Security Networks: What Was This Company?
Security Networks was an authorized dealer of Monitronics (now Brinks Home Security). They epitomized everything wrong with the alarm industry’s dealer model — aggressive door-to-door sales, misleading tactics, inflated prices, and contracts that were nearly impossible to escape.
| Detail | Security Networks |
|---|---|
| Business Model | Authorized Monitronics/Brinks dealer |
| Primary Sales Channel | Door-to-door sales reps |
| Contract Length | 36–60 months |
| Monthly Cost | $35–55/month |
| Equipment | Alarm.com-based, standard dealer hardware |
| BBB Complaints | Hundreds — billing, contracts, misrepresentation |
| Status in 2026 | Absorbed into Brinks Home dealer network |
How the Door-to-Door Dealer Scam Works
Security Networks followed the same playbook used by dozens of alarm dealers across the US. Understanding this playbook helps you avoid falling for it — whether it’s Security Networks or any other company knocking on your door.
| Step | What They Tell You | The Reality |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Knock | “We’re installing systems in your neighborhood” | They’re cold-calling every door on the street |
| 2. The Scare | “There have been break-ins nearby” | Often fabricated or exaggerated to create urgency |
| 3. Free Equipment | “The system is free — you just pay monitoring” | The “free” equipment cost is baked into your monthly fee at 2-3x market rate |
| 4. The Contract | “Just a simple agreement” | 36-60 month binding contract with 75-100% ETF for remaining balance |
| 5. The Takeover | “We’ll take over your current system” | They may void your existing contract, leaving you paying two companies |
| 6. The Handoff | “We’re your security company” | Your account is immediately sold to Monitronics/Brinks. The rep is gone. |
The Complaint Pattern: What Customers Report
Security Networks generated hundreds of BBB complaints, AG reports, and online reviews. The complaints follow predictable patterns:
| Complaint Type | How Often | Typical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contract misrepresentation | Very common | “Was told 24 months, contract says 60 months” |
| Cannot cancel | Very common | “Tried to cancel, told I owe $1,800+ in ETF” |
| Billing after cancel | Common | “Cancelled 6 months ago, still being charged” |
| Auto-renewal trap | Common | “Contract renewed for another year without my consent” |
| Equipment issues | Common | “System hasn’t worked in months, still paying $45/mo” |
| Unauthorized installation | Occasional | “Rep installed without homeowner present, signed tenant” |
| Collections threats | Common | “Sent to collections for remaining contract balance” |
The Monitronics/Brinks Dealer Machine
Security Networks wasn’t unique — they were one cog in a massive dealer machine. Here’s how the model works:
| Entity | Role | What They Care About |
|---|---|---|
| The Dealer (Security Networks) | Acquires customers via door-to-door sales | Getting contracts signed — they’re paid $500-1,500 per account |
| The Master Dealer | Manages regional dealers, handles logistics | Volume — more accounts = more revenue |
| Monitronics/Brinks | Buys the contracts, provides monitoring | Long-term recurring revenue from locked-in customers |
| The Customer | Pays $35-55/month for 3-5 years | Stuck paying $1,260-3,300 for a system worth $200-400 |
Companies like Security Networks, ASG Security, AMP Smart, and Protection One all fed into this same machine. The dealer gets paid upfront, the customer gets locked in, and the monitoring company collects for years.
3-Year Cost: Security Networks vs Modern DIY
| System | Hardware | Monthly | Contract | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security Networks/Brinks | “Free” (bundled) | $35-55 | 36-60 months | $1,260–$3,300 |
| Abode | $199 | $0-20 | None | $199–$919 |
| Ring | $199 | $0-20 | None | $199–$919 |
| SimpliSafe | $199 | $0-28 | None | $199–$1,207 |
The math is brutal: A Security Networks customer paying $45/month for 5 years spends $2,700 — nearly 14 times what an Abode customer pays for self-monitoring ($199 one-time). Even with Abode’s pro monitoring ($20/month), the 3-year cost is $919 vs $1,620+ for Security Networks.
What to Do If You’re Still Under Contract
| Situation | Best Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Contract ending soon (<6 months) | Wait it out, then switch | Send written cancellation 30-60 days before end date to prevent auto-renewal |
| Mid-contract, system works | Calculate ETF vs remaining payments | Sometimes paying the ETF saves money vs continuing to pay monthly |
| Contract was misrepresented | File complaints | State Attorney General, FTC, BBB — misrepresentation may void the contract |
| System doesn’t work | Document failures, demand release | Non-functional equipment is grounds for contract termination in most states |
| Military PCS orders | SCRA protection | Servicemembers Civil Relief Act lets you cancel with PCS orders |
For detailed cancellation strategies, see our complete guide to canceling your home security contract.
Companies in the Same Dealer Network
If you got burned by Security Networks, watch out for these companies that use the same dealer model:
| Company | Status | Parent/Network |
|---|---|---|
| Security Networks | Absorbed into Brinks | Monitronics/Brinks Home |
| ASG Security | Acquired by Guardian | Guardian Protection |
| AMP Smart | Still operating | Independent dealer (Alarm.com) |
| LiveWatch | Absorbed into Brinks | Monitronics/Brinks Home |
| Protection One | Acquired by ADT | ADT |
| Monitronics | Rebranded to Brinks | Brinks Home (AVLR) |
Better Alternatives: No Contracts, No Salespeople, No Tricks
| System | Monthly | Contract | Why It’s Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abode ⭐ | $0-20 | None | Only HomeKit security system, Z-Wave/Zigbee smart home hub, free self-monitoring |
| Ring Alarm | $0-20 | None | Amazon ecosystem, huge camera lineup, Ring Neighbors community |
| SimpliSafe | $0-28 | None | Fast Protect monitoring, easy setup, good standalone system |
How to Protect Yourself From Door-to-Door Alarm Sales
- Never sign at the door. Any legitimate company will let you research before committing.
- Verify the company. Check BBB, state licensing, and online reviews before agreeing to anything.
- Calculate total cost. Multiply monthly fee × contract months. That $39/month × 60 months = $2,340.
- Know your rights. The FTC Cooling-Off Rule gives you 3 business days to cancel any door-to-door sale.
- Read the entire contract. Look for auto-renewal clauses, ETF calculations, and equipment ownership terms.
- Never let a stranger in your home. A legitimate security company doesn’t need to enter to give you a quote.
For more details, read our full door-to-door security scams guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Security Networks still in business?
Security Networks has been absorbed into the Brinks Home (formerly Monitronics) dealer network. Your account is likely serviced by Brinks Home now. Contact Brinks customer service for billing or cancellation.
How do I cancel my Security Networks contract?
Contact Brinks Home at 1-800-447-9239. Review your contract for the cancellation window and early termination fee. Send cancellation in writing via certified mail. See our cancellation guide for detailed steps.
Can I keep my Security Networks equipment with a cheaper monitoring service?
Possibly. If you have an Alarm.com-compatible panel, services like Alarm Grid ($20-35/month) can take over monitoring. But honestly, a brand new Abode system for $199 with free monitoring is a better investment than keeping old dealer equipment.
Was Security Networks a scam?
Not technically a scam — they were a licensed, authorized dealer. But their sales practices (misleading contract terms, pressure tactics, exaggerated neighborhood crime claims) crossed ethical lines repeatedly. Hundreds of BBB complaints tell the story.
Why do alarm companies use door-to-door sales?
Because it works — for the company. Door-to-door reps create urgency and pressure that online sales can’t replicate. They’re paid $500-1,500 per signed contract, which incentivizes aggressive tactics. The customer acquisition cost gets baked into your monthly fee for years.
What’s the cheapest way to get professional monitoring?
Abode offers professional 24/7 monitoring for $20/month with no contract — or $0/month for self-monitoring. That’s less than half what Security Networks/Brinks charges, with better equipment and no strings attached.
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Dale Jacks says
I found out the hard way just how bad their customer service is. We had an issue with power. A storm had cut the power out for 4 hours. When it came back on the alarm system did not want to work. We had no idea what to do or where to even go. We called every number we could find. Still haven’t found a solution.
Steve the Techie says
Thank you very much for such reviews on various home security companies. It will help us to decide the best company for our home and dear ones.
Ryan Pariseau says
I didn’t come to this website until after I had Security Networks installed in my home. I am very upset by the $74.99 a month I am forced to pay for the next several years and I didn’t even get home automation included with that.
Marcia Gross says
Sounds like a very bad deal Ryan. Thanks much for pointing it out. I would rather go for a more recommended home security system provider. I am considering FRontPoint, it seems a better deal.
Ryan Eagle says
I switched from ADT about 2 years ago to Security Networks because I thought I was getting a better deal. But As soon as my contract is up I am NOT renewing. This is WRONG. I do not recommend them.
Sebastien Saumier says
Whatever you do, do NOT go with this company!!
Emily Brawer says
The customer service is AWFUL. AWFUL.
Jordan Patick says
I was a customer for Security Networks for about a year at my previous house. I would never recommend this company even my worst enemy.
Alarm Reviews says
Yikes! Even to your worst enemy?! That is quite a statement. Hope you found a better company that fit your needs.
Victor Zaragoza says
This company is a scam and all they want is to take your money and provide everyone with a false sense of security. Don’t let them in your door!!!!
Laur Constantin says
This company is just collecting money from its customers, but no service. I think it’s time for this company to have to answer to someone. I have not seen one good review about this company.
William François says
I have been fighting with this company since March 2013. Security Networks is a real pain. I don’t recommend it.
Greg says
I recently have been looking into getting a security system and know nothing about them. My wife’s boss recommended them to us so I have been doing some research. Thanks for posting all this information. I am going to have my wife look it over and see what she thinks.
Alarm Reviews says
Sounds good and best of luck to you Greg. It may be hard to find them by a phone number or on Google as they are primarily a door to door dealer and can be in your city for a limited time. After they have knocked through an area they will move on to the next along with their security technicians.
Jeremy Taylor says
Security network doesn’t have Google as an option for notification in the dropdown. I’m not receiving the alerts anymore after I changed my phone and service provider very recently. I checked with Google to see what it is with the service provider but I now have put it at claims. I had downloaded the app and should receive a notification whenever somebody arms or disarms the system, but I’m not.
Kimberly Hampton says
Not a big fan of people coming to my door to try and get me to purchase a unit from them. I understand it’s their job, but I just feel like they’re pushy. I get a few salesmen at my door about home security systems and Security Networks is the main one that comes by. I usually don’t answer the door, but if I do, I just ignore them.
The funny thing is that I am looking for a home security system, I just feel that door-to-door salesmen is not the right way to find clients.
James Wright says
I am with Kim on this one. I get that these people need to make a living but if you are knocking at my door trying to force me to agree with something, I won’t be a happy man. I had one company do this to me in the past and I told him if her didn’t leave, the sprinklers were going on… Needless to say, he got soaked.
darlene unsett says
I’m a little leery of door to door alarm salesmen. My son worked for one of these companies for about a week, until he discovered how aggressive and dishonest they wanted him to be (Senior citizens look out!). I wish I could remember the exact name of the company – I won’t even try since I might get it wrong and give a black mark to the wrong people. It’s too bad that some of the bad apples give everyone a bad rap.
Thanks for sharing your sensible ideas for how to discern whether the sales people are legit or not.
Thomas says
I don’t really understand Security Networks or why someone would go with them. I know many Relators and construction contractors use them when they set new people up into a home. This is because they get a large commission ($500+) from Security Networks who pays the most. So if you move into a new house and they try to talk you into using this company just know that it’s not their favorite or best company, they just want to make an additional $500 off of you. Greed!
Dan Sanders says
Yeah, they seem to come to my house once a year with the same old pitch in mind that if I hold their sign out they will give me a free system… I did some research on them and a lot of Realtor’s and contractors team up with them when people move into a new house. That and their sales force is their main way of getting people to get their security system but they are just a dealer so you might as well go straight to the source on this one unless you want to get treated poorly and switched around.