You get a visit from a well-dressed gentleman who shows you his card as a representative of a reputable security company in town (anyone can print cards like this).

Reporting an increasing number of house robberies in your specific neighborhood, the salesman has an offer for you. He will get you a top of the line alarm system for a very good price, only available for a limited time. The system, they say, will be connected to local police stations and ambulance centers.

Do not fall for this scam, as the alarm system will be a cheap and worthless piece of garbage. The visitor will have a pressure sales pitch that is tailored to whatever questions and concerns you might have.

How to avoid: always ask these guys to show you their license to sell and to send you all details in writing, including price and warranty. Tell them you’ll contact them later, if you decide to buy. If it is really genuine, the literature will arrive from the reputable company, but it’s more likely you’ll never hear anything more.