In December we received a letter informing us that on February 18th counterforce would no longer be able to monitor our equipment unless we either:
1. Paid a fee to upgrade to a new system
2. Renew at a higher monthly cost to cover the new equipment
The reason was that we had an ananlog cellural system which was being phased out. This affected all Cellural systems (Alarm companies, phone service, OnStar, etc). Google 'Analog cellular sunset' for more info.
In January I spoke with a CounterForce agent on the phone and informed them that we did not want to purchase new equipment or renew our contract at a higher rate. If they could no longer monitor our home that we would just accept the cancelation of service. There was no rebuke or information given about writing in our cancelation notice.
June I noticed that my bank account was still be drafted for the amount of $41.95. I contacted Counterfoce to dispute the charges. At this time, they also told us they auto-renewed the contract and we would have to pay a $314 Early Termination Fee (ETF). They informed me that this was all in the contract. I explained to them that it was unethical to charge and take money for services not rendered. The response of the agent was that they are not denying service (we actually talked to a few people who have given the same responce!)
I did dig up the contract we signed on April 29. It does state that we need written notice and about the auto renewal, but it does not excuse them from non-service.
I have since filed a complaint the BBB in Houston. We have also got the charges reversed thru our bank and they have submitted a contention on the charges for non-services and placed a stop payment on them so no future charges can accur (unless they charge under a different alias, if that happens I'll update this). I have also contacted a Lawyer who is drafting up a letter to CounterForce demanding a refund of the charges and cancelation of the auto-renewed contract at no penalty.
Beware of anything you sign with this company, they have lost my business forever (I'm moving soon and they would have got a new contract). I'm glad I found out how unethical they are before getting into a new 3Yr contract!
Jesus
Goose Creek, South Carolina
U.S.A.
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