Recently, CastleRock Security Inc., which is located in Arlington Heights, IL has allegedly provided false information with regard to its cancellation policies. If found guilty of this accusation, the company will have to deal with consequences of consumer fraud.

So how did this situation play out?

Many consumers reported that they were not able to cancel their service even after making several attempts to do so. The four former consumers who filed the lawsuit say that the company’s employees would omit pertinent information, which caused them to stay enrolled in the home security plan. As a result, these consumers incurred thousands of dollars for a service they didn’t wish to keep.

In addition to these four customers, the Better Business Bureau has a record of more than 750 complaints against this company. The lawsuit names CastleRock’s president Brian Johnson and also seeks to prevent the company from engaging in deceptive business practices in the future.

The state of Illinois has a Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and an Automatic Contract Renewal Act to protect its consumers, so it will be interesting to see how this lawsuit resolves.

Before enrolling in any home security services, it’s important to ask as much information as you can, especially about the company’s cancellation policy. If you end up having trouble canceling your service, keep records of your phone calls and who you spoke with. Your phone records might serve as evidence, because it documents your attempts.

Security Cubed has a wide range of trusted home security companies in your area. You will probably recognize some of the names they give you. In order to receive more information, all you have to do is fill out the simple online form, or you can contact one of the company’s representatives and receive information in 10 minutes by phone. Security Cubed’s goal is to track down appropriate home security for your needs and get you well on your way to having it installed so your property is more secure.

There are so many security companies and products out there, it can be overwhelming trying to choose which one is the best on top of which one meets your needs within your budget. Protecting your resident isn’t an easy task, but once you have the proper equipment to prevent break-ins, home security becomes exponentially easier.

Check out what Security Cubed recommends for you. There might be more options out there than you initially found when researching the phone book and online. This is a quick way to get yourself started. Sometimes taking those first steps are the hardest, but once you weigh the pros and cons and see your available options, your home security problems are solved after installation.

A major issue with home security products is that they don’t always compliment your home décor, so style and design along with function are probably top on your list of wants. Schlage’s website has a Design Center area, so you can find hardware that matches your living space. Whether you’re securing a new home or looking to improve your curb appeal, the site has developed design guides specific to your needs. For example, if you’re remodeling, you might be interested in door levers instead of knobs for a modern appeal and ergonomic convenience.

Schlage also features locks that don’t require professional installation. Hassle-free locks that are easy enough for the simplest of minds to install are always a plus. For those out there who are gadget driven, the line of remote technology, which puts you in control of your home wherever you are, might intrigue you. With Schlage LiNK, you can lock the doors, turn on the lights and even adjust the thermostat without physically being in your home. Many home security companies are trying to make security easier for those individuals who are on the go.

Well-developed websites such as this one will give you a starting point, because maybe you didn’t know certain technologies or designs existed. With your newfound knowledge, you can do some comparison shopping and choose a quality product at an affordable price. Also check out ADT Home Security, General Electric (GE) Security, Panasonic Electronics and any other local home security suppliers. Taking the time to examine all of the possibilities out there will ensure that you get the bang for your buck that you deserve.

In June 2010 there were 30 reported incidents of bogus home security firms contacting individuals in Dorset. Currently, police and Trading Standards are warning the public and encourage them to answer cold calls with caution. These suspicious individuals who are calling and claiming to be someone else are even going as far as saying they are with the Dorset Police. What makes this story worse is that these callers seem to be targeting Dorset residents who are 80 years and older, and they question homeowners about their home security issues.

Incidents like this can happen to you or even an elderly family member living in your home, which is why it’s important to be as cautious as you can when answering the ringing phone. Below are some tips that you should share with your loved ones.

• Screen your calls all of the time. If you’re not expecting someone to call, just let it ring and wait for the caller to leave a message. Let your friends and family know that you’re being more cautious and to leave you a message when you don’t answer.
• Add the caller ID feature to your phone bill. This add-on isn’t too expensive, and it will give you a heads up on who is calling.
• Set your answering machine up so it has a generic message. Some machines are pre-recorded, which is nice especially if you live alone. Surprisingly, you can learn a lot from people’s answering machine message, because families often pitch in to create the message together.
• Monitor the information that you provide the caller. As soon as you’re suspicious, be direct and let them know that you’re on to them and hang up the phone. Never let them know your personal information.

Who knew telephones could be so dangerous, right? Well, whenever you answer an unknown number, always keep this news story in mind, because it’s very easy to accidentally leak information that a scammer can find useful.

When any stranger comes to your front door, you have to be aware and cautious, because they might not be who they say they are. Some people pose as governmental officials while others are real alarm salespeople who are misrepresenting the information. Remember, if it’s truly a salesman or woman, the goal is to get you to purchase the product and switch over to them. However, this isn’t always such a wise decision.

So how do you react appropriately?

First, find out if the alarm salesperson has a company ID. The identification should have the name of the employer and not necessarily the brand of the product. Then question them about their alarm company’s licensing, because this is a state and local requirement. These two initial questions should help you determine whether it’s worthwhile to speak to them.

As you go further into the conversation, though, don’t let your guard down. Allow them to explain the alarm system and how it works, particularly with regard to the communication system. Keep in mind that a cellular connection is more reliable than a phone or Internet line that can be cut by burglars. Of course, the next inquiry should be about the price…how much initially as well as monthly? Also, ask about maintenance fees and what would happen in case your system malfunctions or breaks.

Depending on how you like the services and prices, dig deeper into features and interactive services. Will you have a remote control? Will you receive email notifications of break-ins, fires, etc.? Is fire and environmental monitoring included?

While alarm companies can provide you with safety, they can also undermine your pocketbook and home security. Before you commit to any of them, especially a door-to-door alarm salesperson, do your research!

The grand prize includes a Smart Care (fortwo coupe), and the packages include various products such as an iPad,$100 iTunes gift card, smoke and carbon monoxide detector, Mac Book Pro, French door refrigerator, Wi-Fi built-in Blue-ray home theater system and more. Kwikset focuses on re-key technology, which enables homeowners to re-key their locks at any time without the need for professional installation. You can enter the “Live Smart” sweepstakes here.

According to the Unified Crime Report (UCR), more than 2.2 million burglaries occurred in 2008, which is an increase from 2007, 2004 and 1999, respectively. While many factors contribute to burglaries, Kwikset found through the American Security Study in 2009 that 47 percent of homeowners never chance their locks when moving into a new place. In order to combat this lack of lock changing, Kwikset has developed simple door locks that can be re-keyed in moments. In addition to its products, the “Live Smart” campaign is another way this company is raising awareness.

Kwikset provides handlesets, levers, knobs, deadbolts and smart security products. With the smart security products, you can re-key door locks within seconds. If you prefer a touchpad electronic deadbolt or touchpad electronic lever, these options are available too. Then you don’t even need a key to enter your home. The levered one is perfect for a sliding glass door or a backyard garage door. As long as you know the code, you will never be locked out of your house.

The door knobs and locks can even match your home décor. There are several finishes you can choose from including satin nickel, antique brass, polished brass, Venetian bronze, rustic pewter and rustic bronze. With the “bump” resistant technology and ANSI Grade-1 deadbolt rating, your home will be more secure, and your doors will be more functional. Even if you don’t win the sweepstakes, you might want to consider new locks for your humble abode.

DIY Security

Why has DIY home security become so simple? It’s because technology has come so far, especially with regard to wireless connectivity and the Internet. Now systems can be installed without a professional without losing valuable features such as 24-hour monitoring, sensors, computer/cell phone monitoring, etc. You just have to figure out which company is right for your castle.

General Electric (GE) has a line of simple home security tools, which include an automatic light system, a window alarm and doorstop alarm. All you have to do is put in the batteries, stick it to the wall and start monitoring. The best part about these tools is that they’re costs range from $10 to $25—you definitely can’t argue with that. However, do keep in mind that these less technical alarms will only alert you with a sound when they’re set off.

If you want higher-security measures put in place, you need to consider more expensive kits. Even though these will be higher in cost and security, they won’t be any harder to install.

LaserShield has a kit that costs about $700, and an additional $30 a month for monitoring services. The kit includes a base station, three wireless window and door sensors, one motion detector, two key-fob controllers and one smoke detector. You can add on wireless cameras or an alarm to detect floods.

Then there is LifeShield, and this company has a similar security kit for $300. Online monitoring services are $20 per month, or you could pay the company to monitor your home for you at $30 a month. With this package, you would receive a base station, eight sensors, one smoke-alarm siren detector and keychain remote.

There are various DIY home security kits available, and it’s possible to stay within your budget and not explode your brain just to try to get the system to work.

In order for this integrated system to function at its highest capacity, Verizon is planning on having these energy and security services piggyback on existing network and broadband connections that are in homes. It’s similar to how many iPhone apps are now layered and are functioning at the same time for convenience. For example, while you’re receiving a text from a friend, you will also be able to see who is ringing your back doorbell. All of these services will function through the “Internet cloud.”

Having the energy and security management combined is beneficial for homeowners looking to reduce their electricity costs. Verizon hopes to add a touch-screen display where people can select a “night mode.” This mode would turn off all of the lights and even reset the thermostat. Many companies have included in-home energy dashboards to help residents keep track of their energy usage, and research shows that this has helped homeowners reduce their monthly utility bills by 5 to 15 percent.

Cable and phone companies are now devising plans on how to expand their broadband connections services, and this is just one way they’re doing it. This bundled approach has the potential of better protecting homeowners and enabling them to save money.

It will be interesting to see how Verizon’s home security system is mapped out as well as all of the convenient features it will have since your cell phone will be connected to security cameras, etc.

It seems like all sales representatives have a specific dialogue that they stick by, which can be annoying and also leave you knowing nothing about what you signed up for. Spending hours on the phone listening to someone regurgitate information back to you is a dissatisfying experience, because often you can’t get a word in edgewise. In addition, to having to be the patient customer, you also have to stomach the charm that some slap on. So if you don’t want to be confused or mislead, you have to take control of the conversation and steer the wheel so to speak.

Here are some basic questions you might want to ask the salesperson:

• How does this company’s monitoring headquarters connect with the security interface that will be installed your home?

• How safe are the wireless home devices in terms of hackers and overriders?

• If a false alarm is triggered, who is responsible for paying the emergency responders?

• How much does this high-tech wireless system cost? When better versions are created, will this system integrate well with the new technology?

Although these are straight-to-the-point questions, they are often overlooked by the salesperson. Or the sales representative might not even know how to answer them, which isn’t a good sign. Obviously, you can ask for a person who is higher up, but if you’re already starting to have customer service issues with the home security company, this isn’t a good sign.

The last thing you want to happen is to be upsold by an uninformed salesperson, and this can happen if you don’t know what other companies are offering. So the best way to look into home security products is to educate yourself first and then tackle the companies one by one.

How does touch screen technology improve home security?

With this added function, residential home security systems provide homeowners with more information and features, which gives them more control too. Although this new design is advanced, it can be purchased at a reasonable price. Below is a list of some additional features this touch screen system offers.

• Intuitive Interface and Icons
• Message Marquee
• One-Click Customer Service
• Weather Report
• Thermostat Control
• Remote Monitoring

Because you can use this system for more than just protecting your home, you will be more apt to arming and disarming the system. When you go to check the weather or adjust the thermostat, it’s a reminder to use your home security. Regardless of what type of home security you have in you’re home, it’s easy to forget to use it.

It’s convenient to have customer service one click away so you don’t have to wait on hold to speak to a representative when an issue arises. Also, you will be quickly notified via text message or email when power outages, floods, fires, unlocked doors, windows or intruder entries occur while you’re not at home.

Whether you have children living with you or an elderly adult, this touch screen system will be easy for them to access too in case of an emergency. In addition to functionality, the touch screen technology has an accessible and attractive appearance. If you’re fed up with the older technology or are looking into a home security system, this model might be the right one for you and your family.