Best Security Products blog

Most of the companies we do business with are honest, but there are fraudulent companies around that cannot be trusted. Scammers can be found in any industry, including the home security company industry. And although dealing with scammers always brings the possibility of danger, that danger is escalated when getting involved with home security scammers, because you make yourself vulnerable to those who now have access to your home.

The good news is that the Federal Trade Commission offers some helpful advice in protecting yourself against home security scammers. This article lists several safeguards you can take if you suspect someone is attempting to deceive you with a home security company scam.

Among their safety tips includes what to do when anyone tries to sell you a home security system. Your first step should be to insist that they show you proof that they are who they say they are and that they are associated with a legitimate and reputable company. Call their company to confirm they are actually employed by them.

Also take note of their sales techniques. Some things to watch out for are high pressure selling techniques and whether they are trying to scare you into purchasing their product. If they start telling you about recent crime in your neighborhood, you have reason to suspect they are scammers. Do not purchase your system from them.

Those people associated with home security company scams may also try to convince you that your current security company has closed its doors and is going out of business. Or they may offer an upgrade on your existing system.

Finally, be wary if they offer you ‘free’ components to get your business. This may mean that you will be committed to a long-term, high cost contract for monitoring, and it may not be worth the ‘free’ components.

Best Security Products can help you choose a Honeywell home alarm system that will protect your family. Are you ready for peace of mind? Give us a call or email us at 1-800–988–2378 sales@bestsecurityproducts.com

As a business owner, you know firsthand the threat shoplifters pose against your business. Retailers lost a staggering $44 billion in 2014 due to shoplifting.¹

Why is so much money lost to shoplifters? Shoplifting is an easy way for people to steal from you. They have open access to large amounts of inventory, and you and your employees can only watch so many people at once, while also doing your jobs.

And while there are some common traits that can help you identify a shoplifter (for example – they are watching staff more than they are looking at merchandise, they stay in obscure areas of the store and they avoid eye contact), not all shoplifters are easy to spot.

You can, however, do a lot to protect your business from loss due to shoplifters. Here are some tips:

1. Install a video surveillance system. Security cameras go a long way towards not only discouraging shoplifting, but if you use high quality cameras, the video footage can help law enforcement to identify and catch the shoplifter.

2. Install convex mirrors in your store. These mirrors will aid you and your employees in seeing corners and aisles more easily.

3. Hire a greeter. Having someone to greet visitors as they come in can reduce shoplifting. Walmart discovered that shoplifting was reduced by as much as 35% when they had greeters.² This same person can be tasked to speak to customers on their way out of your store as well. Some stores are now having the customer present their receipt to the greeter. This dual contact with an employee can be a powerful deterrent against shoplifting.

4. Station attendants at dressing rooms. If your business has dressing rooms, hire attendants to monitor the number of garments that customers take into and out of the dressing rooms.

^{1 http://losspreventionmedia.com/insider/shoplifting-organized-retail-crime/shedding-light-on-retail-theft-statistics/
2 http://smart-retailer.com/growyourbiz/retailmanagement/reduce-your-chance-of-theft/}

If a fire breaks out in your home or office, there is no time to research the best method of putting it out. You need to be prepared before the emergency happens.

If you use the wrong method to put out certain types of fires, it can be deadly. For example, putting water on a grease fire can cause an explosion!

Here are some common fires and how to safely extinguish them:

1. Grease fires. As mentioned above, never put water on a grease fire. Also, never move a pan that is on fire. Instead, place a cookie sheet or lid on top of the fire and turn the burner off. Allow the fire to go out on its own. Do not lift the lid until you are completely sure that the fire has gone out; the fresh air may cause the fire to flame up again.

2. Chimney fires. To put out a chimney fire, follow these steps:

a. Close off all oxygen vents to the fire. This will eliminate the fuel needed for the fire to continue burning.

b. Dump sand onto the fire in the grate, if needed. It is a good idea to keep a container of sand handy at all times, for this reason.

3. Electrical fires. Old or frayed wires, overloaded power strips or faulty equipment can cause an electrical fire. A good method for putting out an electrical fire is to use a fire extinguisher. Keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times – make sure you know where it is and that it is in good working order. It is also important to know how to use one; waiting until a fire is underway is not a good time to figure it out!

To prevent electrical fires, keep an eye on your wires and power outlets to make sure they are in good working condition and are not overloaded.

At Best Security Products, we specialize in fire systems for business and home.

Give us a call at 1-800–988–2378 sales@bestsecurityproducts.com