Customer buzzing over alarm service cancellation

Date Published: Jul 15 2010

COMPLAINT: Karla Cunningham, Pittsburgh

"I hired ADT Security System Services of Pittsburgh to install an alarm system with a cell phone transmitter. After being quoted an installation price of $199, my final bill was $459.

"After four-plus hours of a technician installing the equipment, I was stewing over the higher-than-expected charges. I felt like I had been completely ripped off.

"I found a copy of my consumer right to cancel the service within three business days pursuant to Pennsylvania law. I wrote a letter, and mailed it priority mail the following day. I've been going back and forth with ADT Pittsburgh and ADT Central ever since.

"I have filed complaints with the attorney general, Better Business Bureau, and sent letters to the heads of Tyco International (ADT's parent company), ADT Worldwide and ADT North America."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I want a refund of $459, and I want them to return and install to its original condition the equipment they removed from my home."

STATUS: Penalty Box

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Comments

Permalink Submitted by Carlos on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

It may be too much to ask for, if customer claims to be restore the previous equipment to its original condition. That could be the no. 1 problem why the company it's not resolving the issue. We are all humans and must be reasonable when comes to refunds. Get a estimate and writing and work with 100% satisfation guarantee companies. Good luck!

Permalink Submitted by Rick on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

If they removed/changed your old equipment, they should be responsible for putting it back - PERIOD. Any less is sub-standard.

Permalink Submitted by James on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

When a company does an install in a home that has previously installed equipment they are NOT to take the existing equipment. They are essentially stealing from you, or the previous alarm company if you were leasing the equipment. The price you were originally quoted should have included the 99 dollar activation fee and the pro rated amount for the remaining month of monitoring they were offering. You DO have 3 days from the date the technician installed the security system, the form you signed is a "Notice of Cancellation." ADT has to receive in writing the cancellation notice before the end of business on the third day. ADT is a good company, but sometimes the dealers can make security companies look bad.

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