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Question re deceptive practices
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Ken,
    Watching the commercials from AT&T, ADT, Vinvint, etc, they are showing someone remotely closing doors, turning off a water faucet, turning off lights with wall switches (they advertise controlling outlets), and other non standard activities. While these items could be controlled is it not deceptive trade practice for them to imply the base systems they are installing can do these functions? Water cutoff would require a plumber, switches would require an electrician.
Brian McKinney
Infinity Security Group, Inc. 
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Response
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    Sometimes you dont find out what constitutes deceptive trade practices until the prosecutor accuses you and the judge finds you guilty; then you know.  I don't know the statistics on how many "free" alarms actually get installed without the extras. I didn't know my alarm system could start my sink faucet running in the morning so the hot water is waiting for me.  What will they think of next?
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Another Question - on withholding code as deceptive practice
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Ken
    Have people who want to change their monitoring services to our company. Their current provider has their DSC panel locked out. We can't default the panel as the dealer lock out will not default the installers code to its original numbers, in turn we can't re program it. With that said, they own the equipment so doesn't that constitute the fact that it is their "real" property as its permanently installed in their home or business. Must be some underlying law that prohibits companies from allowing people to have freedom of choice..
    Thanks for the reply
GJN
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Response
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    First of all, if the installing company was smart enough to lock the panel it is probably smart enough to be using my Standard Form Contract.  The All in One states that the system programming remains property of the alarm company, so no, the installer doesn't have to reveal the code or unlock the panel, especially if the subscriber has not completed the full term of the contract.  The All in One would also characterize the equipment as "personalty", not "real property", though that distinction doesn't affect this answer.  
    There is an obvious tug and war between installers and those who want to take over the installed system.  You know the installer probably took a loss or maybe broke even on the installation.  He isn't going to be happy losing the monitoring, service, inspection etc revenue to you - someone who isn't willing to invest in a new panel and take the time to program the system.  If you did that you'd have to charge as much or more than the original installer, which may chill the subscriber's desire to switch to your services.
    Of course I could spin this differently, but I represent the alarm industry and have to go with the original installer on this one.
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subscriber looking for help
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Mr. K
    Just called ADT to put our account on hold for 4-6 months until we find a new home... they are charging a $450 "termination fee" for services they are never going to provide. I hope you were filing a class action suit against them and I'd like to know if I can join the class.
Adam
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Response
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    No Adam I am not commencing a class action against ADT.  I represent the alarm industry, I don't sue it.  I also don't offer advice to subscribers, other than read your contract and comply with the terms.  I don't think ADT has a "put on hold policy", especially while you look for a new house, move and then don't pay your bill.  Probably won't use ADT again anyway.  Must be another company offering "free" systems.
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Question - can small alarm company offer nationwide monitoring
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Ken,
    I am a small company that has a new customer with 10 sites in different states across the US and growing. This company is in WA, CA, IA, NC, IL and NY.  I am currently licensed in SC, NC and GA for BA/FA installations.  I use COPS monitoring and I use your contracts.  Can I sell this customer pre-programmed IPGSM4 Dual Path communicators for all his locations to be monitored by me?  Do I need a license in each state just for the monitoring alone.  The customer will have someone else install the units and test them to central.  Any advice or direction would be appreciated.
Thank you,
AM
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Response
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    Go for it.  Not all states require a monitoring license.  You don't want to give up the work and I don't blame you.  While you will be contracting for the monitoring you will in fact be subcontracting that monitoring service to COPS, a fine central station that, I am sure, is properly licensed in the jurisdictions requiring a license.  It's not practical for you to get licensed in all of the 19 states that require a monitoring license.  You're not in the central station business.  You should make sure your central station is license where you need it to be.  You would think that a wholesale monitoring company would get licensed where necessary, but I am currently investigating a long time player in the monitoring business who may not have been properly licensed, still may need a license - so be sure to ask your central and in fact don't be shy about asking for a copy of the license if you're too busy to check the license in each licensing jurisdiction.  
    BTY, don't ask about the central without the licenses.  When I have the facts it will come out.  And a central station that accepts monitoring in jurisdictions where it is not licensed is most certainly engaging in deceptive business practices.

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