Jennifer and I have switched to U-Verse for our Internet service and TV so we don’t need a landline anymore. However, most home alarm systems require a landline for the monitoring service. After some searching online, I found AlarmZone.com. They offer a package that includes the GE Simon 3 wireless alarm system, as well as a monitoring solution over broadband, rather than a phone line. Sounds great, right? I thought it was exactly what I need so I filled out their web form and waited for a call back. About ten minutes later I received a call from a lady at “Protect America” asking if I inquired about alarm service and whether this was the first time contacting the company. I replied I did inquire and I made a mental note about the odd question “is this the first time contacting our company?” This is where it starts to get interesting.
The friendly lady then transferred me to a salesperson by the name of Robert. Robert didn’t have a noticeable accent, but he talked quickly and with demand in his tone. Robert was slick, bordering on cheesy as he rattled off the benefits of their system and the reasons why this system was exactly what I needed. He explained the broadband monitoring method carries an additional $5 fee (what?!?, there is no mention of this additional fee on their website). This would bring the total monitoring fee to almost $40/month, what a joke. I could forgive the inflated prices if it truely is the only option available, but I was definitely going to do more research. The trouble really started when I hinted at not purchasing the system right at that moment. Robert offered to send me an e-mail agreement and if I jumped on the deal right then he would waive the $279 equipment fee. However, if I chose to pass on the deal right now and call back later, I couldn’t get the fee waived. This isn’t even Sales 101, this is Kindergarten sales. I explained the $279 isn’t as important as making an informed decision. At this point Robert reminded me that “I’m in the alarm business and you’re not, so I can tell you this is the best deal out there.” My B.S. meter needle almost shot out of the guage and I was mildly offended by his tone. I tried to bring him back down to reality by again reassuring him the money isn’t an issue and asked for his number so if I decide to go with Alarm Zone or Protect America I would give him a call directly so he can get credit (yeah, right). He rattled off a few more “Consumer Digest” awards and a few more shots at my poor decision to not take advantage of the $279 before I finally got off the phone.
My very first Google search for “Protect America review” brought up this page, which details an experience a little worse than mine, but along the same lines. In my humble opinion, this company is a crock of crap and their sales tactics wreak of taking advantage of passive consumers that succumb to sleazy sales bullying. They won’t get my business and hopefully others can see my experience to weigh their options before giving this company any of their money.
