Couple says $99 home security system initially cost hundreds more

By DON DARE 6 On Your Side Consumer Investigator

KNOXVILLE (WATE) - If the flood of the commercials are any indicator, competition is fierce among home security system companies.

To lure customers, companies will offer "free equipment" and a low installation charge.

But one South Knoxville couple says the bargain they saw turned out to be nothing like the printed advertisement.

The flyer spoke for itself. It advertised free home security system and the customer pays a $99 installation charge. The ad even says what the system includes.

But for Don and Alfreda Jewell, their bill far exceeded $99 once the system was installed.

The Jewells are paying a contractor to fix up their nearly 80-year-old home and they want it protected from intruders.

After receiving a flier advertising a free home security system, they hired a company called Protect Your Home last January to install several pieces of equipment.

"Just the front and back door sensed and a motion detector inside the home," Don said.

The system also included a digital keypad and panel as well as interior siren and a lawn sign.

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Couple says $99 home security system initially cost hundreds more