In March we moved into a new house in California and "independent sales agent" Frank Scott sold us a GE Alarm system and service from Protect America. He told us we would be in a two year contract to cover the cost of the free installation of the equipment. My husband and myself specifically asked what the contract would be after the initial two-year contract. He told us we would go month to month. We asked because we couldn't read the small print and we also new we would be selling our house sometime after two years to move out of state.
In July I called Protect America to cancel my alarm service because we sold our house. They informed me that I was under the contract for 18 more months. I was shocked and told them that we fulfilled our 2 year obligation. They told me the contract states I must cancel it within 60-days of the initial contract otherwise I would automatically be renewed for two years. I told them what the rep told me and they said the reps are independent and they are not responsible for what he says to the consumers. I spent months fighting with them (we moved out of state to an apartment so there was no need for an alarm system). They debited my account two additional months before I closed the account. They continued to send me monthly bills for a service they were not providing. Now they turned me over the Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, L.L.C. And threatened to damage my credit.
I am paying it to avoid damaging my credit but will be seeking legal action. I know New York had a class action lawsuit with an alarm company with similar practices so I am hoping that I can do something in California. This is just an aweful business practice and I will never deal with them again and will do everything to bring their deceptive practices out in the open.
I also filed a complaint to the Better Business Bureau but I have found that to be a useless course of action in the past. But at least it is filed.
Anyone who is thinking of doing the same please contact me.
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