to my home I told him I called the cops on the last Apex guy and he quickly left my door no questions asked and not very interested in selling me anything.
I have a feeling that Apex is just on overly forceful company in there selling methods and that they use scare tactics to get to people

Staci

 

Time to resurrect this thread again. A person from "AMP" security firm is employing the exact same tactics. Was just at my door moments ago. Sent him off saying I'll call him if I am interested. But the story was EXACTLY the same.

 

Gary Washington of www.secureyourfamilyasap.com paid us (well, our door since we didn't open it) a visit around 7:30pm. We live in the SW Townhouse section.

 

THANKS LINUX! this is really useful info- appreciate you doing the research!

 

This is kinda creepy. Sounds like this guy is collecting information to see which houses are easier to hit.

I don't think I would ever do any security business from a door-to-door sales dude.

 

Townhomes across from Summerbrooke Pool.

He did share a phone number and a website. www.ampalarm.com.

 

Note:
If you are a little concerned about these sham-salesmen's claims of a cut phone line meaning your security system won't alert the "home office" -- call your security company and ask them if their system registers a cut phone line. Also most security companies already offer Cellular backup as add-ons to existing security plans. If you want cellular backup, stick with the company you have, right?

 

Maybe the same group??

- Solicitor Violation: Deputies were called to a residence when a resident complained of overaggressive solicitors selling home alarm systems on the 100 block of West Juniper Avenue in Sterling at 8:55 p.m. Friday. The suspects, both of Fairfax, were charged with soliciting without a license.

 

Yesterday I had a guy come to my door purporting to work for ADT. He tried on several occasions to have me let him into my house (my husband was out and I was home alone). His unprofessional approach to selling security was a major red flag for me. Upon inspecting his business card more closely, his company is Absolute Security Inc USA, only an authorized dealer for ADT. Something about his nature made me very uneasy and I wanted to alert all other HOA members to watch out for this guy. He did make a follow-up call to my husband so the sale seems legit but his pushy approach towards a woman who was home alone was very disturbing.

Has anyone else had the same experiences?