Protection One Beware: A Spider's Web of Billing Practices Wichita Kansas
When I had problems with their previously installed security system that left half my house unprotected, I was informed that it was an "old system" and the hardware was no longer supported. They then tried to push me into installing a new system. I shopped around and found another service that could install a new system and provide monthly monitoring for far less money than Protection One. I sent Protection One a cancellation for the monthly monitoring, but they continued to bill me BECAUSE: 1) I had sent the cancellation to the "payment office" instead of the "billing office," and 2) It is THEIR policy to only allow cancellations every three months. So, despite not even using their service, I have to pay a total of four extra months and mail another cancellation to the "correct" address. (Silly.)
Read your agreements carefully and just line out things that don't make sense. I don't have time to mess with these guys other than to write this report on their gross lack of: 1) good customer service, and 2) just plain common sense.
Arthur
Sedona, Arizona
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Bart Mann
Sedona,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Canned Response by the Company - Never Happened
#3Author of original report
Tue, December 02, 2008
If you read the company's response to my original complaint, it sounds like they really wanted to try to fix things with their nice, comforting "we're-here-for-you" tone, right?
Nope.
I called the number listed on their published response, got a recorded message, left messages and did not hear from them -- except to get yet ANOTHER BILL for MORE money. These guys are unbelievable. Please, learn from my experience, and expense, and AVOID PROTECTION ONE as there are much, much better companies out there.
I can only hope our weakened U.S. economy serves to purge companies like this who seem to run from reasonable customer service in favor of harassment and short-term billings.
Arthur
Sedona, Arizona
U.S.A.
Stephanie
Wichita,Kansas,
U.S.A.
Dear Arthur
#3UPDATE Employee
Wed, October 22, 2008
Dear Arthur,
I am in receipt of your complaint. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to assist you. Please contact me immediately so I can ensure that your allegations are investigated, as there are comments which do not accurately display our proceedures regarding cancellation. I look forward to hearing back from you and I extend my sincerest apology for any inconvenience you may have experienced while trying to reach a resolution to your concerns.
Respectfully,
Stephanie Winkler
Executive Customer Relations
Direct: 316-352-2680
Toll: 877-835-3338
Email: stephaniewinkler@protectionone.com