(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit charging Utah-based Vision Security LLC with misleading Ohio consumers and failing to honor their cancellation requests.
“This business came to consumers’ homes and pressured them into buying security systems,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Representatives misrepresented the costs and sometimes lied about the company’s identity. We are seeking restitution for past customers and protection for future customers.”
According to the lawsuit, Vision Security is based at 508 West 800 North in Orem, Utah. It sells home security systems to consumers, typically requiring five-year contracts.
The Attorney General’s Office has received 15 complaints against the business, six of which are unresolved. In their complaints, consumers said the business made misrepresentations, such as indicating salespeople were with the consumer’s current security company, and failed to honor their attempts to cancel. More Ohio consumers may be affected; hundreds of complaints from consumers nationwide are on file with the Better Business Bureau.
Attorney General DeWine’s lawsuit, filed in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, charges the business with multiple violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act. Counts include making misleading representations and failing to honor consumers’ three-day right to cancel. DeWine seeks consumer restitution, civil penalties, and injunctive relief.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office receives dozens of complaints a year about security monitoring services. Many of the complaints involve home visits.
Consumers should utilize the following tips to protect themselves in door-to-door sales:
- Be wary of high pressure tactics. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t answer the door.
- Get all verbal promises in writing. Otherwise, they may not be honored.
- Read the fine print. Check the length of the contract and all costs, including equipment, installation, and monthly monitoring fees.
- Understand your right to cancel. For door-to-door sales, sellers generally must give you three days to cancel and they cannot start the installation or any service until after the cancellation period has ended.
- Take your time. Don’t sign a contract until you have carefully reviewed it.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly in a door-to-door sale or any other consumer transaction should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 800-282-0515.
Documents
Lawsuit
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840