Jakes452 said:
Be sure to closey investigate (primarily if you buy online) any of the alarm
sellers. You wouldnt want to buy from someone whose sideline is
understanding your alarm system for the purpose of exploiting it later or
passing info on that could be used to gain access to your home.
While the possibility exists it's extremely remote that anyone could gain
access to your security system without your knowledge. There would have to
be some pretty extra-ordinary programming parameters that would have to
match exactly first. The *only* way that could happen is with the
cooperation of the alarm owner or end user (unless of course those
parameters were still at the factory default). Even so, on systems like DSC
(for instance), when the panel's at default it isn't set up to handle
downloading (or remote access) of any sort. That has to be physically
programmed in before it can take place.
It's doubtful that *any* on line merchant that sells security products is
going to jeopardize their reputations by "exploiting" your system (even the
one with the criminal record).
Be wary of those who do not have a brick and mortar store and are not
bonded.
As has been pointed out on several occasions, having a "brick and mortar"
store doesn't guarantee the level of service you're going to get from any on
line component they support. It does provide for an extra measure of
accountablility though. It also helps to investigate the company's local
business practices. You can do that through the BBB or your State's Alarm
Association.
When I was
shopping some online dealers advertise a ASA certification with a picture
of eblem shown on their website. It gives a good first impression but when
you look into it you find out that it was nothing more then some....guy....
creating a website to supposedly post complaints, with no entrys. It was
analagous to someone flashing a fake badge and saying they were the police.
I was a badge without any accreditation. That seems to be used by some of
the online dealers.
Hmmm.... Which on line dealers/stores display the ASA emblem?? Any of them
*not* owned by the same individual that runs the website?? Website links
are "shared" to improve search engine ranking, plain and simple.
Some of the free advice you get is not because of unselfish need to make
the world a better place to live. Most are giving you advice on the hope of
getting a sale or...."other" information. Listen, but dont act on the
advice
until you can confirm or gain some trust in the source by researching
them.
"Most"?? Really??
Sometimes you can learn a lot about sellers by plugging in email into a
Google search of past news postings. This is a very unregulated online
business, and especially risky for something as important as your home
security.
Yep... you sure can learn a lot about people on Google... You can also
start your on line search here:
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com/buyingonline.htm