Monitronics, Apex Alarm Hassles from the beginning! Paid for NOTHING!! Dallas Texas

A similar situation to most of the ones already posted about Monitronics. My mother was 'conned' by 2 young, very nice salesmen about the need for security when she first moved to her house. The installation happened quickly, before she could change her mind!

Then, after 3 months, she decided it was not necessary, and she hadn't used it, so we tried to cancel it. That's when the problems began! The 3 year contract, lousy customer service, inability to cancel, etc. Initially, the contract was with Apex (based in Utah) and then the account got turned over to Monitronics.

She has literally NEVER used the system, but has paid for absolutely nothing for 3 years. So, she honored her contract against her will, and asked them, in writing to terminate her contract in April, 2008. They sent her a bill for May and another for June. When I called to cancel it verbally, first Monitronics told me that if she sent her cancellation letter with her bill, it's the wrong location, since Customer Service is apparently located in Texas and the Payment goes to Palatine, IL (how convenient for them!!). Then, they told me that it was an Apex account and to call them. When I called Apex, guess what they told me? That they don't have any record of the account, that I need to deal with Monitronics!

So, today, I spoke with several people at Monitronics and they are quibbeling about when they should stop billing her. It's a difference of $41.97, plus late fees ($3.00). I spoke 'to the supervisor' and he was almost laughing at me!! Not even as a courtesy to an unhappy customer can they waive the last month of non-service!!!

Oh, and last week they sent her a placard for her to display on her front lawn ... they want free advertising on top of everything else!!!

Frustrated
Brentwood, California
U.S.A.