Attached is a letter I recently wrote to Pinnacle Security, LLC informing them that one of their unscrupulous sales persons had deceived and defrauded my elderly parents by falsely inducing them to enter into a sales contract for five (5) years. Not only did the salesperson deceive my parents about the monthly fee that would be debited from their checking account telling them it was a one-time cost, but also the equipment installed in my parent’s home was in install in such a manner that they cannot lock the back-room sliding door.
Both my brother and I called the company to complain and request that the equipment be removed and the service terminated. We were told verbally that a letter from a physician stating that my parents were not capable of entering into such a contract would be necessary to terminate the contract. I provided them with the attached letter from my parent’s physician. They called me about 2 weeks later stating the Dr's letter was not sufficient. They refused to both remove the equipment and terminate the service. When I asked the representative to speak with a supervisor, he arrogantly refused to give me not only his name, but also the name of any of the company's representatives.
Because they have not been willing to resolve this issue, I assisted my parents in closing their checking account in which the monthly automatic debit was being drawn. However, to date the company has neither removed the equipment and nor restored my parent’s home to pre-installation state. They have now started harassing them with collection letters.
As stated both in the physician’s letter and in my letter, my parents are 93 and 91. Both are in frail health, do not hear well, and are not capable of making informed decisions about such contracts. In addition, they are currently on a program “Meals on Wheels”, which assist those elderly people with meals who cannot take care of themselves. Furthermore, I am not only concerned that this company will continue harassing with collection activities causing my parents further anguish, but I am also very apprehensive about their safety since they cannot properly lock their doors.
I also noted they have had many complaints filed against this firm thru the Internet mainly the “Rip-off Report”-http://www.ripoffreport.com/confirm.asp. & http://www.complaintsboard.com/bycompany/pinnacle-security-llc-a42178.html.
I am requesting that you please investigate this company as soon as possible.
I am also sending this complaint to the local DA’s office and the State Consumer Division.
Pete M. Gonales, Jr, CPA, CFE
First letter sent:
Pinnacle Security, LLC July 23, 2008
1290 Sandhill Road
Orem, UT 85058
Subject: Termination of Contract: Pete M. Gonzales
ACCT# A4273824 Password ---------
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter on behalf of my parents Pete M. Gonzales and Jovina Gonzales who live at 105 Forrest Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78209. This is also a follow-up to a telephone call by my brother, Roland Gonzales, on or about July 10, 2008, regarding this issue.
My father informed us that on May 16, 2006, he was deceived into signing a contract with your company by one of your unscrupulous salespersons, Casey Lopez. Mr. Lopez informed my father that it would only cost him a one-time fee of $43.99 for the security system. My father, who is 91 years old, has hearing impairment, and is not capable of fully understanding the implications of such a contract, believed him and signed accordingly. We reported this to your company; first to a person named Judy on or about July 10, 2008, and most recently to Kendall on July 22, 2008. Both individuals stated that the company could not cancel the contracts without obtaining a letter from the family doctor stating that my father should not be signing contracts due to his age, etc.
We believe this was not necessary since your company should not have taken advantage of the elderly; nevertheless, enclosed is the letter from Dr. Pedro DeLeon. We expect this contract to be rescinded from the day of its inception, total refund of all charges, and immediate removal all equipment from my parent's premises.
Hopefully, we will not need to contract the local Better Business Bureau nor the Texas State Attorney's Office for Consumers Affairs. However, should your company failed to take immediate action to correct this situation we will take the appropriate action in the circumstances.
Should you have any questions, I can be contacted at (210) 602-4829
___________________________ __________________________
Pete M. Gonzales, Jr., CPA, CFE Pete M. Gonzales
CC:
Dr. Pedro DeLeon
Roland Gonzales |
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