Brinks Home Security™ Reviews
(Previously MONI)
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About Brinks Home Security™
Brinks Home offers a variety of security and home automation equipment. Systems use cellular and Wi-Fi to connect a security panel or base to the Alarm Response Center. Packages come with professional installation and a two-year warranty.
Visit brinkshome.com- 24/7 monitoring
- Simple setup
- Customizable systems
- Strict cancellation policy
- No cameras in basic package
Brinks Home Security™ Reviews
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Reviewed April 3, 2013
We have had Monitronics for approximately 2 yrs now and have had nothing but trouble. We couldn't even use our alarm system properly because it would go off for no reason resulting in false alarms, which then resulted in fines from the police department.
We recently moved to a new house and unfortunately had to bring Monitronics with us because they wouldn't let us out of our contract, even with all the service issues, without paying a large cancellation fee. Well, as expected, the new system in the house is as terrible as the old one. A technician was here today but of course couldn't resolve the issue and will have to come back to replace the whole panel. This company is a joke and should not be in business. The next 3 yrs can't go fast enough so that we can drop them and move on to a company who knows what they are doing.
Reviewed March 26, 2013
We purchased our house brand new with an installed Monitronics alarm system. I wanted to get monitoring done by a different company since they required a three-year contract. We are military and a three-year contract is not feasible. They refuse to give me my installer code for my system so I can have it monitored elsewhere. I purchased the equipment and the code that goes with it, but they refuse to surrender it to me. I'm thoroughly upset.
Reviewed March 21, 2013
I too have been a victim of this shady company. I originally had my alarm system with APX who sold my contract to Monitronics. I thought my contract with APX was for 3 years so when they transferred my account to Monotonic, I thought that was fine because I thought I only had 1 year left on the contract and could change after the year was up. I had 2 nice young men from Vivint come to my home who offered a better and cheaper system saving me $5 per month. I have this company to install their system and trashed the Monitronics alarm system. The next day, when I called Monitronics to cancel their services, I was told the original contract was for 5 years and I had 1 year left and would still have to pay them monthly or pay out the rest of my contract.
Then 30 days later, I get a call at 3am from someone with Monitronics stating they had a faint signal and wanted to know if everything was okay. I thought it was a joke so I never called them back. Then three months later, I get a voicemail from a rep with Monitronics stating they had another faint signal from my system. At this time, I was living in Tennessee and had my goddaughter staying in my home while I was away and again I did not follow up on the call because I kept thinking, "What in the world could they be monitoring when their system had been removed from my home over 4 months ago?" The last straw was in November 2012. This company called my parents' home who both are in their 80's at 2:40am stating again they got a faint signal and did not get any answer from my phone and needed someone to check on my house.
I called them later that day and questioned them about how could they be monitoring my system when it has been buried in our city's garbage landfill since May 2012. They told me that the signal was being picked up by a cell phone tower and then began to question me about was I sure someone did not go in my trashcan and installed the system in their home. At that point, I told them not to ever contact me regarding a faint signal anymore. On top of everything else, I got a ticket from our police dept for $50 due to false alarms. When I called Monitronics for a copy of my conversation when I tried to stop the services, they told me I could not have a copy of this conversation because of company policy. I got until May 22, 2013 to end this contract! And I can't wait. I also learned that the current alarm company I'm with is also a subsidiary of Monitronics. Just my luck!
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2013
We have had the service for about 18 months. The service has never worked properly. We have had three service calls to no avail. According to their own CSR, our service has been disabled for the past six months. Monitronics never contacted us or attempted to find out why. Each time that I called, I was put on hold for upwards of 20 minutes. Today I was finally able to speak to one of their CSRs. He could not give me a satisfactory answer. I asked to speak to his supervisor. After a ten minute hold, a woman answered the phone. She was not able to give me any more information than the previous employee, but offered to let me speak to her supervisor.
After a lengthy delay, a man named Michael answered the phone. After explaining the issues to him, I requested to cancel our account and be reimbursed for the six months that our account was disabled. After some discussion, he offered to cancel the account and send me a bill for the remaining portion of the contract. I asked, "If the service is going to be cancelled, what do I continue to pay for?" He did not have a satisfactory answer for that other than saying that we had made a commitment to pay. I could not get him to see that I was cancelling the service because they failed to deliver a service as promised. Is this the kind of service you want to purchase?
Reviewed Feb. 10, 2013
We have an alarm system in our home. We were recently robbed and the alarm did not go off when they kicked the back door in. The amount, although very large, is irrelevant for this complaint. We called them the night of our break in; they asked if the alarm was set and could not imagine how it did not work. They were not helpful at all and had no answers for us.
I asked them to test the alarm with them on the phone and everything worked fine, and they were going to run a report showing our activity and get back to us within 48 hours. Not only did they not call us back, but within 24 hours, a salesman came to our door asking if we needed a Monitronics alarm system because he knew there was a break in. They cannot call a paying customer back or send a technician to find out what happened to our alarm but looked to get more business. This company is a joke and I will never do business with them again! Who knows when they will show up or call?
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2013
The company in question bought out a null and void contract from Skyline Security and issued it fraudulently. After homes in the neighborhood I was renting in were getting broken into, we were contacted by a door-to-door salesman from Skyline Security. He said they were offering free installation due to recent crimes in the area. Being a renter, I emailed my landlord about said break-ins and a potential alarm system being installed. The sales associate had me sign my own name on the alarm contract and had me print my landlord’s name on the Sign Here portion for the homeowner. He made it seem as if their company was going to contact the landlord for approval and signature. The portion of the Alarm Contract that was for "authorization" of all terms of the contract was never went over with me and the boxes were never checked; they were left empty. I was never told I would be in a three or more years contract with them. I was under the impression I could cancel whenever, if needed. Needless to say, they never contacted by landlord (unbeknownst to me).
The alarm was installed and I began to pay. After three months of service, a situation arose in which I and my two roommates had to move out of the house we were renting within one week. I called Monitronics and they told me there was no way out of the contract. After about 30 minutes of arguing, they advised I could pay for the contract in full if I wanted to end it, which was $1,700.00! I no longer lived at the home, no one did. It was and still is vacant. I had my attorney look over my "contract", which I was told was null & void until the landlord agreed to it and signed for it, and the entire thing is fraudulent. From them having me "print" my landlord’s name instead of him signing it, to the authorization boxes not being marked as approved or as me "understanding what I was signing", to the fact that it was altered after I signed it, which in CA is forgery.
They mailed me a copy of what they say is the contract that I signed and it had my ex-landlord’s social security number on it, which was never given to them & I am pretty sure is illegal for them to be disclosing to me! They must have run an illegal skip trace to get it. With thus said, my ex-landlord never approved the alarm, never signed any contract and never even saw the contract for that matter. So they altered his home without his knowledge, used his social security without his knowledge and lied to me that everything had been okayed. I only signed on as a renter, nothing more. The sales rep who set this all up is a shame! He lied from the beginning and preyed on the fear of three young women living alone in a high crime area. I have researched "Monitronics" & "Skyline Security" (whom Monitronics said they bought the "contract" from) and Monitronics alone has hundreds of very similar complaints all over the Internet, from consumeraffairs.com to the BBB and I am guessing this will not be the first for the Consumer Affairs either. If this is not fraud, I don't know what is. I will be reporting this to the FTC, BBB as well as The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
I am unsure how many times a day a company can call you, but they call me in excess of three or more times a day requesting payment and leaving messages each time, even after I mailed them a cease & desist letter. I advised Monitronics/Skyline Security that I was moving and no longer needed their services in Oct. 2012 and that they were not authorized to debit my account monthly any longer. They kept doing it. I had to place a stop payment with my bank and launch a claim through my bank as well. I may be looking into a class action. I have already sought legal advice. Any and all negative credit reporting due to this will be defended vigorously. This is not right.
Reviewed Jan. 19, 2013
I regret that I ever signed a contract with the company! First of all, it was Devcon that came to me. I thought it all sounded great, but I wish I would have never got the thing! I'm now stuck with it for another two and a half years! They switched to Monitronics. We pay every month on it and can't even use it because it doesn't work right. The camera quality on it is horrible so if someone broke into my house, the picture isn't even clear enough to identify someone. So basically, the camera system is useless. One of our sensors doesn't work and they sent us a new one, but now I'm responsible for installing it. Wish I would have done better research and I would have gone with ADT - smaller contract and lower rates. We would have saved $10 a month and had 2 years less! Now I'm stuck with an alarm system that I absolutely hate. Total waste of money.
Warning: Do your research before you decide on an alarm company!
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2012
When Devcon came to my home, I was not there and the contract that was signed was a forgery. Since I did not sign this contract and it is now being serviced by you, I have taped up my camera and I did not receive a call. I did not see the cops at my door. What are you monitoring? Nothing! I would like to be let out of this contract before I contact the Federal Trade Commission about this forgery. You can send me forms for my signature and you’ll see that I did not sign this contract.
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2012
Monitronics bought my contract from another home alarm company after I had previously been with Monitronics. Now, I'm locked into a long term contract with a company I hate and they won't let me out of it. I had no say in the "assignment". In my opinion, this is an underhanded way of doing business. I left Monitronics for a reason and now I am stuck with them all over again.
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2012
After 8 years of being a customer, I decided that I could no longer deal with their terrible customer service. Upon canceling my contract with them, they informed me that it takes 2 months for the cancellation to fall through all the way, in which it resulted with them charging me for those 2 months. Their customer service is mediocre and a headache. You would think after 8 years they would treat you a little better.
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2012
Sometime in June, we were approached by individuals named Gabriel and Anthony. They claimed to be with a company called Homeland Security. At initial consultation, we were told that when the system was installed within that day, we would have three days to confirm whether we wanted to keep the system. The initial installation was never completed for at least two months. Before then we requested to just cancel the installation due to the wait. Gabriel, the technician, apologized for the mishap and requested that we allow him to finish the job before we make a decision.
After the second installation, we tried to cancel and customer service stated that we were past our three-day window. I informed them of the situation and what happened and they tried to offer me a deal. I told them I would discuss this with my fiancee and let them know. We then tried to cancel again. They stated that we were bound by the contract to pay for 80% of the contract or 8 of the 10 years. We explained to them that we tried to cancel on various occasions, but their comeback was that I also said I would talk it over with my fiancee and they kept stating I was past my three-day window. I informed them that we should not be bound by the contract because we were not the homeowners and even though they had us sign that we were homeowners on the contract, they stated that this does not matter, we are still bound by the contract.
Now to make it worse, when we initially signed the agreement, they requested an account for payment. I told them that I would be the one paying and so I will use my information but I didn't get all of my account information until the following week. They stated that they just needed a name to put in with the app/agreement for now and asked if they could use my fiancee's information until my information came in and that her account would not be billed. The following week, within the two-month time span that we were waiting for the installation to complete, I called them and gave them my information.
Fast forward a month or two, when we did try to cancel again and again they were continuously trying to charge my fiancee's account, she accrued a lot of overdraft fees due to them. Due to that, it put us behind on a lot of bills. It was over $3,000.00 worth within a two month period since they consistently did this to her account and made her account negative.
I filed with the Better Business Bureau all this information. The Better Business Bureau followed up with a company called Homeland Security. From what I understand, Monitronics/Point Protection used to work for this company but has not for three years. The owner of Homeland Security (Ryan Leavitt) contacted me to inform me that this company no longer worked for him and that they were nationwide with their scams and even stealing his customers with updated systems. He also gave me the contact number to the owner of Point Protection/Monitronics (Zack 801-319-0539).
He wants me to contact Zack tomorrow, but I would prefer not to since it seems they do not respect us or our wishes. I will be contacting the BBB to inform them of the right person and name but would still request for your assistance in resolving this matter and reimbursement for monetary as well as stressful psychological damage due to the position this company has confined us to with our monthly expenses. Please assist us and let us know how we can handle this.
Reviewed Dec. 13, 2012
My grandmother (age 92) was called and told that her existing alarm system needed upgrading. She thought she was dealing with the company she had originally gone with for her system. At no time was she told she would be moving to Monitronics. Her alarm button activated and the fire, sheriff, and EMS went to the wrong address. The passwords provided were incorrect. It took 3 phone calls to correct this. The alarm pendant provided was too sensitive. Just brushing the pendant on something was enough to set it off creating a false alarm. The company refused to break the contract saying those deficiencies were not adequate cause to break the contract. This is very poor customer service, poor response time, argumentative supervisors. I will not recommend this company,
Updated review: June 24, 2014
Last week, I posted the review below as I was frustrated and unhappy with the answers to my questions. I will say that I received a call today from the executive team and the experience was night and day compared to last week. The individual was very understanding and resolved my issue without hesitation. My two cents is that if you are having issues and not getting answers, please send email from the website to the executive team and the issue will get addressed.
Original Review: Dec. 7, 2012
I've had Monotronics for 1 year, and over the past six months, my kids have set off the alarm with no calls from Monotronics. I spoke to customer service today, and they stated that they don't support VOIP services to handle alerts. I stated, "It worked when you installed the system, and I was never advised that it wouldn't, so now what are my options?" They said they'd sell me cellular service for $350 upfront plus another $7.50/month for service. I said no and wanted to cancel the contract. Well, guess what, canceling isn't an option and pretty much hung up. Now, mad as heck, I called back, and they said only option to cancel was to write a check for $700 and also send letter. Monotronics is a joke of a company, and I would highly recommend avoiding this company at all costs. They take no ownership in issues and blame it on the subcontractors. Guess what, the subcontractors represent Monotronics, and they better open their eyes. Next step is BBB!
Reviewed Dec. 1, 2012
I posted a review about a month ago. After that, I went on their website where there is a link to contact them. I told them I was filing a complaint with Consumer Complaints and then with the AG. Almost immediately, I got a call and then a follow-up letter saying they had closed my account with a zero balance. Just a week before that, I had received a bill saying I had about a $114.00 balance. So if you are having a problem and believe you are within your rights, I suggest this as a solution. I believe my email went straight to the top. Hopefully, the letter I received was correctly taken care of and I will not get any further charges.
Thank you for taking the time to notify us about your concern with your service. I’m glad to hear that we were able to resolve the issue.
We didn’t take your dissatisfaction lightly. In fact, your post was forwarded to several key people in our organization, including our director of customer service. We want customers that value our service, and that are willing to help us continue to improve our level of service through open and honest communication. We understand that things happen in life that is beyond our control and we try to work with our customers in creating a resolution to unforeseen events that happen to them. Again we appreciate your feedback and if I may be of further assistance to you, feel free to reach me at 855-299-2081.
Thank you,
David SodiendeExecutive Response
Reviewed Nov. 28, 2012
Installer told me if I moved that it would automatically end. What a lie! He looked me right in the face and said a move would end the contract but not true. I specifically asked him this since I knew I would be moving before the contract ended. What a scam. Worse yet, four of my neighbors have been robbed with the alarms on so obviously, the crooks know how to get around the alarms with no problem.
Thank you for taking the time to notify me about your concerns with your service. I’m sorry to hear that you were wrongly informed by the sales representative. Please understand that Monitronics is an Alarm monitoring company only and does not manufacture, sell, or install alarm systems. Rest assured that Monitronics does not condone, advocate or allow our business partners to employ unscrupulous business practices to attain customers. We want customers that value our service, and that are willing to help us continue to improve our level of service through open and honest communication. If I may be of any assistance, please contact my office 855-299-2081 from 8:00am-7:00pm Central Time.
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2012
You are pretty much trapped into a contract that you cannot cancel until the contract is over. Not only can you not cancel, you have to send a written notice in the mail in order for them not to automatically renew! Can you say worst customer service ever? Is it really that hard to cancel your service over the phone like many other companies do? It's a scam. If you are ever thinking about getting Monitronics, don't! You will be signing your life away. Also, I moved out of my house a year ago, and I am still paying for this contract. Ridiculous!
Thank you for providing Monitronics with your feedback. We are concerned to learn of your recent customer service experience as it is not indicative of the standards we try to achieve. Please contact me at 1-888-758-5900 for immediate review of your account.
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2012
I sold my home in Las Vegas on 8-24-12 & called Monitronics to cancel. I was not told I had to cancel in writing. I called after I was charged in Sept. & that's when I was told about the 30 days but the supervisor said she would take care of it & I would have 1 more charge on October 11, which I did get charged a prorated $19.53. Now, I have another $41.84 charge as of Nov. 13. Don't sign with them if you don't want to pay the rest of your life for an inactive system on a house you don't own.
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2012
Monitronics is a no service ripoff. I owned a home, got the alarm and service. It was sold after 12 months. Contract says 30 days cancellation. I tried to cancel and they want the entire contract paid off with no service to me at all since I have no alarm anywhere. Stay away. They have no ethics. I'm getting a lawyer.
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2012
These people got us signed up for a contract. The first few months were unremarkable. We were paying $45 for peace of mind. The 3rd month came and we had a false alarm. They tried calling us but could not reach either because we had emergencies to attend to. Automatically, they sent out a guard to inspect the house and left us a note that nothing had happened (false alarm, I repeat). The next bill came up and they charged us a fee for that "security" person. We refused to pay because it was a false alarm. We cancelled our auto pay. Ten months down the line, they are harassing us with phone calls and a different person calls us every time. Nobody paid attention to the problem. Interest is building up, and they still keep on billing us. Now we are at the collection agency level and we refuse to pay. Beware, these people are thieves!
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2012
In June of 2009, while living in PA, we had a security system installed. The contract was for 60 months. We were told there would be no additional costs for transferring the system if we moved. In April of this year, we moved to MA. The people who bought our house did not want the system and the house we bought in MA already had a security system installed. Monitronics was willing to waive the cost of a new circuit board in the system (they could not access the current one), but they insisted on adding an additional 16 months to my contract. I still have 2 years left on the existing contract. So now I am paying them monthly to monitor a system that is not even activated. I will never use them again.
Dear Mary Raynham,
Thank you for taking the time to notify me about your concerns with your service. I have every desire to address your needs and provide the best solution available to resolve your issue as soon as possible.
Please accept my sincere apology for any trouble or inconvenience we have caused you. Again, I really appreciate your feedback as it will assist us in becoming better at what we do. As with any business like ours, the greatest advertising we can have is word of mouth from a satisfied customer. It’s my goal to retain you as a satisfied customer and I hope to serve you again in the future.
I can be reached at 855-299-2081 from 8:00am-7:00pm Central Time Monday through Thursday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If I am unavailable, please leave a voicemail message so that I may return your call promptly.
Thank you,
David SodiendeExecutive Response
Reviewed Sept. 27, 2012
They took advantage of my elderly parents. Also, while in contract, they began charging their bank account more money. When we called, they had horrible customer service and stated, "It’s only a dollar!" Regardless if it’s $50 or 1 cent, when you are in contract, you can’t decide to change the monthly service charge. They eventually changed it. During installation, they stated we would get several additional windows at the same cost. Later, we received a bill. Horrible! We can only wait until the contract is up and we will be so quick to change providers. This is my warning to any possible new customers.
Reviewed Sept. 26, 2012
Monitronics conned my elderly father into a 5 year contract at an outrageous monthly charge. Their system does not work and they never call when it activates. When we called to cancel, they stated we had to pay for the entire term of the contract even though we argued that system never works and their monthly monitoring is outrageously high. They refuse to cancel the contract or do anything about the faulty system. They are the most worthless company I have ever seen. Do not buy from them anything!
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2012
Same experience like most people with comments on this page. It is two months now since I was approached by a salesman from partner/agent Skyline Security regarding new alarm system installation. I decided to switch from ADT to new technology. Big mistake. It took me two Saturdays (July 28 and August 4, 2012 at least 6 hours each) to install the alarm system with camera and light module. Camera did not work, so was the light module. Eventually, it was taken back and I have basic alarm system. This nightmare by itself seems never ending now, though. Despite my request for amendment contract and numerous phone calls to Skyline and Monitronics, I was charged at the rate that includes camera monitoring. No credit and no adjustment to contract made yet. I got a new contract but billing situation has not changed.
Monitronics is billing at own rate without valid contract and agreement. It took me 1.5 month to get certificate for my insurance company. Instead of them, Skyline/Monitronics is making corrections and fixing. They harass people by making phone calls 15-20 per day for no reason. It is two months now and this is going on and on. I was sexually insulted by a salesman that took over my house, wanted water and urination that goes right through him, then my eyes, hug and date. Along with alarm system, they are selling sex and themselves to non-buying clients. I filed charges with BBB in Southern California and charges with California State Department Business License Division. I will file lawsuit if needed. This needs to be put out of business everywhere else but Texas, I guess. Keep them where they are. I am going back to ADT. I know they are good and legitimate. Alarm monitoring by ADT was superior the first time, so was the response. I have appointment in 30 minutes.
Reviewed Sept. 7, 2012
I just recently purchased this system from a door salesman. I had ADT before, but I like some of the features that Monitronics offered. When I accepted the offer, I was under the impression I was going to get a bunch of features. Once the system was installed, I didn’t get all what I was told. But I am okay with that for now. However, in reading everyone comments about Monitronics, it got me worried. I would recommend suing them over deceptive practices, or if your house is broken into and they do not call… big lawsuit.
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2012
They won't let you cancel. I was a customer for 3 years and late once recently. Even though I spoke to the rep on the phone and told them I did pay, they continuously called me until they got the payment. I immediately wanted to cancel for the poor customer service. I called to cancel and they told me I had a month left before I could cancel. I waited the month and called to cancel again. First, the rep tried to keep me as a customer even though I told him at the beginning there was no use talking me into staying, I would not. He then was so rude as to state, "Do you really think another service won't call you if you are late?" My response was they wouldn't call me over and over especially after on time payments for 3 years. He was so rude. He then told me I would have to pay an additional month because you had to give them 30 days’ notice of cancellation. I had called in advance and no one told me that ever. After a few hours, I finally got a supervisor that took my final payment and stated the account was now cancelled and I didn't have to fax in a cancellation. I'm sure this isn't the end of it but we shall see. Also the website is useless.
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2012
Multiple issues with customer service and communication: My 86 year old grandmother was apparently talked into a 39 month contract. When battery was low, Monitronics contacted her and told her to replace. I replaced the batteries and guess what, the system doesn't work. Go ahead and push that button, maybe it works maybe it doesn't. The service repair guy came out and stated that if the battery is low, the system is on test. Grandmother paid for service for a system that was on test, not even operational. They have a system of re-routing complaints, and good luck trying to cancel this ridiculous contract. I would never recommend. Make sure your loved ones do not buy from door to door salesman!
Reviewed July 24, 2012
They cheated my senile mother. When my mother died this week (July 2012), I found that Monitronics had gotten her to sign a 3-year contract in 2011 and they were deducting automatic payments from her bank account. For several years, she has been very confused and I've been paying her bills, all of which are sent to me. I can only imagine that they came to the door and pretended not to notice her state of mind. She already had a 5-year contract in place with Pinnacle and a fully operational system that I have been faithfully making the payments on. As far as I can see at the house, only Pinnacle's system is there, which means Monitronics has been collecting $40 per month for more than a year without ever doing anything, including placing equipment in her house. They of course want a death certificate to cancel the contract. I'm not terribly worried. The bank account they were taking money from has been closed, and I'll see them in hell before they get another penny. What a disgusting business practice, preying on old, helpless ladies!
Reviewed July 20, 2012
We got Monitronics a couple of years ago. Since then, we have gone through a bankruptcy and lost our home. The service is no longer being used. They would not cancel the contract because it was for 3 years even though they are not backing up the equipment. They said they were still monitoring our house, even though the equipment was removed. They will not let us cancel. Even when we were receiving service, we would accidentally trip the alarm, and no one ever called, when with the other service (ADT) we always got a call. I don't think they even monitor, they just collect money. They said we could move the service to our new address, but we would have to write a new contract with them. No way. Now, I have to wait until the 3 years is up to cancel and from what I have read, I doubt that will happen either. Why am I paying for a service I am not receiving? How can they say that is good business practice?
Reviewed July 20, 2012
This company is robo-calling me on a daily basis. I am on the governments Do Not Call List but still they call me daily with a different number. I have waited on the call and talked to their operators and they just hang up on me when I tell them to cease calling me and that I'm on the Do Not Call List. I’m really considering a lawsuit against them. I’m keeping a copy of every single call they make to my phone number. This has been going on for at least 4 months now.
Reviewed July 3, 2012
I canceled my contract because of a better company who offered to help us and also offered to pay out our contract because of the total unhappiness we were experiencing. I sent a written letter to Monitronics with all the required information and canceled on the phone twice. The man I spoke with the second time continued to tell me how stupid I was and that I had gotten "slammed", even though I invited the new company into my home whereas Monitronics just showed up one day (guess who I know really slammed me). They refuse to send me my final bill for the other company and continually harass me with phone calls. Even after I contacted the BBB, the corporate office called me numerous times on a holiday when I was spending time with my family. I think 5 times in 3 hours definitely classifies as harassment! I can't wait until this mess is over!
Reviewed June 19, 2012
We have been with Monitronics for about 8 years. We didn’t have a great experience, but it’s not horrible either - until we tried to cancel our service. I know that initially we signed a 3-year contract, so we weren’t under contract anymore. So, when I tried to cancel, they said they need a fax of the written request and it would take 30 days, which I know was just a way to get one more payment out of me. I sent in the request on June 4, 2012 and followed up with them on June 18. After being on hold for over an hour, they stated that the letter wasn’t official since it didn’t have my signature; however, we put everything on the cancellation request they asked for.
The representative then stated that they would do a cancellation over the phone. My first response was, “Why couldn’t we have just done that in the first place?” She then said she would cancel over the phone and hung up on me! I doubt they will actually cancel, and I am sure I will get another bill; however, it should not take 6 phone calls, two faxes and 3 hours of my time to cancel a service I am not under contract for! I see there are roughly 200 similar complaints as well. Do not use this company!
Reviewed June 12, 2012
Customer hatred - This insecure company misleads customers. It is probably going out of business and does not cancel contract upon request. Claims a 60 month contract was signed when there was no legal reason for it. My copy is 24 months. Complete lies!
Reviewed May 30, 2012
I have been repeatedly called by this company. I've hit the "opt out" option on the call at least 6 times now, and continue to be called. I'm also on the Fed "do not call" list. Please help me stop them. Thanks.
Hi my name is David Sodiende with the Corporate Office of Monitronics. I am sorry to hear that you have been receiving unsolicited telemarketing phone calls. I understand your frustration and want to help resolve your issue. I assure you that Monitronics is an alarm monitoring company only and does not sell, install or service alarm systems. Monitronics is not responsible for any telemarketing acts or omissions in relation to sales installation or service. Please contact me at 1- 855-299-2081 for additional assistance.
Reviewed May 25, 2012
This is the worst company out there. We have had nothing but issues; between techs not even showing on the right day to smoke alarms going of for no reason. Today we had a bad smoke alarm that would not stop going off. They refused to help me power down the system to stop the alarm. Even though they monitor me for health reasons, that sounds can start a seizure. Their answer was a tech will be out in 4 to 6 hours to turn it off. This is just another in a series of bad service that has been from the start.
Reviewed May 9, 2012
I started the service in 2009 when we own our home. In 2010, we lost our home, so I was told we could move it to our apartment if the landlord allowed. And they did, but because of loss of my Job, we needed to move again. I called Monitronics to let them know I was moving again, this was this year February 2012. So I told them I would try to place it in this apartment if my landlord allowed. The landlord said no, I told them I could no longer use the monitoring service. But they said my contract wasn't up yet, and that I needed to still pay the monthly service. Because of me being out of work, times being hard, we were late in our payments, I tried to explain to them why. But they only cared about the payment, so I said I would pay it as soon as I could. All the previous years, we were always on time with our payments. But they continue to call me twice a day, and when I didn't answer, they would call my family on the emergency contacts as well. I called and told them they have no right calling my contacts.
About the tiny bill, when they have nothing to do with it, so I demanded they remove them off my list. I spoke to the manager, and he did. I told him I wanted to cancel my contract in May when my contract is up. So he told me to send a letter, gave me a fax #, and so I did. But like what was stated by someone else, they still have to wait 30 days after they receive it. I thought how ridiculous, just so they can get one last payment, well they can think again. I also told him, by law, the customer can pay as little as $10.00 a month if that’s all they can afford, and there is nothing they can do about it. And if they keep sending harassing calls, I will report them to the Attorney General’s Office or TV person who goes after bullies like these and expose them as well. Please never use Monitronics service again. And read the fine print. 0 is my rating. They just want your money, so beware.
Reviewed April 20, 2012
I've been paying service for a house that I sold three years ago. This company, when they want to sell you something, they treat you the nicest. When you try to cancel services that you don't need, they make your life difficult. No transaction can be done over the phone and they make you send a letter in the mail. Horrible experience. Do not buy their service, read the contracts.
Reviewed April 19, 2012
Their field representative stated that Monitronics receives a signal as soon as my alarm goes off. We've had the service for a year and a half and we set the alarm off accidentally several times a month. Not once has Monitronics called us or the police to make sure everything was okay. I called them to cancel the service based on this and they said that I am bound to my 36-month contract that I signed, regardless of the fact that their rep said that they would call me every time the alarm goes off as soon as it goes off. But because the contract is vague and doesn't say anything about this, I am the one having to pay for it. They are thieves! Do not buy their service.
Reviewed April 4, 2012
The salesperson came to my door and offered a money back promise via gas purchases from Holiday stations. After the period of time when you can change your mind and opt out was up, they sent a letter saying all benefits from this promotion were cancelled. Then they wanted to come fix my broken system. The first person who came to my home from this company was a thief and a liar; wouldn't they all be? I just had to keep paying till my contract runs out, even though it was broken. The entire company is just horrid!
Reviewed April 4, 2012
I attempted to cancel my contract after deciding to go with a new monitoring service. Initially, Monitronics flat out refused to cancel and was going to "hold" me to the terms of my contract duration despite the fact that I told them I would pay off the balance. Apparently, payment of the balance of the contract wasn't their top priority, because within the span of 5 minutes, they offered to reduce the monthly charge twice if I stayed. So much for the terms of the contract.
When I finally got them to send me a closing statement, it was for more than the actual balance due on my contract. In addition, they failed to stop the billing for the monthly service, and now, I'm getting two calls a day notifying me that I am past due. I cannot make them stop and will pursue every consumer channel available to stop this form of harassment. The way I see it is they are one step away from systematic extortion. I paid off my contract; I was never late one day with a payment. And now, I'm being treated as nothing more than a deadbeat. Please make it stop.
Reviewed March 22, 2012
It is difficult to believe that a company can claim to be monitoring your system when they can spend 3 months with the system completely removed and not bother to call you to ask about the fact that it isn't checking in.
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2012
I am getting several calls per day from a spam-bot claiming to offer Monitronics services, despite my being on the do not call list and my requests to stop the calls. The caller does not take "no" for an answer, and my direct emails to Monitronics have been ignored. The originating number is **. I have never done business with Monitronics and as a result of their calls will never do so in the future. Funding Monitronics is supporting intrusive robo-calling.
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2012
The system does not work and then will not come back out or return your phone calls, empty promise. System has not work from day 1. After a week of trying to get them to fix it, we had the old system reinstalled.
Reviewed Feb. 12, 2012
I was using ADT for several years until 2007 after being referred by a friend to this company. After the promise of cheaper service fee, I signed up my business and two houses with Monitronics. I thought I got a deal which was not true. I should know better. They use local salesman and local contractors to do the work which they have no way to control or they don't want to be liable to anything. I have false alarm many times at my business and house. Recently, it got worse. I have a glass breaker at my basement. It keeps getting offline with network. I have called many times and they also sent out the local repairman to fix it. It never really fixed the problem. Last night, it really got my nerve after it woke me up at 4 am. I am canceling the service. They said I have few months until my contract is up which I don't care. I rather get them off my back and start to using a company which do not require any contract. I think this company should not be in business and they don't care about their customers.
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2012
Since the first day we signed up, we have been lied to and given the runaround. We were told by the salesman that we would receive a 360 Surveillance camera as soon as they were available (within the following month). We called several departments along with the sales agent, Jason. They said that this would be taken care of. It never was. We kind of knew it was too good to be true. Then we had faulty equipment that kept going off when we went out of town (you can imagine how distressed we were thinking someone had broken in while we were miles away). We were told that credits to our account for the dispatch coming out would be taken care of due to the equipment. After two months, several calls to us saying our account was past due, and several calls and hours spent on the phone talking to manager after manager (between the two companies Monitronics and 1st Defense that are supposed to work together for your first year) stating this would be taken care of, it hasn't. We just received another call today stating our account is past due. We will be cancelling and will no longer be dealing with this company.
Reviewed Feb. 6, 2012
On Nov 20, 2011 at 10:53 I received a call from Monitronics, stating that there was a burglary alarm going off at my business, Mermaid Dive Center. They told me and my husband that the Polk County Sheriff's Department was on site, and had the store secured. The police officer stated that the alarm was not on when he arrived, and that someone had called to report that the front door was gone, and broken to pieces. When the officer entered the building, the alarm went off. We contacted our insurance company, and they told us that we should contact Monitronics about our losses.
We requested an alarm report, which verified the above details. I have contacted Monitronics at least 10 different times, about reimbursement for our losses, and they state that they are not Liable, because they did not receive a signal from the alarm monitoring system at the time of the alleged incident. They even mentioned that the police might be in on the theft. The stolen items were the first things that could be grabbed, and not those that would have been more expensive. We could have had a lot more valuable items stolen. The only people that have keys, or the alarm code for our business, is my husband and I. They said that because there was nobody in the building to verify that the code didn't go off, that they were not liable. I told them if someone would have been in the building, there wouldn't have been a theft.
I have gone up the chain of command at Monitronics, and now I'm told that there is nobody else to speak to. I also asked them to explain item 6 of our contract with them, and they have yet to do so. In that paragraph it states "customer understands and agrees that if the company, or its contractor should be found liable for loss or damage, due to company's or its contractor's negligence, failure to perform any of the obligations herein, or failure of the monitoring service, or the equipment in any respect whatsoever, company's and its contractor's liability shall be limited to the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000), and this liability shall be company, or its contractor's sole and exclusive liability".
My understanding of the contract is that they are liable up to $1,000.00, if their system does not perform properly. The total of the stolen items is $538.85. Their system failed to work, and we are attempting to resolve this issue without going to court, but Monitronics refuses to accept responsibility for their equipment failure.
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2012
My 91 year old mother, fell, broke her hip and the Monitronics unit did not work. She had to drag herself to the land line phone. She no longer lives at that residence and resides with me. Monitronics leaves messages and letters to her old address on a daily/weekly level. I have both written and phoned to stop business with them, to no avail. My poor mother is so worried about them that she is afraid to go out. They need to be put out of business.
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2012
I have made constant phone calls from the moment of installation. They first called several times daily to remind us of the $50 reference offer, then they called to review our level of satisfaction. I cancelled within the 3 day cancellation period and now receive daily threats of collections. I have documented return of their equipment and the fax, email and certified letter of cancellation. They don't acknowledge receipt of any correspondence. We have reported them to the BBB, filed numerous reviews on various threads and will continue to provide references of them at no charge. They should wake up, or else, I would be surprised if they are in business in three years.
Reviewed Jan. 10, 2012
I called as I sold my place on Nov 18, 2011, to cancel the service, and even gave them the name of the party buying the place, so they could contact them to see if they wanted the service. Now, I got a bill today for 2 month's service, and I again called customer service, and they corrected it after trying to tell me I paid in arrears, which I never did having it for 7 years. Then 15 minutes later, some guy called and said I was responsible, as they haven't been to my old place to inspect and put in the new owners' name. I told him where he could put that bill, and hung up. I am now calling the BBB to report. I could not believe what these clowns were trying to do.
Reviewed Dec. 13, 2011
I've been trying for over a year to cancel my service. I am no longer under contract so I thought it should be easy to simply cancel. I've been told various things by different reps-- to send a registered letter to them stating my desire to cancel which I find utterly ridiculous, or to call such and such number which never works.
Today I tried to call their Customer Service, pushed all the appropriate buttons for cancelling a service and it leads every time to a non-answered section. The line just goes dead each time. I stopped paying long ago and we get all kinds of calls and answer them sometimes. Each time we do answer, the person cannot help at all - they just want payment. I now consider this harassment and may get an attorney.
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2011
After using their system for 2.5 years (on a 5-year contract), I decided to put my home up for sale and would no longer need their service. They said that I was bound by the contract and would work with me so I could still pay for the service. I told them that was unacceptable and they would be hearing from my attorney. They still did not back down.
I am going to have my credit union block any future deductions to them and I am considering a phone call to my local TV station's consumer advocacy program to get them to back off. I would rather pay my attorney double what I owe them than to ever pay them another dime. They are the most unscrupulous people I have ever dealt with and I will tell everyone I know about them and their practices.
There are ways to get out of your contract, people. Do not sit down and take their word that you owe them, no matter what. Stand up and use your noggin to find ways to make them back down. They will not get away with this in the long run. Their company cannot withstand so many complaints before they start showing their bad manners!
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2011
They do not even deserve a rating of "zero". We had them come in, and replace ADT which was excellent. They gave us all the equipment (which, by the way, does not work). We have a floor upstairs, and the alarm went off, when the roof fell down. We expected the police to show up, but as we ended up calling the fire department, when the alarm on the on the roof started smoking. We have a report to prove it. They are aware that their system does not work, because they cannot even test it, but they are demanding payment, and say that we have a 36-month contract. They just forgot to mention, when they installed the system, that the only thing that sets off the door alarms, is when the doors are opened. It is useless, and they should not be only investigated by the federal government, but also, no one should purchase this product. We have to pay, regardless,or we end up with bad credit report. Their system, to this date, does not work, and they know it.
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2011
I purchased a security alarm system and then I tested the alarm system so when the main corporation calls to verify the password it not the same. I realized then that there is something wrong because I have the contract with me and that what on there. I called to try and fix it. There was a lot of back and forth so I asked them to send me a copy of the contract they have and it's not my signature nor my social security on there. So now, I feel that there's something extremely wrong. My information is out there and I have someone's info. I mean I'm not feeling safe.
Reviewed Nov. 11, 2011
I signed on the 1st of May 2010 with Capital Alarm and they sold it to Monitronics. I called on July 10, 2011 to cancel their service and requested that they cancel taking money from my checking account. On July 13th, we received confirmation that they stopped taking it out. I went with a company that provides better service. On July 9, the system was taken completely out. We finally heard from Monitronics on July 20th that our system was not operating properly; six heart attacks and no alert button.
They do harassing phone calls, threatened to send me to a collection. I told them I'm 85, and I don't care if they did. I have good credit and this won't hurt it. They told me that I would have to pay $848.00. This is the same price for a friend of mine who had her system for 3 months. What is wrong with this picture?
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2011
Hands down to the worst experience I've ever had with any service provider. Unfortunately, at least until my contract expires, the experience will continue to be my own personal hell. The details include, but are not limited to, failure to keep pre-arranged service call appointments, refusal to honor previously agreed upon financial arrangements (e.g. charging for waived service call fees), improper billing, and harassment. Wait, what's that? Oh, it looks as though I'm receiving another harassing phone call from this company. If you enjoy nightmares in the daytime, then yes, by all means go with Monitronics.
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2011
These people fail at service. We were bullied into buying a system, three years ago, by a salesperson who walked right into our garage while my husband was working. The system has failed and sent out false alarms ever since. They outsource their repairs to unqualified small companies who are anything but professional. I disarmed the system, so we did not continue to have issues. We were not allowed to cancel until our 3-year contract expires. Finally, it expired. I called to cancel and was told that I was "putting my family at risk". When I told the customer service rep that my family was my concern and not hers, she replied "that's right it is your concern, so why are you willing to put them in danger?". When I repeated that I wanted to cancel, she told me she needed to talk to my husband because his name was primary on the account. She was rude, very intimidating and flat out wrong. I will be reporting them to the BBB if they do not cancel or continue to charge us after today. Bar none, the worst company I have ever dealt with and I spent years working in collections!
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2011
I tried to get my alarm fixed twice. They sent out a repairman for both times and charged me for that service. Within a few days, the alarm wouldn't work again. Either my alarm would work or my phone service but not both. I went to another company who spotted the problem right away, I needed a device to be compatible with AT&T U-verse. I tried to cancel service with Monitronics, they made me write a very specific letter to cancel. It is October and they are still billing me. Stay far away from this company.
Reviewed Sept. 23, 2011
We have had this alarm system for over 3 years, and nothing really bad happened, until our system started to mess up. We called for service, and it took a while and the company told my mother that she didn't know what she was doing. Then we finally get a service call placed for her house. It's labor day weekend. I understand it's not the best time for service as techs want off too. We had been without an alarm for two weeks at this time. They called and set a time but did not show up. When we called on Tuesday, the alarm company told us our alarm system was fixed, called my mother a liar and passed her around and basically just made her feel worthless.
Then a month later after many calls, we finally get the service guy to come out. The one that had "already" been to our home. Well I requested that he come while I could be there. So he showed up at my mother's house while I was at work, and told her a battery was not charged, and left. He would not listen to her questions, and would not look at the system at all. He just left. Now I am sitting here at her home listening to her alarm system, which won't beep. I listened to her complaint to the company while on the other phone, and listened to them degrade my mother.
Reviewed Sept. 16, 2011
I had a new account with Monitronics, which was paid on time until I lost my income. I struggled paying for a couple of months after. Then, I called them to see if they could work with me. I spoke with several people who told me no, that I am under contract. Once I stop paying and closed my bank account, the inside collections department began calling. I explained my situation. The representative was understanding and placed a hardship on my account.
A month later, I got phone calls from a Hillcrest Davis and Associates, telling me my account with Monitronics/Maximum has been charged off and now in their office. I explained my financial situation to different rude agents. And I had been in constant contact with them. They have skip traced my name. Unfortunately, I am my grandmother's name sake. Now they are harassing her, stating her social is on the account and I used her social. And they are demanding she pay $1500. Luckily, my grandmother who is 86 yrs. old do not take **. She told them that they are lying and not to call. And she filed a police report. So now after several months of speaking with these companies, today they tell the account isn't mine and cannot discuss anything with me. How funny is this. I will be taking all companies involved to court.
Reviewed Sept. 14, 2011
I keep getting computer generated calls from this company, stating that I have not paid my bill. When I stay on the line to talk to a representative, I am told that they cannot remove my number because someone else listed it as an alternate contact number.
The funny thing is, they won't tell me who listed it! So, I can't confirm if I know them or call and get them to take my number off, and so I keep getting harassing calls.
Reviewed Sept. 7, 2011
I changed alarm monitoring companies. I tried to cancel Monitronics, but they would not stop billing my account! I faxed them, as they requested, mailed them and now had to close my banking account because they keep billing me!
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2011
I am constantly harassed and treated rudely by these poorest excuses for alarm service. I never missed a payment. Yet, I am called several times daily. This account began with a company called Platinum Protection in Oct. 2009, which somehow became Monitronics. They said that I couldn't cancel this service for five years and to read what I signed. They refused to stop auto deductions from my checking account. I tried to withdraw money from my personal account. They refused to send me a bill by mail until I close out my checking account, to prevent them from causing bank fees and overdraft charges to my account. I have never even heard of a business being ran like this. I am told that if the old company did not transfer all payments to the new company, I must take care of that myself, or pay the Monitronics over one thousand dollars to close out this account and get rid of them. I have always kept a very high credit rating. And I am afraid these people will blemish my record. I just want to never hear from them again. So, I still continue to pay for a service I do not use to one of the worst businesses I have ever dealt with.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2011
I paid off the contract for the monitoring service and canceled at the end of the contract. 8 months later, Monitronics sent me a bill for 22.15 for monitoring and taxes, and any services rendered. I called them and stated my position of refusing to pat for nothing. I informed them that I had filed a complaint with the Ore State Attorney's office and the post office for fraud. The customer service representative promptly decided to waive the charges and wished by a pleasant day. Threats of sending my debt to collections were quickly rescinded and at this point, I owe nothing. We'll see.
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2011
I have been unable to arm my alarm system because of a faulty motion sensor. I changed the batteries and called numerous times. The company finally agreed to send out a service person, mind you, I have been unable to arm my alarm for over a week now.
After 3 days, the service company called and informed me that I would be charged $90, just for coming to my house, plus Monitronics would charge me $30. Any additional parts or more than one hour of service would result in additional charges. Monitronics never mentioned this, so I called them and they said that I should have taken advantage of their warranty service for $5 a month plus $50 copay.
Really? Fortunately, I checked my contract which indicated that I am fully covered with a lifetime service and with a $30 trip charge. Now, how in the world did they miss that? I have spoken to at least 5 different people this week that I can't use my alarm that I am still paying on and not one person noticed this lifetime service.
But, when I mentioned cancelling my service, what the representative noticed was that I extended my contract for 5 years. There is no way, no way, no way I would've agreed to extend it for 5 years. I extended it for 2 years in order to get a $2 discount on my monthly service. I don't have the paperwork to prove the 2 year extension as opposed to the 5 years but, I requested a copy of the contract so that at least I have something to refer to down the line when I will definitely cancel this scam of a company.
Beware! Ask for copies of everything! Don't fall victim to Monitronics, who claims to be about safety, but is truly about fees and contracts.
Reviewed June 28, 2011
We were notified by Monitronics that our alarm system has not been monitored for the past 5 years due to a phone line glitch. We have been customers of this company for 10 years. When confronted with the findings that they provided to us, the "Customer Service" department basically told us it was our fault that we weren't monitoring our system. This is what I thought we paid them for at $35 a month. We were offered 4 months free monitoring which is a slap in the face considering we literally paid them for absolutely no service for 5 years. We've paid over $2,000 for nothing other than their stickers placed on our windows which is basically advertising for them, not us.
Reviewed June 1, 2011
In October last year, we purchased a business and contacted Monitronics asking them to cancel our account because we were moving the store to a different location. They gave us so many hoops to jump through. We eventually gave up and just moved the store. They continued to bill us despite many many calls to tell them. We no longer have their service. Even to this day, they are constantly harassing the former owner because they wouldn't change the account to our new name because she signed the original contract. I spent an hour with them on the phone today trying to get them to change the account to my name, close the account and send me a bill. They refuse and continue to bill us for a system we haven't used in six months.
Reviewed May 7, 2011
A lady walked into my house while my husband was working with an AT&T rep on fixing our internet. She just walked in and called someone on her cellphone right away to inform her of my address. Seconds later, a man arrived and they walked straight to my living room and sat down and wanted to sell me a terrific deal from their alarm company. They ended up convincing us. They wanted three blank checks from us, but I immediately said I didn’t have any. They took my ATM card information down, made me sign some quick forms and they walked out without giving me their office information.
After I asked them for their information, they just gave me a flyer with their phone number and gave me a false address to their office. I later googled it and it turned out to be a home address. I tried going into their website, but it didn’t exist. The customer service number only sent me straight to an answering machine. I felt terrified after they left in an ugly van with no identification. The man and the woman walked all around our house and pointed out all of our expensive belongings. I cancelled my account with the bank and they suggested I report this to the police, which I did.
Modesto residents, please be aware of these people. Nothing has happened yet since it just happened about an hour ago, but so far I took my precautions and praying to God nothing will happen. Never trust people that come to your door. Any business that might be of your interest can be found at official locations and they shouldn’t be coming to you!
Reviewed April 26, 2011
My contract with Monitronics expired in April of 2009 and I called in to cancel the service. At the time my contract was terminated, the balance on my account is $0. However, Monitronics continued charging for their service in next two months even though there is no service. I contacted Monitronics and they said this is their policy. I denied to pay the due amount but recently I have to pay for it because Monitronics filed the balance to a collection agency.
Please be careful when you sign up for service with Monitronics. Research before you sign up since this company has many negative feedback.
Reviewed March 15, 2011
I signed a contract on May 20th 2010 for home monitoring services. An independent installer took three days to install the alarm and to get it working properly. I was told that it was going to be $39.99 per month but my first bill and every bill after has been $54.00 per month. When I questioned them, they told me that the paperwork was wrong and wouldn't honor the stated amount on the signed contract.
At least once a month, I have to call a service technician to fix the non-working zones, and now it is sending false alarms which is resulting in my local PD coming to my house. I told them that I wanted this junk out of my house and my contract terminated because they can't get my system working properly and I can't arm it for fear of a false alarm. They told me to not arm my system and I wouldn't have any problems.
I am currently looking to get included on a class action suit against this company for poor performance and breach of contract.
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2011
I called to cancel my month to month service I signed up for with Monitronics. They told me when I called that I could reactivate the service with them because they installed the system in my home. I asked for a month to month, because it would allow me the freedom to cancel service if I moved, sold or rented this house. I was told by Kesha, no. **, that I signed a contract via e-signature. I asked to have them prove that I signed it. She told me that I must have signed it because my SS No. was on the bill, (information I gave during signing up for the service). I told her she needed to get her IT people to check on the back end how this contact was accessed electronically and how they can prove that I was the one that signed this contract, because I would never have signed a 36-month agreement. I have monitoring systems in other homes I own, so the problem isn't that I don't know about all their tricks, I did! I believe that they put my information into this contract not me. I am reporting them to the BBB in Dallas and PHX, reporting them to the district attorney in Dallas, and letting anyone I know not to use this company.
Kesha told me due to the misunderstanding, she would split the difference with me for the remaining months. Big fat deal, I will not pay them anything. Remember, don't use them.
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2010
I signed a contract with Monotronics for five years of security monitoring. At that time, I had a good job and believed that I would be in my home for at least another five years. After nearly three years, I found myself unemployed. A year has passed and I was still unemployed. However, I still managed to make my monthly payment for their service.
As a result of my lengthy period of unemployment, I lost my home to foreclosure. I wrote a letter to Monotronics explaining my situation and requested that my contract with them be canceled. They sent me a cancellation form asking me to fill it out and return it. To my surprise, I received a new bill with new charges. When I called their customer service department I was informed that my request had been denied. I repeatedly told the representative that I had lost my job, my home and every penny I had in the bank. She informed me that foreclosure was not a legitimate reason for termination! I could not believe it. I lost my home and was destitute, and that's not a legitimate reason?
I offered to pay them for two months of service, which I did not receive since I no longer even lived in my home, if they would terminate the contract. They replied with, "No. Sorry. But you can transfer your agreement to a friend or family member and that would fulfill your obligation." So, I have lost my job, my home, my savings and now they want me to risk losing a friend or ruining my relationship with a family member by locking them into a contract with a company so lacking in ethics or conscience.
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2010
Allow me to preface this complaint that my wife and I are at fault for not reading the contract nothing more. Over a year ago, my wife and I decided to cancel our land-line service, not knowing that by doing so, we would be rendering our security system with Monitronics useless. The other day my wife phoned the company to cancel the service, upon which we were told that we had signed a 3yr agreement which would not be fulfilled until May 2011.
Understanding again that we were at fault for not reading the contract, we then asked why the company did not inquire with its customer as to why there was disconnect in service for over a year no less. Their reply? "We wish not to intrude upon the privacy of our customers.” Are you kidding? If they are a security service, and rely upon a telecommunications line to monitor our residence, that is later disconnected, is not unreasonable to think they should be able to detect a "broken" or "disabled" connection? They said they cannot which is a load of **, and contradicts the purpose of their product/service.
To top it off, knowing that my wife was expressing our displeasure with their service, the call center rep had the gall to ask if we wanted to extend our contract for another 3 years!? WTH? End result? We are going to shell out the remaining 6 months of premiums for a service we are not receiving. I wonder how many other customers are in the same boat.
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2010
I was gone for the weekend, and when I got home, we realized that someone broke into our home. They took, pretty much all our valuable electronics, including a camera with endless memories. I called Monitronics to find out why they never called me, or the police, and they said my alarm was off. I knew I turned it on, so I was telling the representative that it was on, and she kept saying they never got an intrusion alarm. When someone opens that door, you have 40 seconds to disarm the alarm, before it starts going off. Well, the people said that, whoever broke into my house, took the alarm keypad off the wall, and cut the wires!
So this cut all connections with Monitronics, and instead of calling the police, they disregarded this incident! Now they are trying to get me to "upgrade" for a safer system. Do they think I'm stupid or what? All this time I have been paying, and they did not do their job. Not only am I upset, but it worries me to think that I could have been home with my kids, when this happened. It's pretty pathetic for them to sell an alarm system, and then turn around and say "well, if someone cuts off the wires, you are on your own". I'm changing to another company, even though my contract is not up until next June or July, and expect to owe them nothing. I will never recommend this business to anyone! Very bad service!
As a consequence to this, I have lost both many valuables such as TV, Yamaha receiver, wedding band, game systems, and the list goes on and on. I have also lost my sense of security at home, and many pictures of my boys that were in memory cards that were stolen, along with the many cameras we had.
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2010
We signed up for a 2 year agreement with them starting in September of 2008 till September 2010. I wrote them a letter in July of 2010 saying that I am sending in the next 2 payments for August and September and that we are cancelling our service as our contract is up in September. I heard nothing from them regarding this, so I assumed that it was off and they would turn our service off.
I kept thinking that they would just turn it off. We only used their service about 5 times in those 2 years. We live in a very safe neighborhood and before we moved here we had ADT and we had their service and found out that we really did not use it even though we were under a service contract with them. They were more than happy to break the contract and cut our service. I told Monitronics the same thing; you can look over our service and we have never really used it. I have left the doors unlocked and nobody has ever broken into our home. We just don't need the service. As I have been looking on the web, they just don't seem to take no for an answer. They continue to call our home at least 1-2 times a week and ask us to call them. I sent you a nice letter, paid you up until our time was over and it's over.
I am not going to continue to call you and remind you that our service is over. I am not sure what it is with these companies that they feel they need to continue to pursue something even after the fact that the contract is over. They are a nightmare. I want to go cut the wire, but don't want to be at fault for that either. They still have our service on but they have stopped sending the bills, but I can guess they still want us to pay, which I am not paying for something that was done in September.
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2010
In January 2009, I entered into a service agreement (#**) with an independent agent for Monitronics. At the time, I told the agent that I only wanted the alarm system for my father, who was already 90 years old and not in good health, and therefore could not commit to more than one year. This agent agreed.
As it happens, my father lived for two-and-a-half years. Consequently, upon my father's death on 18 August 2010, I called Monitronics to cancel the service. They said, I had a three-year contract and therefore needed to pay no matter what. I told them that this was not the agreement and I requested that they send me a copy of this contract. They agreed to do so, but even after numerous follow-up calls, the only thing I received were continuing bills!
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2010
I called Monitronics to cancel the service in August after fulfilling a three year contract. The person I spoke to tried to sell me more things: "What if we sent you a wireless keypad?” "We can transfer your service to another location," etc. Even though I was calling the cancellation department, they tried every tactic to try to get me to stay with them. It was about 10 minutes of going through the runaround about not wanting anything they have to offer that I wanted to cancel. My husband grabbed the phone and said, "She said she wants to cancel so cancel it." He hung up the phone and we thought that was the end of it. I received a bill recently that we are now in October. It says that we owed $84.46 because the cancellation never went through.
Needless to say, I called them today. They told me that I needed to send a letter stating that we wanted to cancel and we needed both of our signatures on it, the passcode for the system, etc. Even after I send them the letter, they wait 30 days (coincidentally they can get more money) before it takes effect! I will never use this company again. They have poor business practices and I refuse to use a home monitoring system ever again. Of course, I thought we were locked into a two year contract only to find out it was for 3 years. Whatever you do, do not go with Monitronics!
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2010
I've been very happy with my Monitronics system and the contract that everyone signs clearly states the length of the contract. 90% of the complaints on here are due to consumers not reading what they sign and/or trying to weasel out of a signed contract. That's not on Monitronics, it's on you. If you sign a document saying you'll pay someone $48/month for 5 years, then you pay the money for 5 years! Don't whine about it online because you can't pay your bills.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2010
From the beginning, their technicians have been inadequate. The installation person used my brand new dryer as a ladder, and caved in the top. They did order a new top for the dryer, but also had to send another technician to fix the faulty installation. There were so many false alarms, that the South Jordan Police Department began charging me $25/false alarm. It has not worked properly, well, ever, and on June 23, I called to cancel the service. They put me on hold for over 20 minutes, and I had to return to work.
After two additional attempts to cancel, they finally honored my request on August 12, and sent me a bill for $74.85. I prorated the days of service through 8/12, and sent them a money order for that amount, along with an explanation as to why I would not pay them $74.85. They said I still owed them about $34, which I paid under protest on 10/18. They have now sent me to collection, since the check apparently was not received within their 10 day time frame. I did not receive the notice of intent to involve a collection agency for 8 days after the letter was dated. I strongly urge everyone to avoid Monitronics at all cost. They employ technically inadequate persons, and have extremely unethical business practices.
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2010
I was with ADT at first for 2 years. I then found out through the mail that they are now Monitronics. I had been having trouble with the system, sending false signals to the Fire Dept. ADT rep came out and worked on it, said it would not do that again. Guess what I found out, he had unhooked the system altogether. I didn't find out until I was remodeling the kitchen and found the control box unhooked. Now, mind you, the system had been unhooked for two years.
I called Monitronics and they refused to do any thing about it and said that I had a 7 year contract. I had another company to look at it and they can't do anything because 4 of the components are bad and wasn't even hooked up. The main box has a key lock and I don't have it, they (ADT) do, because the man that installed it said it would be turned into the company for safe keeping with my address on it if they ever had to come to work on it. I don't know what to do because its an auto withdraw from my checking account.
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2010
Monitronics contacted me to tell me that they detected activity in a non-existent zone 8. They kept me holding on for approximately half hour and then determined that they would have to send a technician over to determine what the problem was. I decided to go with another company. While the other company was installing my new panel board, Monitronics was able to detect it. They called me and when I answered, they didn't respond. They sent my local police department over. They were fully aware that I was going to be changing my service. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Reviewed Sept. 17, 2010
I activated service in a brand new home that already had a system installed. Monitronics configured the system to work with their equipment and automatically locked me into a 3-year contract. This information was in the paperwork signed at the time of installation, but at no time was I verbally informed that the contract was 3 years in length or even that the paperwork was the contract. In fact, I was led to believe that the paperwork was simply stating that the tech had completed the work.
This was also being done at the time that the movers were at the house and I id not have adequate time to fully read what I was signing (my mistake). I have $324.50 for the remaining 10 months on the contract.
Reviewed Sept. 9, 2010
I initially was "selected" by the door to door salesman for Platinum Security to be a demo house for their Simon XT home system. The deal was I didn’t have to pay for anything except monthly service for 5 years. The contract was explained to me. I don’t own the equipment until the contract is fulfilled. However, I could cancel, I just don’t keep the equipment. No big deal, right? Well, they got bought by Monitronics also. I have moved to a rental that doesn’t permit modification of the existing security system.
I called to cancel and they told me I am locked into a 5-year payment contract and that all their systems are free when you pay for service! Really? Who would knowingly lock themselves into a payment contract? The payout is $2,362 if I cancel. Of course, this option sounds extra shady. I can transfer service at no charge to a friend or family member, what kind of scam is this! If I had the time and money, I would sue them. Never again am I letting anyone in my home to pressure me with an on-the-spot decision tactic into buying a product.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2010
I had my own hair salon and I had alarm service with them. Due to the economic situation, I had to relocate to another salon with I didn't own so I couldn't transfer my service. But to my surprise I couldn't just call and tell them to discontinue service. They informed me when I call them. I had to sent them a letter to terminate my service and that they have up to 30 days from the time (they) receive the letter until before they will terminate your service. That's just not fair do you realize how long they take to do this and by the time you get the final bill it's outrageous.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2010
I am moving after a huge ordeal with my house. I am trying to cancel the service as I no longer need it. The service has never even worked it goes off all the time for no reason. I have called them numerous times and they have never sent anyone out to see about it. I am tired of dealing with them over this and kept paying for it but now I know longer need it because of moving to a rental property. I want to sue these [people]. It seems like everyone on here has the same problem and they won't allow anyone to cancel. I am thinking about canceling the prepay with the bank, then they will just harass me trying to get me to pay the monthly charge. They say I can cancel if I pay 700.00 but I offered to pay it and then they said it would take them 60 days to cancel, but they would still charge me. This is crazy. These people need to be sued. A class action sounds great.
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2010
I moved one year ago overseas, because of imminent danger to my life through a former husband convicted of felony burglary and harassment(WA Case 279961). Monitronics refused to cancel the contract and now sent a collection agency after me, even though for one year they billed me even though no services were rendered! I paid under protest, but I would not recommend this company because the ex-husband broke several times into my house and Monitronics had no record of any incident because after disconnecting the phone line, he was free to do what he pleased!
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2010
Monitronics International. Tried to cancel contract after contract had been fulfilled. I did all that they required to do. They said that my letter was not signed. I called the company and they said that they would take care of it and I would not have to send a new letter. I was again billed for another month of service. This company has extremely poor customer service. It is extremely difficult to cancel your service. Do not ever get involved with this company. I would rather deal with the insurance company if my home was robbed! Because I have been robbed by Monitronics for 3 years!
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2010
I cancelled my account on September 09, 2010. I moved to a new business which I did not need security. However Monitronics continue billing my checking account for a whole year. I called to let them know I had been charge for a full year. I wanted my credit. They negotiated with me a 3 minth credit. I gladly accepted.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2010
What is it going to take to stop the billings from this company? In August 2009, I called Monitronics to cancel the contract due to no work. I've been without work since then, but still they call me every month to pay the bill. At first, they told me I have to write a letter to Monitronics to cancel the service and I did. But when I approached them about it, they replayed to me that hey never received the letter and for me to cancel, I need to pay it complete. The total amount then was about $700 but due to the contract I could not cancel it. This is damaging my credit, but they do not care about it. What is it going to take to stop this?
Reviewed July 21, 2010
It has such terrible customer service, and being Canadian, I can't get in touch with a Canadian representative, even though payments are to be made to an address in Ontario. I canceled my 3-year contract, 2 and 3 months in, due to billing and false alarm blunders. I received confirmation of cancellation and signed a form, wrote a letter of intent back in April, and sent my pay-out amount as well as my outstanding balance. But they never acknowledged my cancellation and continue to bill me. As well, they took my cancellation fee and applied it to my outstanding account!
I have talked to customer service so many times, and each time, it's the same story. They have no record of payment or cancellation, and they transferred me to another department where I have to repeat my story all over again. We never used the alarm system, but we continually got calls saying that a wrong entry code had been entered.
This company bought out Triton Security shortly after we signed the contract, and we have no contact person to go to. I haven't given them another dime and don't intend to. And I have reported them to the Better Business Bureau of Dallas, TX. I honestly believe they are an unethical company with no regard for customer service or consumer safety. What a rip off! Warning to the wise, stay away from this company! At this time, Monitronics will continue to bill me, and down the road, it could affect my credit. So I am taking steps to prevent that by reporting them to the BBB of Dallas, TX.
Reviewed July 21, 2010
I was told I won a "free installation." Sure the installation was free but the monthly service charge was not. I was never shown how the system works. I just want the monthly fees to stop and am seeking no penalty action. Just stop. Please.
Reviewed July 21, 2010
Instructions for arming the device were never given. Yet I'm being charged monthly. Please disconnect the alarm and stop charging.
Reviewed July 19, 2010
We'll now I'm being charged for the service call but no one ever came out. Monotronics said they came out. My dad waited and waited. Monotronics is going to send me to a collection agent if i don't I tell them I wanted to cancel their service. They don't care of course. I'm locked into a contract until 2012. In the end, there's nothing I can do but I can urge other people not to get a Monotronics system and I will be switching company when my contract is up. Also sometimes our alarm get accidentally tripped by kids or dog. Sometimes they call, other times they don't. I'm very unsatisfied with their service.
Reviewed July 12, 2010
Titan Alarm installed a system at my home in June 2009. I accepted the contract, because I expected in good faith to be living at this home for the next three years. I have to move because of the economy. Even moving to TN and living with my daughter who already has an alarm system, it is impossible for them to cancel the contract. There is nothing in the contract that addresses moving.
They said my liability is to pay $1079 to take care of the two years of no service. Or they will remove the system and then my liability will only be $600. If I don't comply, my credit will be more damaged.
Reviewed June 23, 2010
I tried to cancel my service through the Monitronics customer service and they wouldn't do it for me. I have moved and they wanted me to extend my contract or pay a fee to move the system and I wasn't going to do either. I called the Executive Response Team at 1888- and they were extremely helpful! Fred was the gentleman’s name and he canceled the entire system for me, free of charge! If you are having problems, call the ERT!
Reviewed June 20, 2010
I called as a new customer, was set up with a great package that covered everything I asked for and an extremely low rate after some negotiation. There was a small bump in the plans when it turned out no one in my entire area could install smoke sensors in a commercial location which 2 of the pieces I was getting were smoke detectors. So after speaking with monitronics again we exchanged the 2 sensors and I talked myself into buying some more equipment at a discounted price.
After all was said and done I got a call from Monitronics just to let me know they would be installing the equipment I had already agreed to pay for at no cost, just because of the trouble I had gone through with the smoke sensors. I was shocked. I'm confident I will be very happy with my service. I've read my contract very carefully, I know the cancellation policy which it seems 90% of the complaints I've seen are about. I know what I’m responsible to do like battery changing and testing. And so far they have been great, and it wasn't just to get a new customer.
I was already signed up when I had to exchange my 2 smokes and I had been fine with paying for the additional equipment. They didn't have to call me to cover anything else, I was already happy and made the first representative; the one I made the exchange with; know I was very happy, I even asked to speak to his supervisor to commend the good job he did. In my opinion they went above and beyond with my account.
Reviewed June 14, 2010
Monotronics is the worst business experience I have had in many years. I cancelled my system twice and continued to be billed. Contacting customer service is a nightmare. They do not respond to emails (funny because they sure do accept payments via computer). After waiting for assistance at least 20 minutes every time I called, they put off officially canceling the account for 30 days for no reason whatsoever. I hadn't even touched the alarm keypad in over a year. They are bureaucratic and untrustworthy. Don't make them your alarm choice! To avoid credit ramifications, I am being forced to pay for 3 months of service that I officially canceled over the phone because that is the only way to contact them. I certainly don't have money for services I discontinued months ago.
Reviewed June 5, 2010
About a year ago, we solicited proposals for a home alarm system and selected a local company. Since then, we receive regular calls from an Indian-based telemarketing company on behalf of Monitronics (whom we had nothing to do with). For the first few months, we asked nicely to be left alone as we already had a system installed. They refuse to identify themselves further. They refuse to take us off their contact list. Now when I see their spoofed Rhode Island number on caller ID, I put on my best Pakistani accent and begin insulting their mother. What else can I do?
Reviewed June 5, 2010
I have a problem with alarm sys for 4 days and I cannot get anyone to help. Do you get any other complaints about them?
Reviewed June 2, 2010
We needed to cancel our service. I called May 12, 2010 so phone chat holds so forth and so on, OK just send us a letter and it will be done in 30 days. No way. They stick to you like stink. We find out now they have a so called 36 month contract with us. I say send me the proof. They reply it’s all recorded. I say prove it. Long story short $1400.00 to close the account or stuck until 2012. Scummy low class company. I'm tempted to just remove them from my instant pay. Any advice? Shoddy install just ugly. We can no longer afford this and feel scammed, used. They are very disreputable. We are not obligated.
Reviewed June 1, 2010
Last Tuesday May 28th my alarm was going off when I came home. Someone broke into my house, took things and walked out the back door. Monitronics never called me and the police weren't notified until I got home from work. I have talked to several people from Monitronics and they said that they never received the signal. A technician has come out to my home twice already and ran tests and they receive the signals but when the alarm is going off nothing happens. I have talked to so many people since last Tuesday and have gotten the runaround. This service is horrible and I would never recommend anyone to do business with them.
Reviewed May 31, 2010
We tried to call the Phoenix, AZ number prior to leaving on a trip. We got "that number is no longer in service." Are you people going out of business? Or what? I'm getting the feeling that Monitronics is not a reliable or stable company!
Reviewed May 26, 2010
I have had a problematic wired alarm system with Monitronics for over 3 years. I decided to cancel the service but was given an option to switch to wireless with 6 months free. I was told that the wireless was less problematic than the wired. My home in Clarkston, GA was burglarized on 05/25/2010. The power was cut, turning off the alarm system which is still supposed to work because it is wireless. I was told by Monitronics that they cannot be held accountable because their device is defective?
Reviewed May 25, 2010
After 3 years of service, I moved out of the state and tried to cancel the service. I called them, but they said I had to write a letter. I asked them if I could fax it to them. They said yes, so I faxed it to the number that they had given me. I have received several calls from them stating that it is an open account and they have no record of cancelation. After several calls I finally spoke to someone who was able to cancel it. It should not be that hard to cancel a service that you no longer need. They are still sending me a bill for $70.00.
Reviewed May 12, 2010
I haven't had a contract with this company since my two-year commitment with them expired in November of 2009. They called me three times a day demanding money and keep billing me. I have told them at least 90 times not to call and yet they continually harass me and my children when I am not home. I want the calls and mailings stopped. I am no longer under any obligation to this company and I paid $2,000 for the security system and never use it. I am paid in full. Please help stop this harassment!
Reviewed May 11, 2010
Like the other complaints I have read, Marco, with Security One, offered to have their company install a free complete home security system that we could cancel after one year without cost or obligation. They were looking to advertise their company and wanted to target houses that were appealing. When I questioned him on the 60-month contract, I was told that because the system was being given to us at no cost, this would identify it as a promo installation and they would know we could cancel after one year.
In calling to cancel, our contract has been purchased by Monitronics. They are upholding the signed contract and will not budge. Security One says there is nothing they can do because it's Monotronics' contract now. Even though they agreed that these were 'pitched' with the one year cancellation, they are standing by the contract and the fact that it's basically not their problem anymore. This is the biggest bait and switch scam I have ever seen.
Reviewed May 4, 2010
Simply put, our "account" got sold from APX Home Security to Monitronics. We were never notified by either company that our account would be or was sold. When I tried calling to cancel because I was moving to a different country because of my husband's job, we were told that there was nothing they can do. We were bound by a 60-month contract, of which we had 38 months remaining.
The damage? Well, we had to pay out the remaining months left on the contract. that's 38 months at $48/month. It ended up being $1850.60! This company would not work with me to settle this fairly. I would not recommend to use Monitronics or any home alarm company. The lease agreements are long and I would advise everyone to carefully read the fine print.
Reviewed May 4, 2010
A salesperson was selling alarm system door-to-door late in the day (June 2008) and offered to replace my old security system for free if I advertised the company by placing a yard sign in the front of the house. I told him that I did not have my current system on and I did not know when if I was planning to ever to turn it on. But he insisted that it was free to update the system and I could call to turn on when ready to do so. I did not know that i had signed a 5-year contract. I have to pay $40 a month even though the system is not on. Neither the doors or windows are connected to the system and I did not get any motion detectors.
They will not let me get out of the contract. Who can afford to have such contracts? I can't afford giving them $40 a month. I've mailed a letter to them letting them know that my hours at work are getting cut and that I cannot continue to give them $40 a month, but they said that I cannot get out unless I pay over a thousand dollars or find someone else to take the contract. Had I been told that I was signing a 5 year contract, I would have said no right away. I don't even have a cell phone because I can't afford having a contract, so why would I choose to sign one for a service I am not getting since the system is not and has never been on in the first place? What they are doing cannot be right.
Reviewed April 21, 2010
Late in 2008, we were approached by a salesman explaining that he was in our community offering to set up an alarm system free. We would only have to pay for the monthly payment. We live in a senior community, and the gentleman explained that he had already signed every senior he had spoken with and everyone had signed. My husband is blind and at home alone all day, and although he had LifeLine, he thought this was a better way as we would also be protected from theft and fire.
The salesman than proceeded to explain to my husband everything that was on the contract and suggested we sign immediately, as we were his last call and he could have the system working the same evening. I wanted to read the contract, but he said it wouldn't be necessary as he already explained everything and I could read the contract at my leisure. To make this sordid long tale a little shorter, one of the signed seniors was robbed; thief came in through the window (which was supposed to be wired).
We then took steps to dismantle the system and wrote a letter of cancellation and mailed everything back, making sure that everything was certified. We were current until December 13. Monitrix admitted receiving the letter, but no one knows what happened to the box. Now we are badgered every day with phone calls, and I flatly refuse to pay for something that they can't possibly be doing--monitoring my home. No equipment. By the way, the contract was never left for me to read.
Reviewed April 20, 2010
Almost 3 years ago now, this company named Platinum Alarm was running around my neighborhood talking people into "free alarm systems". All you had to do was pay for the service each month but it had to come out of your bank account you could not send a payment monthly. It was rather frightening, one minute I was talking to a salesman and the next there were like 5 guys running around my house, in my back yard, all over the place. They are drilling holes and wiring up this monstrous looking box which believe me I would truly regret later. I have not been able to use this system because it interferes with my phone and internet service but the company claims that it does not.
I did receive a call once from Monitronics who claims they took over the Platinum Business. At that time, I let them have it and told them I did not want this thing in my house and would gladly send it back. The woman wanted to send someone in to fix it and I told her I did not want anyone from that company back in my house ever again. Since then, I have not heard one thing from them, well guess why, because they were taking my money whether I had service or not, in fact I was told the other day that disconnecting was my choice (too bad).
I stopped the payment from coming out of my bank account and now I am getting phone calls daily, at home and at work. This is ridiculous. All I want is to send them back their stuff and have them leave me alone. I am a single parent and do not have money to waste on such nonsense. They have gotten more than a year of payments for non-service and now when I remove the system I will have large holes in my walls. All I really want is for them to take back their stuff and leave me alone!
Reviewed April 11, 2010
First, this site invites bad as well as good experiences. This not a complaint per se., but due to the litany of web site complaints about Monitronics have been asked to document our observations as new customers of Skyline Security Management located in Downey Ca. Researching home security with Skyline and their use of Monitronics led me to many web sites dealing w. complaints of this monitoring station located in Dallas TX. Many complaints were serious, disturbing, potentially fraudulent and litigious.
However, I saw no documentation of legal outcomes from any complaints, and wondered as to the prevalence of accuracy. I decided not to proceed until further investigation. After initially canceling our contract with Skyline the day following signing on, I contacted a Mr. B at Monitronics. He discussed the issues of complaints, their C rating at BBB, and admitted several areas of improvements within the company they are working on and designed to promote desirable client relations. He discussed over 800K clients nationwide with about 830 complaints over a period of 3 years. Further checking w. Dallas BBB revealed 837 complaints over 3 yrs of which 678 were resolved, 153 not settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution, and 3 remaining unresolved.
Additional calls were made to Skyline where I spoke to CEO Edwin A, service coordinator Sal V, as well as others. I should also state that I was a referral to Skyline/ Monitronics by a neighbor who had no complaints. We reinstated our contract, and installation was done the following day. My first call to Monitronix was to go through the "tests", our first attempt at quality control.
The person at that central station was totally incompetent as to procedure, telling me I had to notify Skyline when we are doing our "testing". He (wish I had gotten his name) gave completely wrong information which paralleled what I had read in dozens of web sites, each with dozens of complaints. A call to Mr. Sal ** of Skyline resolved that issue, and the next day I called another Monitronics. number in tech support, and I finally reached someone who responded appropriately to our first "test".
Reviewed April 8, 2010
Monitronics is a fair company. They monitor alarm signals that our equipment sends out. If anyone took the time to read the contract, they would see we didn't even sign the contract with Monitronics. We signed with a different company and they sold our contract to Monitronics. Also, the contract states on the first page to cancel, as many other contracts states with other companies, in writing with a 30 day notice. And if you call them to cancel, sure they are going to keep you, but they will tell you exactly what to do to cancel.
I fell for all the salesman's lies when I purchased my alarm. He didn't tell me I would have to keep up with my own equipment or change batteries or my contract would be sold or my contract will be for 36 months. But I signed the contract and read later. As far as I am concerned Monitronics is a fair company. They call me when my alarm is going off and send the police when I don't answer. They do what I pay them to do.
Reviewed March 25, 2010
People, first of all, if you would read your contract, a lot of these complaints wouldn't be typed here. There is a lot of wording to the contract and long or short, needs to be read. Also, one recommendation, if you need to contact ERT, Executive Response Team, who works for the president of Monitronics, call 1-888-758-5900 and believe me, you will be helped.
Reviewed March 17, 2010
This is the worst company anybody can deal with. Customer service is worst and service. They charge bill if you cancel also. Horrible company. Thanks. We all three years we paid without service because of contract. Contract is acceptable only if they give service.
Reviewed March 15, 2010
I cancelled my account, following the Monitronics' procedures after I called their customer service line. I was asked to fax in a request to cancel and that would be sufficient. A week later, they sent a letter asking me to do the same thing - this time, snail mail it. I did. 2 weeks later, they sent a letter confirming the account had been canceled. About a week later, I received a bill in the mail charging me for 2 months. I called their customer service line and the first guy told me that my account had not been canceled, but moved! Someone in the account resolution department said my cancellation notice wasn't signed. After I went off on them, they said they were going to credit the account and close it for good. We'll see.
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2010
Well, it all started about 4 years ago when my Grandma passed away. My Grandfather felt unsafe after a robbery in his home when he left to go shopping. Not long after that, he had an alarm put in from Monitronics. About a year later, a sales person shows up from SAI. They said they bought his contract from Monitronics so they changed the key pad on the wall. Of course, he does not know much since he is 78 years old.
Then, 6 months later, another person shows up looks just like the other sales person with all his info, credit card, and bank account info. Now, he says the company SAI is bankrupt and Castlerock is the new company. All along, he is getting double billed from both Monitronics and SAI/Castlerock. I have tried to find out how to stop this madness, especially since the only way to stop paying them is to close the account. He has had that account for over 30 years. He does not want to close that account.
Also the alarm does not work and Castlerock wants to charge for it's service. Therefore, he is paying $49.99 twice a month until August 2011. That's incredible, and still no alarm.
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2010
I can't get any answers from Monitroics, when I phone them after speaking to someone I suddenly get cut off. I was not told anything about permits, my having to contact the police dept, the paramedics, the fire department in order to get a number and then call the security company with that info in order to be connected to the alarm co. I have a witness who sat through the presentation as I thought two set of ears would be better than one. I also wanted a witness so if anything did happen after I decided to take the offer, I had back up.
This is a very smart man, who also had his own business so I think he is a valid witness. I can't get any answers, I just keep getting another number to call. I really don't know if I am connected or not. I don't think I am, but can't find any answers. I am 80 yrs young, and still pretty sharp, but I think I was charmed into this deal for 3 years. I hate it. Also I read the book again and it says I have to be responsible for the batteries (what batteries), was never mentioned and I unable to do these things that I found out after fact! I've tried to get my system checked and can't get through to the control people. I would like to join the other dissatisfied customers in a class action suit. How do I do that?
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2010
I have had Monitronics Alarms for 12 years and I went to cancel the service on March of 2009. They told me I have to send a letter for the reason. I did that about 4 times because they say they never received it and finally, they did. After that, they keep sending me invoices for the services from March until present. They said that I owe them back charges and late fees. Now, they have an attorney signed to this and they are extremely rude. If anyone wants an alarm system, I would highly not recommend Monitronics for any services. They say that any time you sign your name to one of their agreements after the initial term is up, it keeps renewing for 2 years after that and you have to cancel on the renewal date.
Reviewed Feb. 11, 2010
I had a door-to-door salesperson offer an alarm service which sounded good with all the bells and whistles necessary to protect my family. I signed a 3-year contract for a little more money that I had been paying for another service and was told that they were opening a office in town should I have any concerns. They never opened the local office. Their equipment was taped to newly painted walls and ceilings. Once, the base unit was plugged in to our telephone line, our telephone stopped receiving calls, and if a call came through, it was accompanied with tremendous amount of static and distortion.
I contacted Monitronics and was told they would send out a technician. Their technician stated that the problem was with the telephone service provider. I contacted our telephone service provider whose tech came out and tested our phone line and found that it was good. I contacted Monitronics, they had their installer company call and attempted to "walk me through" the system over the phone. This didn't work. They told me that a $30 service charge was required because they had already sent out a technician, I declined to pay for their problem. As I had paid the 3-year service contract in advance, I called and cancelled service for which I had for nearly nine months.
In addition, I found that there was no monitoring due to the fact that I heard chirping from their unit. They had never called to confirm any disruption in service even during a couple of power outages that had taken place during this period. I called to cancel in October '09 and requested a refund from Monitronics for the balance of service which was sent a few weeks later. After disconnecting equipment from telephone line, telephone is working now. A month later, Monitronics started calling for payment for monthly monitoring fee. I completely explained with their customer staff on three different occasions after that initial call cancelling service because of faulty equipment, to no avail. I kept getting the runaround from customer service and their supervisors.
They do not cancel contract, they acknowledge the return of the contract amount, but say that does not end contract. I still am liable for a service which they cannot fix or monitoring they cannot do and have not provided. Now I getting billing statements and harassing telephone calls several times a week at all hours of the day, saying I owe them, when in fact, they stole from me for the first nine months.
What kind of contract law allows for a person to continue to pay for a service from a company that can't be delivered, not to mention the unprofessional manner to which it was installed? What is this company owed?
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2010
Monday, 2-1-10 at approximately 1:03 in the AM my alarm went off. I called 911 and was on the phone with dispatch for about 7 minutes waiting for the police to arrive. Dispatch and the police both informed me that the alarm company had not notified them the alarm had gone off. After numerous phone calls between Monotronics and American Alarm, I spoke to Nicole from American Alarm who informed me the alarm that the alarm went off at 1:05 and 13 seconds and disarmed at 1:05 and 38 seconds and that's why no one called me.
To begin with this is impossible because I was on the phone with 911 for over 5 minutes and didn't disarm it until the police arrived. When I called Monotronics, they told me my PW was wrong and I had to call American Alarm. I was then informed by Nicole that the PW they had down was "Cordel". I don't know how this mistake could be made because that was wrong. I then called Monotronics and they informed me it was a backup failure, and not the actual alarm.
I don't understand how it could be backup failure if my alarm is on a cell tower. They told me I had to call Ernie to send a technician out. Ernie was very rude when I asked for a technician to be sent out that same Monday. He replied "What do you want me to pull one out of my sleeve?" I do not appreciate this type of service considering I am paying for this service you are not doing me a favor. A technician Ryan arrived that afternoon and said if Cox communication was doing some type of work and turned off power, it would causes the alarm to go off. Since the alarm is on a cell tower, this should not occur. I am very dissatisfied with your customer service and at this time would like to terminate services.
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2010
I have heard a lot of bad stories about this company so I shouldn't be surprised. Earlier this year, a Sacramento Monitronics dealer signed my grandmother up for a three-year contract. Mind you, when I talked to my grandmother that day, she didn't really seem to know what she signed up for. (I have since noticed that the dealer had to even print her name for her).
She has been deemed incompetent to handle her finances and health decisions and had to be move to an assisted living facility because her dementia became so bad. I called Monitronics to cancel the service and they tell me that we can't, even though we're selling her house and she can no longer live there. She has more than two years left on the contract. They even had the nerve to tell me that I would be financially liable (not true).
In an apparently fake attempt to resolve the situation, they get the nursing home to fax them a letter saying that she's living there. When I call them to ask if they received the letter, they say that the contract is too new and that I have to go through the company that installed it. Of course, that company refuses to return phone calls. We're not going to pay. I'd hope they'd have the sense not to harass an old lady in an assisted living facility. We'll see. I have my doubts.
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2010
I had Monotronics, and my home was broken into. They did not send out the police, they did not call and notify me of the break in, the burglars tore the monitoring box off the wall, and they said we did not have a signal from our phone so they did not know. Weren’t they supposed to be monitoring it 24 hours? And on top of that, when I called to complain and cancel our service, the person on the other end could barely speak English. I asked to speak to a supervisor, and guess what, they could barely speak English. Either this company should be put out of business. I lost thousands of dollars in property and jewelry because of this.
Reviewed Jan. 19, 2010
My experience with Monitronics is much like others I have read. Our system never worked. We were robbed three times. They sent repair people four times over a year. These are independent contractors. Each one said the last repair person did not know what they were doing and everything is ok. When I try to use the system I get false alarms and have paid $700.00 to my local police.
We moved and the contract says it is terminated, but when we called Monitronics they refused to cancel. Monitronics successfully segregates each department; therefore, you can never have a compressive conversation. They say, "That is another department. Call them." Talking with Monitronics is like dealing with the Hydra. Their collection practices are relentless. This is the most soulless company on the planet. They can't keep your alarm working, don't honor their contracts, and all they can do is collect!
Reviewed Jan. 17, 2010
My husband worked for a company that went out of business. Monitronics was called to cancel the service and letters were also sent to cancel. Since he was the manager/contact person, they continue to harass him by phone. They somehow got my cellphone and have also been harassing me, though I was never associated with the company. They are harassing me on my cellphone while I am at work and they are eating up my cellphone time.
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2010
I am a retired teacher and my husband is unemployed since October 2009. He called Monitronics to cancel the alarm system because we can't pay it anymore and they told him that they can't cancel it. Now, we had to cancel the telephone service so we don't have any way to receive service for the alarm in case we need it and we are paying for a service we don't use.
Reviewed Dec. 17, 2009
I had a "free alarm" system installed and had monitoring for a year, then foreclosed and moved from the home. I called to cancel the service as I was not going to live there any longer. Several years later, I began receiving calls from Monitronics and collection agencies telling me I owed over $1,000 for monitoring fees for years I didn't even live in the home. When I told them I had moved and cancelled my service, they continued to harass me and demand an address to mail an invoice to. I gave them the address of my attorney, and the calls stopped.
Now, two years later, they won't stop calling again, demanding I pay now thousands of dollars for monitoring of a home I haven't lived in since 2004! I told them not to call me, that I had cancelled my service years ago, and had provided an address for my attorney previously. They told me they have no record of any of this, and demand money. They call at all times, on weekends, from different phone numbers. I am sick of Monitronics and their harassing ways.
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2009
One day last July, a few representatives from Signature Alert Home Security Systems were across the street installing a system for my neighbor. One of them came to my door soliciting an entire security system for an amazing price. He would even waive the initial fee. And who could pass up the chance to buy peace of mind!? I told him initially that my mother owned the house and that she was away in Alaska. He acted as though it did not really matter. He filled out all the paperwork and did not really give me a chance to look at it. When it came to signing the contract, he printed the both of our names, mine and my mother’s, and had me sign for both. I had no idea that could be considered forgery.
My copy of paperwork told me I could cancel this transaction within 3 days of the signed date, which I immediately attempted after reading the agreement. They told me they had not yet received a copy of the agreement, and did not until seven days later. Meanwhile, my mother returns home to find they had charged her account number (something I had not even given them) the initial fee and the first month’s payment. She attempted to sort this out and found: 1.) A company called Monitronics owned Signature Alert and our agreement had been assigned over to them; 2.) As owner of the household, she was the only one with the authority to sign such an agreement; and 3.) The only way to settle this is to press fraud charges against me.
My mother will press those charges, and no matter how many Monitronics reps I speak to about this, the only thing they seem to do is try to entrap me by saying I admitted to forgery. I do not know what to do about this, no rep will help me. The system doesn’t really even work. No one is monitoring my house. I’ve asked repeatedly for them to come take it out but they won’t break the contract.
Reviewed Dec. 14, 2009
On Christmas 2008, my father passed so I moved into his house. He had Monitronics already but had no service in years so I basically called them and had the service turned on. In October, my house got broken into. I was at work, kids were in school and they kicked in my back door. So Monitronics called me and asked "Do you need us to call the police?" I said, “Yes, duh, I’m at work.” I got home and police asked, “Why isn't your alarm still going off and why didn't they call us first?” I said I have no clue, so of course I looked around. Only the flat screen my dad bought before he died was stolen.
Now I called Monitronics and asked these same questions the police asked me. They said "Well, the alarm goes off for 8 minutes and resets itself." Well that's why the motion sensor was set off after the door alarmed. Well now it's December and once again I got another kick at my back door, this time I had a door stopper. They kicked that door in with so much force. No alarm was set off and no phone call. I came home from work. My dog ran up to me, I was like what is going on? I called the police and Monitronics. They said no alarm was set off and they asked if my system was working correctly. I said yes! I don't get it but my kids were heartbroken. Because like I said, my father died of cancer within 7 months of finding out; my boys took care of them. And when he passed on Christmas, this day will never be the same. And to have gifts stolen from last year to cheer them up hurt them badly.
I wished I had read this before I got the service. But other companies who say they're the best deny you if your credit is not all that. How sad. But I know I’m going to take action some way somehow. This a horrible thing like preying on the elderly. Consequences: door damaged. I am in a neighborhood that isn't a good one but not all bad. I don't want to get a gun because of my kids. But someone knows my work schedule and my kids’ school schedule. I can't even go to work.
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2009
I called in April 2009 to cancel my service. They told me I was on a contract and could not cancel without there being a fee. I called back again a week later to find out I was not on a contract and my services would be cancelled. A month later, I find out the services had not been cancelled. I needed to mail a letter to cancel my services. So, I complied with their request and mailed the cancellation notice.
Days later, I receive calls stating my account was delinquent and my services had not been cancelled. I was then for the first time told it takes 30 days from when they receive the letter to cancel the services. It is now December and they are still calling me stating I owe them over $250 for services I have repeatedly cancelled via mail and fax. I have spoken to over 20 people who have failed to help the situation.
Reviewed Dec. 3, 2009
I continually have called this company to cancel and with no effect. Customer service is horrible and I have made repeated attempts to fax the company. My cancellations have been confirmed that they were received but then a bill shows up next month anyway. They also have a 30-day cancel policy so every time I get a bill, they start the days over again and say I owe for the previous month. I've had it with them!
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2009
We purchased a Monitronics Monitored 2-way voice security system from Save Sleep in January 2008 for our previous address. We paid $100 in May 2009 to Save Sleep in order to transfer our equipment and service to our new residence and we have been charged $29.95 per month since January 2008 for Monitronics Security Monitoring Services. We had a problem with our system and we had left many messages for Save Sleep with no return calls. We then called Monitronics directly to inquire about our monitoring service to try to get some help and they have told me that this address has never had any type of security monitoring and that Save Sleep is charging me for a service that I never received.
I am appalled that I have been paying for a security system to a company that has been fraudulently charging me. I have young children and I am now concerned for our safety knowing that our security system that we have paid for was fraudulent. I also feel that everything we have paid to Save Sleep in the last two years for both our previous address monitoring system and our current system has been fraudulent and we have never had an actual monitored security system. We signed a contract to have a Monitronics Monitored Security System two years ago with Save Sleep Security and at this point, I am absolutely disgusted knowing that we have never been actually protected.
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2009
My 88-year-old mother has had her life saved twice now by her previous emergency system, Life Line. In one instance, she had fallen and pressed her button, told them her situation, and then called her neighbor, who's two houses down. By the time her neighbor arrived, she came in the garage and then went straight to the front door in time to let the ambulance attendants in. That was what the button is supposed to do for her, along with the monthly monitoring service. With nothing else, that function was worth what she was paying per month.
Approximately 7 months ago, she let a couple of slick salesmen with AMP in on their "free" installation of their fire alarm, burglary, and medical emergency alert system. She was assured by these salesmen that this system was as capable as her Life Line system plus the added value of fire and burglary. It sounded good; it sounded reasonable. After the signing, they gave her this huge "albatross" (as she refers to it) button to hang around her neck. It looks like one of my earlier garage door openers.
She cannot hear people with this system when she tests her alarm system. She does not understand the settings and cannot remember if you explain them again. With Life Line, she had her button, her small pendant - push the button, here comes the ambulance. Button. Simple. You fall... okay, you get the picture. My mom is 88, but she doesn't seem to know it. She is bright, alert, lives on her own in her own home, and so far, doesn't want it any other way. But multifunction electronics goes beyond her ability to grasp.
She is unhappy with the arrangement, and Monitronics doesn't care. They have canned answers to every attempt to find out how a contract can be canceled, with total disregard to real world facts. Clearly this system and this company is a mismatch for my mother's health needs. Of course, she had been assured by the salesmen that if she was unhappy for any reason, she could cancel the contract. That, of course never found its way into any form of print. She cannot afford to pick her Life Line up again and still pay for this useless wall decoration. These people are without human compassion.
After a bit of research, I found that for me to make these statements can make me libelous if I have malicious intent and cause them to lose business. If someone robs me, am I libelous if I warn my friends to try to keep them from making the mistake of dealing with the robber? I may be unhappy with the company, but my statement here is a whistle blower to try to warn my friends away from what I consider to be a ruthless bully of a company.
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2009
I cannot believe that after my house was foreclosed on, they were totally careless about what I was going through. Never did I think they would continue to charge me for a service I didn't need, as I had been evicted from my house. They continue taking money from my account. How irresponsible.
Reviewed Nov. 16, 2009
I cancelled our security service in July 2009 by phone and was advised that I would have to write a letter. I complied with their request. Because we still had a few months remaining on our contract, I requested that we be sent a final invoice so that I could clear up our account with them. Their office did not comply with our request. We continued to receive monthly bills, even though I continued to request a final billing statement from them. They finally sent us the final billing in October which we promptly paid. Since that time, we have received phone calls from them on a daily basis either asking us to pay a non-existent invoice or sign up for a new service. We have requested to be taken off their phone list countless times, and we still receive daily calls. We are being forced to change our phone number.
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2009
I'm a truck driver. After a period of time, I came home to find a new security system in my home. I asked my wife what it was all about, and she said a security rep from Monitronics came around and made what she thought was a decent offer. The problem is that the system is in my name, complete with my social security number. I have never signed a contract with these people. I've requested many times a copy of the contract, so I can seek legal representation and compare any signature to mine. But I have yet to receive one. The last time I talked to their customer service, I was told that in order to clear this up, I'd have to press fraud charges against my wife. Once I sent them a copy of the police report, they'd review it and make any necessary changes in the billing. To date, I still haven't received a signed copy of the contract! I'm willing to give several handwriting samples and can prove that I was not even here when this thing was installed and any time it's requested!
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2009
My home was broken into on November 6, 2009; and neither I nor the police was notified. I left work going straight home, only to see that our home was ramshacked. The signal was going off in the home, but no signal was received by Monitronics, so they say. This is impossible, because my system is wireless and I have a cell back-up battery in the basement of my house.
Once I got home and after the police left, I called Monitronics. To my unbelief, they told me that they didn't get any signals all day from my address. I am waiting on someone from their company to contact me. The customer service rep was very rude, saying maybe my cellular unit needed to be repaired and I should have called in for a work order to be assigned on the equipment that did not break and was not broken. Nothing's wrong with my cellular unit per alarm tech.
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2009
I have been trying to cancel my service since June 2009. I called their customer support line and cancelled over the phone with the rep. Then, I got another bill. I called and asked about it. I was told they needed a fax. I sent the fax. I got another bill. Then, they said they needed more information. I did that. I got another bill. Then, they said they did not get the fax. I sent it again. I got another bill. I am still trying to get it cancelled.
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2009
They sold me a service alarm security. The guy who sold this to me never told me that I have to pay the police department to have the alarm. I was just told about the payment for the service when a false alarm happened because the system failed somehow. I reported to them something was wrong but they didn't help me to resolve this matter.
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2009
When purchasing our alarm system for a home in Spokane, the sales rep told us we could get out of our contract in case of a military force move. Less than a year later, we found ourselves in that situation and moved into a rental home in another state that would not allow the installation of our system. Monitronics refused to cancel our contract when we spoke with them multiple times on the phone. Over the last year, we have paid over $500 for a non-service and have another six months to go. Never use this company!
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2009
Someone from Monitronics just stopped by my door telling me she "had" to put a sign in my yard. Really? It's important to note that I do not have a Monitronics security system. Deceptive, deceptive practices.
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2009
The home alarm system was sold and installed on 7/10/2007. On 10/2/07 and 11/4/07, I tried to contact the company for lack of service and to cancel monthly monitoring service. A letter was mailed to the above company address on 2/20/08. I had moved from the condo, which was being monitored. When I disconnected the phone line, which was how the system worked, I didn't even get a call then.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2009
I cancelled service back in May 2009 and am still getting bills and harassing phone calls at work to myself and wife. I have tried to talk to these people but get nowhere with any of them. They did not tell us we had to cancel our service by official letter, until last month when we're told we could not do it over the phone back in May. We have received numerous harassing phone calls and are very tired of it. I have read numerous complaints from other people online and cannot believe this company is still in business. Their customer service people are very rude, and you get a different person every time you try and discuss this bill. I have sent them their cancellation request back with a payment for the last month of service. But don't think this will be the end of it. I am real tired of all of their phone calls. Casey is a department, not a person. So you can never talk to the same person.
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2009
This company keeps calling me. I have attempted to call them back, and the number that came up on my phone was not a good number. I got a letter in the mail stating I need a permit. The rep did not say anything about a permit. I called today, and they (Monitronics) said they could not help me. I came to this website and saw many complaints. Gee, interesting. So that is why I am contacting you.
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2009
I recently changed alarm companies. In the process of changing systems, my installation tech showed me that the device I assumed had been monitoring my home for years was in fact a dummy unit. My home was not wireless, but the motion detector installed was only compatible with a wireless system. I wasn't going to complain, I just wanted the billing to stop. So, I sent in my letter, and we received numerous calls asking if we're sure we wanted to cancel. Then, I received another charge on my account for a service fee - a service I haven't had in two months! Even if they have to bill through the 30 days of the cancellation letter, (August 19), why am I being billed 30 days worth of service for September 10-19? This is ridiculous! Do not use this company!
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2009
My home was broken into on September 8, 2009, and neither I nor the police was notified. My husband just so happened to go straight home from work to see that our home was ramshacked and everything was gone. The criminals snatched the entire system from the wall, and no signal was sent off. This is to me impossible, because my system is wireless and I have a cell back-up battery in the basement of my house.
Once I got home and after the police left, I called Monitronics; and to my unbelief, they told me that they didn't get any signal all day from my alarm, not even a trouble signal and they couldn't tell me rather I set the alarm or not (which I did). After speaking to various departments, the only solution was to send out a tech (which would be the following week) and take $10.00 off my monthly bill only if I sign a new 12-month contract. They are crazy. Please do not use this alarm system to secure your valuables.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2009
Please read all the former complaints about Monitronics. We have had the same problems. This is how we got out of our contract. After multiple phone calls and being disconnected multiple times, I was told we would have to send a letter. I got all the information required by Monitronics for the letter. I sent them a 2-page detailed letter of all the problems we had and everyone we talked to. I also printed a page from their website claiming 97% customer satisfaction on the first call and pages from a complaint website.
I made a copy of this letter for the President of Monitronics and one copy for customer service. I looked online for the executive address to make sure it was going to the correct place. I then sent each letter certified mail so they could not claim they did not receive our letter. About a month later, we finally received a short, rude letter from them stating they are disconnecting our alarm monitoring service. We could not be happier and will let everyone know to stay away from them.
Reviewed Sept. 4, 2009
Sept. 3, 2009, I received a call saying I was going to receive a free installation of a home alarm system including a voice monitor that would allow for medical emergency assistance if I just push the intercom or police notification if there was a break-in. All I had to do was put a sign in my yard and a sticker on my window. This promotion was only available for Friday, Saturday and through the Monday holiday. I asked where they would be monitoring from, what state. She told me Texas. I said that's a long way from California, didn't seem like a good idea. She asked her manager to explain how it worked and he said that there was no problem because it was a wireless device and the connection was instant. They monitored from Texas just as most other alarm company do. He wanted to set up an appointment, but I told him I'd like to investigate his company first before someone walks into my home.
He gave me the company website, but I decided to Google them and found this complaint site of their previous customers. Thank God I did, what a wake up call. I will never buy or set up an appointment from a solicitor. Too dangerous because they may be a scam just to get into your house and case it for a robbery or worse! Thanks everyone for your complaints. I'm sure it saved me lots of money and misery.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2009
I sensed the woman at my front yard gate was a salesperson. I was just leaving in my car. I realized she was opening the gate and my 2 dogs were going to get out or jump on her. I called her over, she wouldn't come. I kept calling her and she brought her clipboard over. “Monitronics,” she said. After getting her to finally admit it was a security system and no, I don't want her in my yard, I realized she'd been trained to be manipulative. She left my front gate unlocked! Luckily, the dogs stayed home. Thanks for assuring me my feeling was right!
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2009
What a nightmare! Monitronics provides monitoring services in a market place which is very competitive and very lucrative for those companies able to sign up as many customers as possible. It's pure juice - the monthly stream for (one or three years depending) and the Simon Legree local who gets you "into a contract" are delighted with each new customer. Simply ask yourself. How many times you see those emotional commercials where the guy breaks open (usually the front door) and a clean-cut guy on the other end answers and is "sending help now!" Your tears are welled-up and you're ready to sign now to have "the added protection."
But please, don't sign with Monitronics. Up front, I am not an employee or vendor of any service whatsoever. I am a regular guy who travels often and all I want is decent monitoring service such as I have had in the past with other companies (won't mention any names - but there are good companies but not Monitronics!). Check the Better Business Bureau. See what they say about Monitronics and the other companies for that matter.
Why? They are a horror story. I write you from El Paso, Texas where their service were imposed on me by the local alarm company, First Alarm (they have a hand in this as well), with a contract which even goes as far as to say they don't even have to perform well - only get paid! Not to be confused with the part which says that they are not liable for losses due to theft and such (that's reasonable and common in most monitoring contracts). These people want your money if they screw up such as they did this past July (Btw, my story is similar to the many other posts you'll find here - check it out!).
They called me to inform me "my house was being broken into through an upstairs window - and that they were going to call the police." I told them I was returning to the house at once. Monitronics advised me to stay away from the house and asked me to describe my vehicle for the police that would respond. Then, they called back and said we didn't have a permit and that they were calling off the police. Then, I asked them to please call, permit or no permit (which btw they forgot to file through their agents, First Alarm).
I called 911 and asked for police assistance (alarm permit notwithstanding). The police told me they did not respond to homes without permits - I asked (and El Paso Police agreed) that there was sufficient reason to believe that a burglary was in progress; accordingly, they requested I park away from the residence and wait for police to respond. Unbeknownst to me, Monitronics called off the police and then lied to me on the phone while we waited more than one and a half hour in the hot El Paso sun for the police.
They are a disgrace to monitoring companies everywhere and to those companies who sell their services such as First Alarm of Texas. Don't kid yourself - the contract is illegal under Texas law. The only requirement is that they get paid! This amounts to extortion. A good monitoring company is a good thing; however, you will never know how good they are until the day comes that you need them. Monitronics has proven to be total losers. The only time we hear from them (quite a bit now) is with their heavy-handed bill collectors who want to extort us. You have rights! Exercise them. Don't let these bunglers screw up your life. Monitronics are pinheads!
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2009
We opened an account with Monitronics in September of 2008 and have had nothing but problems ever since. The security system has never worked properly, but all they say is we'll send someone back to your house for $150.00 to evaluate the problem. The problem is that it never worked properly from the start and they want to charge more to fix their problem. I was told that I could buy a wireless motion detector to replace the one they installed and install myself, but now after purchasing one, they now say that they will have to come out and charge me another $150 to program. They are a sorry outfit and nobody should get involved with them unless you have plenty of time and money.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2009
I would not recommend this company. The only time our burglar alarm went off was when we were on vacation 1000 miles away. We got a call from customer service saying the alarm went off, and we told them we weren't at home. They said they would call the police and hung up. Needless to say, we were on pins and needles and waited for their call, and it never came. This happened on a Saturday, and when we tried to reach Monitronics to find out the status, all we got was a recorded message saying their business hours were Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm or something like that. It's absurd!
All we could do was wait. We never heard from them again as a follow up, and when finally we did call them on Monday, they told us that police had been sent and did not see any break-in. We were anxious the whole time. When I came back and called to cancel the service, they asked me to send in a written letter. They would not cancel over the phone and not even email! And the worst part is that they keep increasing our rates by $1 every year.
Reviewed July 21, 2009
It is truly amazing - how one company can mess with so many people's lives. I was amazed that complaints against this company go on for 14 pages. I have tried to cancel this monitoring system numerous times before - every time hearing the same, "You are signed up through 2009." So, I finally followed all their rules about sending the letter, calling, talking to some "account manager" - who said that he could give me the same service for $9.99 - that they have been charging me $42.98 for years - if I would just continue the service. When I questioned him about why I could have it for such a great price - his comment, I kid you not - was "we believe in helping those in times of need." I lost it.
Even after that, I was still getting charged $42.98 on my credit card and called them to dispute the charge. They were wonderful. Because I had documented when I called and when I sent the letter in, they are going after this pathetic company for this month's charge and put a block on any future charges. They also suggested that I contact an attorney about harassment charges. Now, that is helping people out in times of need. Thanks for reading my rant. I hope there will be enough of us that quit this company that they go out of business - if wishes were fishes.
Brinks Home Security™ Company Information
- Company Name:
- Brinks Home Security™
- Company Type:
- Public
- Year Founded:
- 1994
- Address:
- PO Box 814530
- City:
- Dallas
- State/Province:
- TX
- Postal Code:
- 75381-4530
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- brinkshome.com
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