Beware of Brinks Home Security!!!
I purchased my home in 2020, which was equipped with a Brinks Home Security system. I had a home security system with another company, however, since this system was already installed I made the choice to stay with Brinks. Hindsight is 20/20. Shortly afterwards (about 6 weeks) I was notified of an appointment with a Brinks technician to update my system. Of course I said 'okay'. Then, I received a bill for $375 for the upgrades installed to my system. Please note: at no time did I receive a contract via USPS or email. Last year I noticed my monthly charge had increased from ~$37/month to $42/month (including taxes, fees). So I called Brinks Home Security to learn that I had "signed up for a three year contract", which yes, you guessed it was a surprise to me! I was informed that in order to cancel my contract, I would be required to pay the remaining Year/months monthly fee ($42). Again, please note: I have been receiving emails at least monthly that in order to avoid a price increase and maintain my current monthly fee, I could simply agree to a new piece of home monitoring equipment and my rate would be fixed for the remainder of my contract. Today, January 13, 2023, I received yet another email challenging me to extend my contract for 36 months and the monthly monitoring fee would only increase by $2 per month. So, I called Brinks to learn today that my contract is actually four years, not three as I was informed last year. When I questioned this revelation, I was informed that I had a four year contract. In re-contacting Brinks Home Security, I requested a copy of my contract and was informed it will take 10 to 14 (yes ten to fourteen) business days to simply email me a copy of said contract. I also inquired as to the business practices of increasing a monthly monitoring fee in the presence of a contract-which to me, should "lock the customer" into a monthly monitoring fee. I am currently in the process of gathering correspondence received from Brinks Home Security and will proceed as required. In my opinion based on my experience with Brinks Home Security, I would recommend not entering into any "contract" with said company. I have been manipulated with increased monthly monitoring fees and increased length of monitoring service contract. I remember informing the Brinks Home Security customer service representative of my surprise of having learned about a three year contract and that I would never had agreed to such a lengthy contract. Now I am facing another 21 months of security monitoring and most likely increased rates and fees along the way. There will certainly be more to come. read more
