A provider of security systems and monitoring for homes and businesses, Texas-based Fortress Security expands offerings to include vehicle location and behavior tracking tools.

Fort Worth, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/12/2014 -- This month, Fortress Security launched a new vehicle-tracking service for households and businesses wanting to review location and behavior information. Leveraging Honeywell Total Connect(TM) Tracking Services, GPS and diagnostic technology integrates with web-based monitoring software to collect data on all networked vehicles. The service can be integrated with the Honeywell app, currently used for managing security and building automation, which gives the user a host of remote-access security features.

"Our Tracking Services offer a wide range of practical uses, but ultimately, what our customers get is peace of mind that they know the drivers and their property can be instantly located if the need arises," said Jerrod Smith, owner of Fortress Security, based in Arlington, Texas. "Some of our customers carry a high amount of risk being responsible for a number of company or family vehicles, and we're hoping this service takes some of the worry off of their shoulders."

Functionality goes beyond just real-time asset location. The tracking device, inserted into a vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) port, can also relay location and behavior history, alerts when speed or geofencing limits are passed, and other customized notifications.

Components can be loaded into various types of vehicles – not just cars and trucks, but also boats, jet skis, motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs. Using an external battery addition, other high-value transportable assets like shipping containers and heavy machinery can also be tracked.

Benefits for residential users are aid in the recovery of stolen property, as well as parental supervision of a new teenage driver getting out on the road for the first time. Those with elderly loved ones may find comfort in always being able to locate their more vulnerable family members, should an emergency occur. Business applications are numerous, depending on the nature of the organization. Companies that provide delivery services, on-site visits, or vehicle rentals can easily keep tabs on their valuable property.

Tracking Services may be contracted as a standalone product or included with a customized package of services from Fortress Security, including burglar alarms, emergency monitoring, and energy management.

About Fortress Security
Founded in 2001 in Arlington, TX, Fortress Security provides customizable business and home security systems, automation programs, and monitoring services for crime, fire, and medical emergencies. With 17 years of experience in the security industry, owner Jerrod Smith has led his company to earn the Honeywell Dealer Council of Excellence and ITI/GE Americas Dealer Excellence Award.

For more information, visit http://www.fortresssecurity.com/?utm_source=Newswire&utm_medium=IB_link&utm_campaign=2014.11_Tracking_Service_PR

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Door-to-door home security sales agents may use high-pressure or deceptive methods in locking homeowners into unethical contracts.

Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/03/2014 -- Fortress Security, a security and monitoring provider in Texas, warns residents to be wary of door-to-door solicitors engaging in home security systems scams, particular strategies aimed at those who already have service in place. Jerrod Smith, founder and owner of Fortress Security, urges consumers to do sufficient research and be aware of common deceptive practices.

"We've heard of agents claiming a particular company 'asked us to come by and just simply upgrade your system since it's old – free of charge,'" said Smith. "Our customers have been told, 'Fortress Security has gone out of business and we are here to transfer your service over to us.'"

When accepting a supposed upgrade without carefully reading the new contract, a homeowner may not immediately realize they are agreeing to concurrent service, or even that they are signing on with a completely new company. While many consumers are aware of the importance of diligent research, clever sales agents add incentives to speed the process along by claiming they offer savings only available by signing the agreement on the spot.

"Never sign a contract with a door-to-door salesperson without contacting your existing alarm company first," said Smith. "The famous high-pressure door-to-door close of 'this deal is only good if you sign up with me RIGHT NOW' is usually bogus."

After reports of this type of activity in the state, the Texas Attorney General's office issued a list of consumer precautions last year:

- Ask for identification. Door-to-door sellers of alarm systems must be registered with the Texas Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Private Security Board and are required to carry and present a DPS issued "pocket" identification registration which will include the salesperson's photo, company name and address.

- Protect personal information. Texans should not provide the door-to-door salesperson with personal information about themselves or family members and should not describe their security system or acknowledge the existence – or nonexistence – of a security system.

- Texans should call their current security system provider's customer service number to verify whether they sent a representative to their home.

- Don't be pressured into making a quick decision. Some door-to-door salespeople may be aggressive and claim that Texans "must-act-now" to qualify for "free" equipment or a big discount. Instead, homeowners should check with their security system provider before making any immediate purchases or upgrades or signing any paperwork.

- Before signing anything, Texans should do their homework. Check the DPS website to confirm the company is licensed and take the time to check references. Get bids from at least two licensed companies and consider different security system options before making a decision.

- Texans should spread the word and warn their neighbors, friends and family in the area about the door-to-door salesperson if they believe it is a scam – and report their experience to local law enforcement. For safety reasons, many counties and cities require door-to-door sellers to register before they go door-to-door.

- Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints against the company.

- Texans have the right to cancel. Under Texas law, a door-to-door seller must advise both orally and in writing of the right to cancel the sale within three business days. The door-to-door seller must also provide a contract or receipt stating the date of the sale, the name and address of the merchant, and a statement of the consumer's right to cancel the contract, which includes the address where the purchaser can send a cancellation notice. Texans should not sign a contract that contains any blanks or is undated and should always keep a copy of anything they do sign or initial.

While these tactics are used by unethical service providers, not every company that sells door-to-door is manipulative. However, Smith encourages strong skepticism and careful reading of contracts to avoid falling victim to fraudulent strategies.

"If a resident reads the contract, and they like the deal and the salesperson, they may not have a problem," Smith said. "But a rushed decision is not ideal and some of our customers say they prefer not to do business with agents who knock on their door during dinner or family time in the evenings."

About Fortress Security
Founded in 2001 in Arlington, TX, Fortress Security provides customizable business and home security systems, automation programs, and monitoring services for crime, fire, and medical emergencies. With 17 years of experience in the security industry, owner Jerrod Smith has led his company to earn the Honeywell Dealer Council of Excellence and ITI/GE Americas Dealer Excellence Award.

For more information, visit http://www.fortresssecurity.com/HomeSecurityScams

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Home and business security system provider Fortress Security plans wider regional expansion across the state of Texas and into Oklahoma.

Arlington, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/09/2014 -- After over a decade of operation in North Texas, home and business security system provider Fortress Security announces expansion to Houston, Texas, in June 2014. With a long-term goal of regional growth, Fortress plans to introduce service to Austin, San Antonio, and Oklahoma in the near future.

"Privacy and transparency are growing concerns among business and home owners," said Jerrod Smith, founder and owner of Fortress Security. "Some other security companies sell off the home monitoring contracts once installation is complete. One of the reasons people come to us is that they want to make sure their account isn't passed on to another organization they've never heard of."

In addition to data control, Fortress has also responded to consumer trends favoring connected personal technology by offering smart home capabilities with home security systems. The demand for home automation has spiked in recent years, moving beyond the luxury market into the mainstream, as mobile applications have made implementation easier and more cost-efficient.

The full range of products and services will be available to all customers upon service area launch. With a team of technicians already selected, Houston home security systems will be available for same day installation immediately. Basic service costs start at $17.99 per month, a lower price point than top industry competitors.

About Fortress Security
Founded in 2001 in Arlington, TX, Fortress Security provides customizable business and home security systems, automation programs, and monitoring services for crime, fire, and medical emergencies. With 17 years of experience in the security industry, owner Jerrod Smith has led his company to earn the Honeywell Dealer Council of Excellence and ITI/GE Americas Dealer Excellence Award. For more information, visit http://www.fortresssecurity.com/Houston.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm