Safe and Secure - alarm monitoring service - problem with automatically renewed contract

# 2 for January 18, 2002

Complaints.com received the following e-message on January 17, 2002:

From: Email User

Safe and Secure - alarm monitoring service - problem with automatically renewed contract I and many other Consumers throughout the nation are having problems with Automatically Renewed Contracts. Specifically, my problem is with a Monitoring Service wherein I built a house in 1997. At that time, I had a Security System installed with by a company named Safe and Secure. The Contract stated that it was for 37 months.

However, I did not realize that it also stated that these 37 month increments would automatically renew, although it was stated in the Contract that I signed. This was my fault. In the interim, Safe and Secure sold their company to Safe Alarm Financing Enterprises and the Contract Automatically renewed last year for a (second) 37 month period which will be up in December of 2003.

The new company, Safe Alarm Financing Enterprises, say their rights are the same as the previous company with respect to the terms and conditions of the initial Contract. Problem: I did not realize that the Contract would automatically renew and that I would be liable until December 31, 2003 with the new company. I thought that I was on a month-to-month situation with the new company. Therefore, I tried to cancel my contract as I no longer want security monitoring ($24.71) a month and have been advised that, irrespective of what I wish to do, I would still need to pay the monthly Contract until the expiration in December of 2003. I have spoken with other individuals who tell me that these Automatically Renewal Contracts have become a real problem today for Consumers when their life circumstances change and they no longer need the services for which they Contracted.

I feel that Consumer Agencies should take action whereby Automatically Renewal Contracts are not permissable and should be eliminated totally. Every Contract period should require an approval (Signature). This is a widespread/National problem with many companies. Consumers are caught unaware. The person at Safe Alarm Financing Enterprises, Michele Bohannon (1 800 669 7779) told me that I have no recouse but to pay this contract until December, 2003 unless the following three things occurr or, should I sell my house, have the new owners continue the Contract. To your knowledge, is there anything that I can do about this situation??? Thank you, Victoria Errigo