Fake security signs and stickers are one of the cheapest “security” purchases on Amazon — a realistic ADT yard sign for $10, a Ring sticker pack for $5. But do they actually stop burglars? The answer matters because getting it wrong means false confidence protecting your home.
What the Research Actually Says
| Study/Source | Finding | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| UNC Charlotte (2012) — 422 convicted burglars | 60% said alarm signs/stickers would cause them to seek a different target | Self-reported; burglars may overstate deterrence |
| Rutgers University (2009) — Newark NJ study | Homes with alarm systems had 13% lower burglary rates in surrounding area | Studied real alarms, not fake signs specifically |
| FBI Uniform Crime Report | Homes without security are 300% more likely to be burglarized | Doesn’t distinguish fake from real systems |
| Former burglars (interviews, Reddit AMAs) | Experienced burglars check for real systems — fake signs don’t fool them | Anecdotal, selection bias |
The honest answer: Fake signs deter casual/opportunistic burglars (the majority) but not experienced ones. The problem is you have no way of knowing which type targets your home.
How Burglars Spot Fake Security Signs
| Tell-Tale Sign | What Burglars Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| No visible equipment | No cameras, sensors, or keypad through windows | Sign + zero equipment = obviously fake |
| Wrong brand for area | ADT sign but no ADT monitoring box on exterior | Local burglars know what real installs look like |
| Faded/weathered sign | Old sign suggests system was removed/cancelled | Indicates former customer who downgraded |
| Generic sign (no brand) | “Protected by Security System” with no company | Screams fake — real companies use branded signs |
| No window stickers | Real installs have stickers on every entry point | Missing stickers suggest no actual sensors |
| No exterior siren box | Many monitored systems have a visible siren/strobe | Absence suggests no real system |
Fake Signs vs. Real Security: What You Actually Get
| Feature | Fake Sign ($10) | Real System — Self-Monitored ($0/mo) | Real System — Pro Monitored ($13+/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual deterrence | ⚠️ Some | ✅ Strong (real equipment visible) | ✅ Strong |
| Door/window detection | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Phone alerts | ❌ | ✅ Instant | ✅ Instant |
| Siren | ❌ | ✅ 105dB | ✅ 105dB |
| Police dispatch | ❌ | ❌ (you call 911) | ✅ Automatic |
| Insurance discount | ❌ | ⚠️ Some insurers | ✅ 10-20% off |
| Works during break-in | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular backup | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Evidence/video | ❌ | ✅ (with camera) | ✅ (with camera) |
| Legal liability | ⚠️ Possible (see below) | ✅ None | ✅ None |
The Legal Risk Most People Miss
Using a fake ADT, Ring, or SimpliSafe sign is technically trademark infringement. While no homeowner has been sued over a yard sign, the sellers on Amazon are in a gray area. More practically: if a burglar breaks in despite your fake sign and you file an insurance claim, the claim could be complicated if your insurer discovers you represented having security you didn’t.
When Fake Signs Make Sense (and When They Don’t)
| Scenario | Fake Sign Effectiveness | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Low-crime suburban neighborhood | ⚠️ Marginal — most burglaries are opportunistic here | Abode Smart Kit ($199, $0/mo self-monitor) |
| Apartment/rental | ⚠️ Marginal — no yard for signs anyway | Abode wireless system (no drilling) |
| Vacant property/Airbnb | ❌ Poor — experienced thieves target vacant homes | Real system with pro monitoring |
| Supplement to real system | ✅ Fine — adds visual layer to real protection | Use your actual system’s branded signs |
| Temporary (moving soon) | ⚠️ Marginal | Month-to-month monitoring — Abode has no contract |
| Budget is truly $0 | ⚠️ Better than nothing | Combine with motion lights ($15) + door reinforcement ($10) |
What Actually Deters Burglars (Ranked by Effectiveness)
| Rank | Deterrent | Cost | Effectiveness | UNC Study Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dog (large breed) | $1,000+/yr | 🔴 Very High | 65% said dog would change target |
| 2 | Monitored alarm system | $199 + $13/mo | 🔴 Very High | 60% deterred by alarm evidence |
| 3 | Visible security cameras | $80-250 | 🟠 High | 40% said cameras deterred them |
| 4 | Motion-activated lights | $15-50 | 🟠 High | Lighting was top environmental deterrent |
| 5 | Occupied appearance | $0 (smart plugs $15) | 🟡 Medium | Most burglars watch for vacancy patterns |
| 6 | Real alarm sign/stickers | Free with system | 🟡 Medium | Part of the 60% alarm deterrence |
| 7 | Fake alarm signs | $10 | 🟡 Low-Medium | Unknown — no study isolates fake signs |
| 8 | Deadbolt locks | $50-200 | 🟡 Medium | Adds 1-3 minutes to forced entry |
The $10 vs. $199 Math
| Option | Upfront | Monthly | 3-Year Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fake ADT sign | $10 | $0 | $10 | Visual bluff only |
| Abode Smart Security Kit (self-monitor) | $199 | $0 | $199 | Real alarm + sensors + siren + app alerts + CUE + HomeKit |
| Abode + Connect+ monitoring | $199 | $13 | $667 | Everything above + police dispatch + insurance discount |
| Ring Alarm | $200 | $20 | $920 | Alarm + cloud storage but no HomeKit, no free plan |
| SimpliSafe | $299 | $28 | $1,307 | Alarm + cameras but proprietary, no hub flexibility |
The gap between a fake sign ($10) and a real self-monitored system ($199, $0/month) is $189. That’s the price of actual protection — door sensors, motion detection, 105dB siren, phone alerts, geofencing auto-arm, and the peace of mind that comes from a system that works during a break-in, not just before one.
Our Verdict
Fake security signs are better than nothing but worse than almost everything else. For $10, you get a psychological bluff that fools some burglars some of the time. For $199 with Abode, you get a real system with no monthly fees that actually detects, alerts, and deters — plus the real branded signs and stickers that come in the box.
If budget is the concern: Abode’s free self-monitoring plan means the only cost is the hardware. No contracts, no monthly fees, cancel anytime. That’s the real budget security option — not a fake sign.
FAQ
Is it illegal to use a fake ADT or Ring sign?
Using trademarked logos without authorization is technically trademark infringement. ADT has sent cease-and-desist letters to Amazon sellers. While homeowners haven’t been targeted, it’s a legal gray area — and unnecessary when real systems come with legitimate signs.
Do fake signs affect home insurance?
Fake signs don’t qualify for insurance discounts. Only professionally monitored systems with a central station certificate get the 10-20% discount. Worse: claiming you have security you don’t could complicate a claim after a break-in.
What’s the cheapest real security system?
The Abode Smart Security Kit at $199 with free self-monitoring. No monthly fees, no contract, real sensors and siren. It’s the cheapest legitimate system that includes door sensors, motion detection, and a hub with cellular backup.
Should I use fake signs alongside my real security system?
No — use the real branded signs that come with your system. They’re more convincing because they match visible equipment, and they carry the weight of a real company behind them.
Do Ring doorbell cameras count as security signs?
Visible cameras are a stronger deterrent than signs alone. But a doorbell camera without an alarm system still can’t dispatch police or sound a whole-home siren. Pair a camera with a real alarm for complete coverage.
What if I genuinely can’t afford any security system?
Layer free/cheap deterrents: motion-activated lights ($15), door reinforcement plate ($10), window locks ($5/each), smart plug light timers ($15), and yes — a generic security sign. Then save for a real system. Abode at $199 with $0/month is the most affordable real option.
Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
Master says
I was just walking my dog and talked to my neighbor down the street about security. We both have signs in front yard and alarms. I have a pad lock on the side gate, regular handle lock and deadbolt on side garage door, regular handle lock and dead bolt on entry door into house from garage and a sign in front yard. Most crooks go for the easiest opportunities, They may not want to roll the dice with a sign in the front yard and once they reach over the fence to find a padlock they will move on the house with no padlock fence and no independent deadbolt on side door. If you have something someone knows you have and they really want it (inside job, friend of your friend). They will go for it. Fortunately I do not have friends like that. My concern is the opportunist bugler. Make them go to the next house and load up on padlocks, deadbolts, security screens and the second amendment if desired. .
Jondy says
It’s pretty cool to see those fake dome cameras that actually look like the real thing. I am planning to purchase a few and place it around just to up the security measures around my house. I would definitely recommend staying away from purchasing any of those poorly designed fake signs! It doesn’t help you at all.
Terry says
No one will enter your vulnerable first floor windows if you plant Barberry under them.
The Europeans have done this for centuries.
Pretty, easy care and deadly as barbed wire.
Megan says
I tried to find fake security stickers on eBay and they are selling there for around $15.00. So you still have to shell out some money if you wanted to go that route. You could always print a sticker yourself if you really wanted to do it for free.
April R. says
Fake security signs would deter robbers because they wouldn’t risk it unless they are really that careless. I really stand by my fake sign — I live in a shady neighborhood and it really does give me peace of mind believe it or not!
Joe says
My sister used to have a sign out in the yard, but didn’t have actual security system. Always wondered why.
John says
I always wonder when passing some homes that have the security signs out front if they are REALLY paying customers. I guess crooks have their suspicions as well. I’m sure the signs are a bit of a deterrant, but if I would use them, I definately would add on a few things mentioned like the nanny cams.
littleprince1977 says
I, too, gave up on paying Bay Alarm (a California business) 30/month (fixed income and all), especially since I am at home 95% of the time now. But I still have the VERY faded sign in front, the alarm box can be seen in the front eave of my home…and if trying to enter in the back sunroom– you can see the lights on the key pad. Maybe I should cover it so you can just see the lights shining through without being able to read, “UNARMED”.
Thanks for this post.
Lisa Megan says
Great post. Fake security signs are useful in changing the mind of a deterrent to some extent and they took it real.
Darren says
Heck, it may be fake but it’s at least a start. Good alternatives if you can’t afford a security system right away (although you can get those for $100 starting costs now a days!). At my house I run a basic security system and then add fake deterrants for added measure. Also, if you do get someone like the top 5 mentioned at this site, you can ask for extra signs and stickers and they will give you them for no cost (free marketing for them at your house!). I agree with the writers here that you should keep relevant up to date signs or you’re only fooling yourself thinking your residence is safer.
Jay A says
I would agree that they do help in protecting the home! We don’t have our security system actively monitored (bad idea I know,) but we have signs on each window and door. Tips — Just make sure whatever the decal is looks and is legit. An old company that has gone out of business (like Brinks etc.) isn’t going to fool a criminal.