Updated: Company listed in Chamber release not doing business in Augusta area

UPDATE: Monday, Jan. 30, 2:05 p.m. A spokesman for the Utah-based Pinnacle Security said today that the company has no record of sales representatives doing business in the Greater Augusta region.

“I’m not really sure where these reports are coming from,” said Stuart Dean, the vice president of corporate communications at Pinnacle, which was the focus of a news release from the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce on Friday warning local consumers to be wary of the company.

The release detailed warnings from consumers in other states that have had bad experiences with Pinnacle Security.

Dean defended Pinnacle against the accusations in the release. The company uses licenses technicians to install security systems, Dean said, and offers repair services in areas where it maintains customers.

Dean also said Pinnacle Security is not affiliated with Platinum Security. The press release from the Chamber of Commerce had suggested that Pinnacle Security sales reps may be presenting themselves as being representatives of Platinum Security. The two companies are not one and the same.

UPDATE: Friday, 10:22 p.m.

– The Utah Better Business Bureau gives Pinnacle Security a rating of F (on a scale of A+ to F, F being the lowest rating). Link to the Better Business Bureau entry on Pinnacle Security: Click here.

– Pinnacle has been the subject of government actions regarding alleged fraudulent and deceptive sales practices in Utah, Ohio, New York, Illinois and one currently pending in Missouri.

ORIGINAL POST: Friday, Jan. 27, 4:51 p.m. The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce is reporting that there is a company called Pinnacle Security (possibly also presenting itself as Platinum Security) operating in the Augusta-Staunton-Waynesboro area that consumers need to be wary in dealing with.

Representatives say they will install a free security system worth $2,000, when it is actually only valued at $200 retail.  They also will attempt to get you to sign a five-year contract for $50/month ($3,000 total).

They have no office in the area, and, if/when your system breaks, there is no one local that will be able to repair it.  Both companies are, according to the Internet, based in Utah.

In addition, they do not have licensed technicians install the systems, and, according to reports, they will try to barge into your house to install the system soon after you sign a contract.