Failed Alarm Signals Consumer Concern

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- John Gordon opened his business in April, and in September he got a rude awakening.

"I came in Monday and they had broken into my business," says Gordon.

Gordon owns Karaoke, Etc. In April, he hired an alarm monitoring service to help protect his business.

"The system was already installed and they checked it out and said it worked before I signed the monitoring contract," says Gordon.

But, during the break-in the alarm system failed. "My alarm never went off the entire time they were here, it never worked," Gordon says.

He called the Alarm Monitoring Service and demanded repayment for his loss, but his claim was denied. "I feel they should step up and pay since the alarm failed to work," he says.

But the service says not so fast. and that when Gordon signed the contract he agreed to the terms that the alarm monitoring service does not warranty the workability of any pre-existing equipment installed by another company.

Joe Hassan, of Alarm Monitoring Service, says, "That is typical in the industry."

Hassan says this is an unfortunate situation but his company is not responsible for the loss. "The system worked when he signed the contract and it worked when we tested it after the break in, it is just not properly designed for his business," says Hassan.

Gordon was suppose to test the system on a monthly basis, but didn't, says Hassan. His company has an A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau and he says he prides himself on good customer service.

The lesson to consumers and business owners is simple, Hassan says:

• Test your alarm system on a monthly basis.
• Make sure it is designed to give you the protection you need.
• And whenever you make changes to your floor plan or make a change in your phone service, notify the company to be sure the system is still working properly.

Gordon plans to file a claim with his insurance company, but the incident has changed his perception of Alarm Monitoring Services.

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