Complaint Review: ADT Security

It states directly in the residential contract exactly how much of a fee you will be assessed if you cancel for each year of the contract.

Had a couple of alarm "drops" the other night. About 5 minutes after I left my store the alarm goes off. FIRST time I go back to the store and contact the dispatcher, she tells me how to re-set the alarm so it won't go off again and I leave. FIVE minutes after I leave the store, the alarm goes off AGAIN. The first dispatcher didn't know spit. When I'm talking to the second dispatcher, HE doesn't know spit. When I arrive for the SECOND time within 30 minutes, I contact another dispatcher and this guy really knows his stuff. Well, one out of three isn't bad. He got me all set up and on the road for the second time that night.

all contracts have a 36month monitoring statement on them unless arangments made disreguard sales rep hes done his job was he adt or authorized dealer try 1800adtasap

You signed a contract without reading what it said. Read the contract before signing.

"By being SLEAZY"? Whatever happened to dennis what's his name? Wasn't he the president of tyco/adt? The one with the multi-million dollar birthday party? The one doing jail time.

adt is probably one of the worst company's around. IMO. The reason they got to be ONE OF THE BIGGEST is they bought out just about every little alarm company around. Several years ago, I think they were getting fined several million dollars per day for not being able to provide the services they said they would be able to when they bought out a bunch of the little companies. We're still involved in a law suit with them years later. Which they still refuse to acknowledge.

Know what it takes to get around an adt system? A pair of wire cutters. I was told my system was monitored every 3 seconds. It is until the guy cuts the telephone line with a pair of wirecutters. Then, no monitoring. They're hitting adt systems all over the US. Then they try and sell me a new system for $10,000. The system did what it was suppose to do, there just wasn't any contact between the shop and the station. We ended up with a cellular backup for $300. Much less then the $10,000 they tried to sell me.

We have been ADT subscribers for over 20 years, with no problems. Their monitoring center is excellent, and they have responded quickly - sometimes due to our own error in tripping the alarm.

They are not the ONLY qualified and competent alarm company, but our dealings with them have been excellent. NOTE: we have never dealt with "dealers", but only with ADT local and corporate direct employees. There has never been any pressure - in fact when the alarm was initially installed they recommended against certain features because of the cost/benefit of adding them.

I highly recommend ADT - but againt they are not the only reputable agency. Make sure your alarm company's monitoring is UL approved. Read what you sign. ADT didn't get to be one of the largest in the world (covering many commercial and industrial building) by being sleazy. They may be a bit pricey - but you get what you pay for.

Are you sure you were not dealing with an ADT dealer? This does not sound like the tactics used at ADT corporate, but sounds EXACLTY like a dealer. If it is ADT corporate there is plenty of management available to take your issue up with. Regardless you need to get in touch with them, if this was a dealer, then corporate needs to know about them. They get kicked out of the program if they are deceptive or give false information.

More than likely you signed a 3-year contract, which is usual and customary for any security company to require. This information was not hidden, you would have had to sign something. If you didn't sign anything, you shouldn't be obligated to anthing.

And regarding the free month, it usually takes about three months to hit. You will get a normal bill, and are obligated to pay it. Usually by the third month you will see the credit. This is also normal, and any salesperson there for more than two months would have also known this.

YOU need to be more careful, and read what you sign.

Signed,

An ex employee that still has good things to say about them.

Years ago an adt salesmen comes to my shop. He says he use to be a SAPD cop but left. Now years ago, SAPD were the highest paid department in TX and about the third highest in the nation and NO ONE "left" unless they were "asked" to leave, one step ahead of charges, so I knew something wasn't right with this ahole.

Anyway, at the time he comes in, I'm having trouble with my current alarm company. I don't tell him that, but IF my current alarm company doesn't do what I want it to do, maybe I'll change companies. All I tell him is I'm thinking about it. I don't have to tell him jack.

After a couple of weeks, my alarm company gets off it's *&*& and does the required work. The adt jerk calls me up and I tell him I've deceided to stay with my current company and why. He goes nuts and cusses me out and tells me I've wasted his *&*&ing time. Didn't say a word. Asked one of the cops who work for me what happened to him. He tells me they booted him because he came onto some other cops wife at a department party, weapons were drawn. What an *&*&. Typical adt salesmen. Years later adt buys out my alarm company and now I'm stuck with them. adt bites.

Years ago an adt salesmen comes to my shop. He says he use to be a SAPD cop but left. Now years ago, SAPD were the highest paid department in TX and about the third highest in the nation and NO ONE "left" unless they were "asked" to leave, one step ahead of charges, so I knew something wasn't right with this ahole.

Anyway, at the time he comes in, I'm having trouble with my current alarm company. I don't tell him that, but IF my current alarm company doesn't do what I want it to do, maybe I'll change companies. All I tell him is I'm thinking about it. I don't have to tell him jack.

After a couple of weeks, my alarm company gets off it's *&*& and does the required work. The adt jerk calls me up and I tell him I've deceided to stay with my current company and why. He goes nuts and cusses me out and tells me I've wasted his *&*&ing time. Didn't say a word. Asked one of the cops who work for me what happened to him. He tells me they booted him because he came onto some other cops wife at a department party, weapons were drawn. What an *&*&. Typical adt salesmen. Years later adt buys out my alarm company and now I'm stuck with them. adt bites.

Years ago an adt salesmen comes to my shop. He says he use to be a SAPD cop but left. Now years ago, SAPD were the highest paid department in TX and about the third highest in the nation and NO ONE "left" unless they were "asked" to leave, one step ahead of charges, so I knew something wasn't right with this ahole.

Anyway, at the time he comes in, I'm having trouble with my current alarm company. I don't tell him that, but IF my current alarm company doesn't do what I want it to do, maybe I'll change companies. All I tell him is I'm thinking about it. I don't have to tell him jack.

After a couple of weeks, my alarm company gets off it's *&*& and does the required work. The adt jerk calls me up and I tell him I've deceided to stay with my current company and why. He goes nuts and cusses me out and tells me I've wasted his *&*&ing time. Didn't say a word. Asked one of the cops who work for me what happened to him. He tells me they booted him because he came onto some other cops wife at a department party, weapons were drawn. What an *&*&. Typical adt salesmen. Years later adt buys out my alarm company and now I'm stuck with them. adt bites.

I just read your report on moving, being lyed to, first months pay for your bill. I have been with ADT as a contracted rep for an authorized dealer for almost a year now and have zero charge backs meaning I have not had a canceled customer.

Most people customers and ex employees left some really good advise to the point. The one that was with ADT for 3 months, I can't so much agree with. Some thing people need to understand about ADT or any large corporation be it a security company, a fitness gym, or a car dealership.

Like a car dealership. You do not hate Pontiac for a bad sales guy. You take it up with that specific dealer. Does not mean pontiacs are bad. It's like a franchise marketing a branded product. The franchisee can only hope that the franchise will represent it ethically and honestly. I feel good about helping people secure their families with ADT Security.

Other feed backs said it best. No matter what the rep said. WITH ANYTHING YOU SIGN... ALWAYS ask questions and read what you sign before signing. I find it a little hard to believe the rep said HEY sign here... sign here... sign here.. .hey welcome. I'll pay this... I'll pay that.. and you said OK.. where do I sign. Which from what I read is how I interpreted it. Things happen in life and yes it some times is hard to stick to a contract when life throws a curve ball at you.

The portion of your complaint I am hoping I can clear up would be the first months pay of your monthly monitoring. That is a technique or seal the deal some may call it I myself some times use. Here is how it should have worked if the ADT rep was honest and truely cared about servicing you and explained it correctly. Offering to pay your first months rent.

It will STILL be drafted from your check/CC month 1. That is a requirement by ADT unless you out right pay your term in full. That should have been explained with, you will be drafted, how ever I AM paying for your 1st month as a way to say welcome to the ADT family. And I personally deliver a personal check or cash out of my own pocket to compensate. Just means a lower commission. How ever is a nice incentive, that helps with competive security companies that may offer this special, this free, or that upgrade. That is seperate from the company. Some places may do it in house. I do not know. I have retained a relationship and get referals from most that I service. Bottom line. ALWAYS read what you sign and ALWAYS ask questions. If it doesn't feel right or sounds to good to be true. Don't do it or ask some more questions untill you can feel good about it.

Also as far as your remaining contract. If you are not in collections you may or may not be able to do this. Contact ADT directly to find out. If the time frame is with in reason per corporate, you can attempt to contact the current home owner who lives at your previous residence, let them know you are the previous owner/tenant and let them know you do not need the service any more and had a 1...2...3.. year contract.

They can continue your contract out and emphasize they do not have to pay the activation.. the installation, a deposit or any other fees you may have had to pay when you got your service first activated. I have not seen this scenario often how ever the cases I have seen. The new resident wanted the service so it was a win/win for both parties.

If you believe that the rep pulled a fast one on you and you are in the right. Continue to fight it. Keep in mind ADT being the largest and one of the oldest most respected in the industry has heard it all. So be honest and if your situation and case is just. They will work with you. Best of luck in getting what you want or working it out. Should you ever need to secure your family in your next home. Get the facts and give ADT a second chance.

ADT customers can not judge former ADT Sales Reps simply because they are one of the lucky ones who have had satisfactory service. It is actually those of us who are honest, hard-working people that decided to leave ADT because we were tired of lying to customers. Having that said, everything depends on the sales office which you are dealing with!

While some ADT reps and customers may be completely happy with their ADT experience, it is those frustrated customers and employees who have had repeatedly BAD experiences with this company that want to leave or cancel their service. I too worked a short time for ADT before I realized how hard I was working my butt off for a cocky unappreciative sales manager. So unless you worked for ADT under a jerk sales manager, you can't judge us.

Finally, as for the original report, as a renter, you were not required to sign a 3-year contract. USAA (military) are only required a 1 year contract assuming they may have to relocate, and I thought renters were the same...but at the most 2 years because you do not own the equipment and you are also assumed to relocate since you are a renter. Homeowners are required at least a 3-year contract because ADT "says" they are selling hardware for a fraction of what it really costs and the monitoring is how they get their money back (not exactly true).

The point is, you should not have been required to sign for more than 2 years, HOWEVER, the Sales Rep is going to attempt to get you to sign for at least 3 years because this is where we made our commission. The better the monitoring contract, the better the commission. Unfortunately, you signed the contract, but in your defense, an HONEST sales rep would have explained the stipulations. Rather, the "good" sales reps may not disclose the sometimes unfavorable terms because most of the stipulations are a turn-off for a customer and explaining contract terms might lose a sale.

In reading the derogatory comments made by the former employees of ADT it concerns me that you are so harsh on a company that you spent less than a year working for. From the people I know that are in commission only sales positions they have always been pushed to make their numbers Talk to any car dealer and they will tell you the same, if you aren't making your numbers then you're performance is not meeting expectations.

All companies, privately or publicly owned, push their employees to perform to some sort of expectation and in a sales environment the expectation is to sell their product. Maybe ADT's error was hiring employees who were not cut out to be in sales.

I have also never met a sales person who didn't despise every company they weren't currently working for. They absolutely despise any company they used to work for.

I have been a customer of ADT for 9 years, sure I've had my problems, but for being with a company for that long, who hasn't? I will continue using ADT to protect my family, home, and business, they are the largest in the country, and they didn't get there by being liars and thieves. READ and UNDERSTAND the contract before you sign it.

I worked for ADT for several years and can tell you that they have been in business for decades because of their commitment and integrity. One salesperson who may have misquoted a charge does not a "company of thieves" make.

As for contract disputes, when you sign your name to a legally binding document, you are affirming that you have reviewed the terms and are agreeing to them. You should be cautious with your signature, and if you have difficulty understanding the contract, contact a friend or family member who can assist you.

It is improper to place a report against a company simply because you could not comprehend the contract you signed. My time spent with ADT (working in the monitoring center) was deeply rewarding, and I can attest to the millions of happy customers protected by ADT each and every day.

Yes, unfortunately, ADT is a sleazy company as all other alarm companies. In this world of crime, however, we need alarms to feel safe in our homes. I also worked for them for 7 months and I was MISERABLE. They PUSH, PUSH, PUSH the sales people and drive them crazy! The expect them to work 12-14 hour days, 6-7 days a week, go on appointments, knock on doors in the evenings (how safe is that?), and spend hours late in the evenings calling "potential" customers. They don't care about anyone's family life - they treat sales people as if they are their "slaves" and own them.

Training is supposed to be 3 months - however, 70% of the people they hire quit before the end of the training period. All they care about is selling the 3 year contract of which they make lots of money. Most sales people are just doing what is "expected" from them if they want to keep a job there.

Granted, there are some sleeze bags that don't care about the customer - just making money. I was not one of those - I really enjoyed meeting people and helping them feel safe. Unfortunately, they (ADT supervisors) don't promote establishing a relationship with customers - money is all that matters. I will tell you that ADT is not usually that difficult to deal with about getting out of your contract as other alarm companies such as Brinks (except they will report you to the credit bureau). My understanding is tht Brinks will go into your hous, take out their equipment and put a lien on your house so they can get paid when you sell. Just stand your ground and don't pay them.

As I said, they'll report you to the credit bureau but will do nothing else. Good luck.
Lori

First of all - I did not install the alarm system. I never said that. Pay attention. When I moved in the system was already in. Secondly, I have children so whether it's a house I own or not is irrelevant. There was no issue with the landlord. So stay focussed and you'll get what's going on sooner or later. On top of this if you work for ADT you're as big a SNAKE as they are. The point of my report was to say that there were hidden term in their contract. Cancellation fees are not unsual but 75% is ridiculous and adhesive. If you don't know what adhesive means go look it up. You'll see the ADT logo next to the word.

I have recently just left the company.
And I have to say, atleast in the office I worked at, the sales people are lying much of the time.
You do not underany circumstances have to sign a 3 yr contract. You do have to sign a contract but can do it for 1, 2 or 3 yrs. The monthly fee is does get more expensive the shorter the term though.

Also, the warranty (quality service plan) is $6.00/month. you do not have to accept this! Most sales people just tell you its built into the monthly fee. BS!! If you don't want it have them take it off and lower your monthly fee by $6.00
It is ADT policy to charge 75% of the remaining contract length if you cancel early. Most companies have a similar (but less outrageous) policy of early termination. I urge you to take care of this before it goes to collections!! I recommend going to the BBB and file a complaint and be as thourough as possible in your complaint.

List names, dates, anything you can and alot of times you can get the fee waived. BUT YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW THROUGH AND GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING OR GET NAMES.

ADT is a sleazy company! I only worked there 3 mos. and I couldnt take it!

First, why in the world did you get a security system installed in a house you do not own? Did your landlord approve of this?

I have ADT and I know there are many papers to sign before installation. You have to read them carefully. It does state (at least in mine) that you have to pay for monitoring service for a certain length of time. In my case it was one year. After that, you can do what you want. As for the free month, never rely on salespeople - get it in writing. If they refuse - beware.