Beware of Alarm Contractor Scams

Posted: June 6, 2021

On June 9, 2021, the Punta Gorda Police Department responded to a home on Napoli Lane regarding a suspicious incident. The homeowner stated that two individuals came her door on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 around 7:30 p.m. The two individuals, one white male and one white female, claimed that they had been sent by the alarm company to update the alarm system from 3G to 5G and that they needed to “change to chip” in the alarm box inside the home. The homeowner stated that they had arrived in an unmarked black Lexus, had no formal company identification, and were holding where holding what appeared to be a work order.

Since the homeowner had not scheduled any work to be done on her alarm system, and because she felt the situation was suspicious, she made the right decision and refused to open the door for the individuals. The homeowner contacted her alarm company who stated that they had not sent out contractors to upgrade her alarm system and that the individuals were not employees of the alarm company.

It has not yet been determined if this was in fact an attempted crime or contractors who had been sent to the wrong address. At this time there have been no other similar reports taken regarding these individuals. However, residents should always be wary of potential scams and distraction burglaries whenever individuals come to your home unscheduled. It is possible that in this situation the individuals may have entered the home and attempted to convince the homeowner the alarm system needed additional repairs or upgrades that they would need to pay for upfront. It is also possible that these individuals would have entered the home and attempted to distract the homeowner while the other individual stole items from the home. Never allow anyone into your home unless you know who they are and are sure they are there for legitimate reasons.