This is one of the many companies selling in-home alarm systems that are supposed to help the elderly and disabled summon help in an emergency. Some of these systems work better than others; all of them are expensive and, in many cases, the contract terms are objectionable. For example, LifeAlert customers tell us that the company holds them to the three-year contract even if the elderly individual dies before the term is up.
A few recent complaints ...
Ally of Roslyn Heights NY (05/02/08) The burgler alarm portion of the box tripped off in the middle of the night three times, summoning the police to my 90 year old mother's house (at 3 AM) and scaring the daylights out of her. Life Alert's Senior Supervisor, Ami, says that the company's policy is to charge THE CUSTOMER to come out and service faulty parts on Life Alert's system. (This on top of the monthly 49 fee.) Customer service with this company is atrocious. It is worth any amount of money for us at this point to find an alternate solution. SAVE YOURSELF HEADACHES AND HEARTACHES, DO NOT GIVE THIS COMPANY YOUR BUSINESS. Life Alert preys on the elderly. HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE
Melissa of Sammamish, WA March 30, 2008
Melissa of Sammamish WA (03/30/08) Ridiculous and horrible customer sales and smarmy behavior. Insulting, fear tactics. We had my parents send the units and the unsigned contract back immediately. The unit was NEVER installed. Life Alert continues to send them a bill asking for 347. On Feb 8th, 2008 Life Alert told us that the acct had been closed with nothing owed, yet last week my parents received another bill (end of March 2008). We want this stopped!
Undue stress to my elderly parents that they owe something that they do not. Concern that Life Alert would elevate their unethical practice and threaten credit standing.
Victoria of Jonesborough, TN March 26, 2008
Victoria of Jonesborough TN (03/26/08) I am so thankful for your website. Not for the fact as a complainer but for the fact that I'm a consumer and most recently have wondered and comtemplated calling Life Alert. After reading the many complaints about the Life alert services, products and the atrocious customer service, I decided against inquiring about their services. My sweet mother-in-law is 89 years old. Within the last several months, her legs have grown weak causing her to fall. Once she falls, she can not get up. I have purchased a walker for her, so that she may get around without fear of falling. I know that she might fall even with a walker. She has a cell phone so that she can contact us if the need arises. I just really wished there was a RELIABLE service one could count on. For any senior to be left vulnerable for more than several minutes is a crime. Thank you so much for your valuable service
Joseph of Kailua, HI March 21, 2008
Joseph of Kailua HI (03/21/08) This Company is not much better, if at all, then a telemarketing scam. I asked for a brochure over the internet and instead got a call from a high pressure salesman. He refused to give me any written information (I'll see if my supervisor will authorize it) or information about the product and was more anxious to get my credit card number than anything else. He called four times after I told him verbally and by email not to call again. I think this is a senior rip off scam.
Brian of Sacramento, CA March 6, 2008
Brian of Sacramento CA (03/06/08) I feel this company took advantage of my mother who lives by herself at age 85 and is under medication. She was sold a security system with Life Alert, which she already has. My mother has know idea how this system works, how to active it or to explain to any family members how to use it. Even though she signed a three-year contract, we feel this is unfair.
I have asked the company to remove the system, and even though he was willing to cancel the 75% of total due, for 475 he would complete the transaction. But at no charge to us he was willing to add upgrades.This company is taking advantage of this situation and should remove their equipment and cancel the services. It's the morally right thing to do.
Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use
Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.
Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.
For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice. ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof.
Print This 
Email This
