Complaint Review: Protect America

On Sep 09, 2002 I signed a three-yr contract with Protect America, Inc. for a security alarm system.
Back in 2004, I called and explained to Customer Service that I had moved out and didn't need the service anymore since my new house came with an integrated alarm system. I was told that I had signed a three-yr contract and had to wait until the expiration date.

At the beginning of 2005, I called them and asked about the expiration date of my contract, since I had misplaced it. I was told it would expire in Sep 2005 and that I'd have to send a letter 30 days in advance to cancel my service.

Thirty days prior to my 3rd year anniversary with them, I faxed them a termination letter. Surprisingly, in Oct 2005, my account was debited again. I called the Customer Service line and was told that my contract had renewed automatically for 1 more year since I had sent a letter 30 days prior to the expiration date, instead of 60 days, per the contract. They didn't didn't accept my letter as a service cancellation notice.

Needless to say, I was furious. I then instructed my bank to reject any debits coming from Protect America, Inc.


In October 5, 2006, I received a letter from Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, LLC stating that Protect America, Inc. had placed my account with them. They were willing to accept the balance due in the amount of $518.72.
I think Protect America should switch its name to Rip Off America, Inc. They rely on the customer's forgetfulness and or misplaced contracts. They made the contract in such a way that no one is able to get out of it. Furthermore, their customer service associates do not have ethical procedures, since they lie. I know I'm not the only one with this type of complaint, so I would greatly appreciate it if you do something about this. My credit history was spotless, until Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, LLC reported me as delinquent. I want Protect America to mend this situation. I want my credit clean again and my FICO score as it was before. I think this is the least they can do. They've done so much harm already and don't deserve to continue doing business. Protect America Inc. needs to pay every penny they've taken away from its customers and then disappear from this planet.

Miriam
San Antonio, Texas
U.S.A.