Warning over security alarm scam

Older people are being caught out by the home security scam

Residents in North Lanarkshire have been warned to be on their guard against companies offering to install "free" home security systems.

Police said elderly residents in particular were being "frightened" into accepting alarms which they were then forced to pay maintenance costs for.

Seven incidents involving cold calling offers were reported in the past week.

The firms often quoted "inflated" crimes statistic and claimed the alarms had been recommended by the police.

In some cases those trying to sell the alarm systems had used the names of local police officers and said they had endorsed the product.

The firms also claimed to have the backing of the local authority.

If the product or price you are being offered sounds too good to be true then it probably is Shiona Campbell Scottish Scambusters

Community safety officer with Strathclyde Police, Pc Dougie Denholm, said: "Such companies quote crime figures which do not relate to the area and appear to be frightening people into purchasing alarm systems or taking 'free' alarms which then incur an annual cost to monitor the system.

"If you have any doubt as to the content or accuracy of such telephone calls, then contact the community safety department at your local police office for advice."

Shiona Campbell, of Scottish Scambusters, the national Trading Standards enforcement team, said: "I would advise consumers not to buy anything based on a cold call.

"If the product or price you are being offered sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

"If you are making a major purchase, try to get at least three quotes from reputable companies."

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