As temperatures warm up and people across the United States trade turtleneck sweaters for shorts and tank tops, some experts are warning that door-to-door salespersons are common sights in the springtime. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways that you can protect yourself and recognize dodgy tactics.

Call for Verification

Keeping possessions and loved ones safe is a must for individuals and families. Scammers know this reality and work hard to play on emotions, hoping that people will start concocting horrible scenarios of devastating burglaries in their minds eyes and not think twice about signing a potentially lengthy security system contract.

Before scribbling your name on the dotted line, take a moment to call the security company’s office and verify that individuals there have asked a representative to stop by your house. If the person on the other end of the phone seems confused and unaware of door-to-door sales efforts, that’s a clear red flag, and a signal that you should politely ask the salesperson to leave.

Show a Desire to Perform Research

Information from the Federal Trade Commission warns that sometimes even if you already have a sign outside indicating that you have a home security system installed, that may not make you immune to door-to-door salespeople who have less-than-honest intentions. You may be promised that a competing system could do a better job of protecting your property, and for less money.

Whether a door-to-door salesperson wants to set you up with a home security system for the first time, or make improvements to one already there, insist on taking time to do research before making any decisions. This is one of your rights as a consumer, but often if a person is truly trying to carry out a scam, he or she will hope that you act in haste without learning what you’re really getting into through your own research.

Beware of scare tactics, too. Scammers might mention that they have a limited time offer that might not exist tomorrow. Alternatively, they could discuss some alarming statistics about burglaries and robberies in your neighborhood. Again, these are signs that you should be cautious. Assure the person on your doorstep that you’d rather wait and learn more about an offer on your own rather than jumping into something immediately. Also, extra time gives you the opportunity to discover whether or not those supposed burglary and robbery statistics are accurate.

Don’t Be Caught Unaware

The Detroit Free Press recently published an article where a source from a local security company recommended that people not open the door to anyone unless there’s a Girl Scout or Boy Scout on the other side. That’s a great way to avoid having to interact with door-to-door salesperson at all, and some devices, such as driveway alarms, boost awareness even more by detecting motion and letting you know if someone’s on the property unexpectedly. These tools can provide peace of mind, and also give the impression that you’re not an easy target for potential scammers.

The Better Business Bureau cautions that scams come in many forms. Although not every person who knocks on your door will be dishonest, hopefully the tips above will help be assertive the next time you encounter an unexpected visitor trying to sell you something at home.

Sharon Smith likes to blog about safety for you and your family. She recommends alarms like the Security2020 Di2000S-A to warn when someone is outside.