Platinum Protection - Monitronics Monitronics This company is a rip off that put a hole in my wall, interrupted email service and refuses to fix the alarm system. Provo, Utah

About six weeks ago, I received a call from Platinum Protection agreeing to allow me to keep the Alarm System that I cannot use, if I paid them $1,500.00.  I feel the need to let others know about this company.

Just over a year ago, a nice salesman came to my door from Platinum Protection.  He was personable.  He talked with my grandchildren and used their safety to convince me to sign a contract with his company.  I would get a $1,500.00 alarm system for free and all I needed to do was pay $30.00/mo.

Before I had time to think or read the contract, the installer was at my front door.  I was told that the installation would be quick and barely noticeable.  All I needed to do was sign the contract and he would begin and get me off to a scheduled birthday party.

Well, the first thing he did was cut a hole in my drywall.  I was shocked and said to him, "you just cut a hole in my wall."  He said it was necessary to put the system in.   I missed the party as the installation process took almost two hours.

At the conclusion of the installation process, I was told I would need a permit from the Fire Department and the Police Department in order to use their service.  Also, that if the police or fire came to our home and nothing was proven to be wrong, we would be charged, so best to watch the children closely.  I had no prior knowledge of this requirement prior to signing.  I have since been told that it is in the small print and that I should have read the contract before signing.  So true, indeed, but I actually had two guys at my house, with three grandchildren waiting to leave for the party.

The same night, what a surprise I receive when I had no internet service.  It seems the installer had mixed up some wires.  After $186.00 for service charges and repairs, I now had internet service.

Within a month, the alarm on the back door fell off and that caused the system to be unable to be turned on because it repeatedly said, "Back door is open."  I didn't mind turning it off, because I didn't have the needed permit and didn't plan to get one.

My account was sent to their partner company Monitronics.  Since monitronics didn't have permission to debit my account, I was excited.  I had already asked to have my  membership canceled.  I was told that I had signed a five year contract.  After 3 or so months with Monitronics, Platinum Protection took back my account and began taking money out of my account, again, for back payments and current payments.  I took most of the money out of that account, to prevent them from receiving payments for services that I could not use. 

They paid me back, by attempting to withdraw money nearly every day for a couple weeks.  This resulted in nearly $300.00 in overdraft fees.  I was out of town at the time and had a mess to deal with when I returned.  I put money in to cover the overdraft fees and then closed the account.

Four days ago, somehow my alarm was turned on remotely.   Every two minutes for approximately four hours the alarm went.  Unable to get any sleep, I got a screwdriver and unhooked the unit from the wall.  Even that didn't stop the beeping.  Finally, sometime around 4 AM the battery in the wall unit died.  Once again, peace and quiet.

Two days, ago, I received a call that Platinum Protection will now only charge me 1/3 of the $1,500.00. For $500.00 and access to my new bank account I can break the original contract.  I refused to give my account and stated I would gladly pay by money order.  For some reason that is not good enough - I  must have the money taken directly out of my account.

I would strongly advise anyone who gets a salesman from this company at their door to read the small print and think about the trouble others have had. The only deterrent from intruders is possibly the sign that is near the front door. 

Since I have paid for nearly a year and still owe $500.00, that is one expensive sign.