First Alert contract - 3 Day Cooling Off?

[RogerC]

Stevef mentioned the statute of frauds, which requires that contracts that take over one year for completion must be in writing and signed. Your mother could refuse to sign a 3 year agreement. And your mother always has an option of refusing delivery and installation entirely - although this could potentially come with a penalty, depending on facts.

I am not sure an attorney is necessary unless/until the system is refused and the security system company kicks up a fuss - but it might be smart to contact a consumer protection clinic in Arizona anyway.

Do you live near your mom, Roger? Someone trustworthy should be with your mom when the Life Alert installer arrives.

Thanks again quincy. Excellent advise. I've cleared my calendar to spend the day with mom tomorrow. I guess I'll refuse the equipment and not sign anything at this point.

I wasn't aware of consumer protection clinics, but will look for one today.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

I wasn't aware of consumer protection clinics, but will look for one today.

This might be a good place to start. http://clsaz.org/consumer.html

 

[quincy]

Thanks again quincy. Excellent advise. I've cleared my calendar to spend the day with mom tomorrow. I guess I'll refuse the equipment and not sign anything at this point.

I wasn't aware of consumer protection clinics, but will look for one today.

Life Alert is one of the more problematic and costly of alert systems, as a note. The cancellation fee equals the remainder of the months left on the contract (many companies have no fee for cancellation) and the installation fees and monthly fees far exceed those of similar companies.

The key to avoiding a cancellation fee is to sign nothing. A three-year contract agreed to over the phone should be unenforceable but as soon as a written contract is signed, it is (generally) legally binding on the parties.

I am glad you will be there with your mom.

One additional note: Your mother would probably be smart to cancel her current card information and get a new card/new number. That will prevent any unauthorized charges. I hope she has not been charged already.