{"id":"adt","page":"https://escalate.alexgaoth.com/#/c/adt","html":"https://escalate.alexgaoth.com/c/adt/","generated":"2026-10-15","company":{"id":"adt","name":"ADT","aliases":["ADT Inc.","ADT Security Services","ADT LLC","ADT Home Security","ADT+","ADT Blu"],"sector":"home_services","website":"https://www.adt.com","regulators":["ftc"],"notes":"Home security monitoring company. ADT's 10-K for 2025 reports about 6.1 million security monitoring subscribers as of December 31, 2025. Customers come from ADT's own sales channels (including door-to-door activities) and from independent authorized dealers who must offer ADT the monitored accounts they sign. Contract terms depend on the version you signed: the 10-K says standard terms are two, three or five years with residential contracts renewing automatically for successive 30-day periods, and a termination payment equal to a designated percentage of the remaining monthly payments if the customer cancels during the initial term. adt.com, help.adt.com and ADT's legal PDFs returned HTTP 403 or empty pages to automated fetches on 2026-10-13; values marked \"search snippet\" were seen only in search results for adt.com pages. newsroom.adt.com and sec.gov pages were readable.","channels":[{"id":"customer-phone","type":"phone","label":"ADT customer line (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","purposes":["cancel_service","early_termination_fee","billing_error","poor_service"],"notes":"ADT's newsroom gives this number to verify an ADT or Authorized Dealer visit and to report attempts to switch your provider. Third-party cancellation guides also cite it for cancelling. Use the number in your own contract or on your bill if it differs.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"id":"verify-rep","type":"web_form","label":"Verify an ADT representative by ID number","value":"https://www.adt.com/verify","access":"open","notes":"Search snippet only. The search result title reads \"Verify Your ADT or P1 Security Representative by Entering the ID Online\". The page returned HTTP 403 to automated fetches.","source":"https://www.adt.com/verify","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"escalation":[{"rung":"frontline","channel":"customer-phone"},{"rung":"retention","note":"If offered a discount to stay, ask whether it starts a new contract term. Ask for the exact termination amount and the cancellation effective date in writing."},{"rung":"written_complaint","note":"No ADT complaint address or email could be verified. Send written cancellation notice to the notice address printed in your contract, by a method with proof of delivery."},{"rung":"payment_dispute","note":"Dispute charges after the cancellation effective date with your card issuer or bank."},{"rung":"state_agency","agency_kind":"attorney_general","note":"ADT's newsroom says to report deceptive sales to ADT, the Better Business Bureau and local law enforcement; the state attorney general takes consumer complaints about contracts and sales practices."},{"rung":"small_claims","note":"Check your contract for an arbitration clause first; ADT's terms could not be read directly."}],"playbooks":[{"issue":"cancel_service","summary":"Check whether you are still in the initial term; after it, the contract renews in 30-day periods and can usually be ended with notice. Within three business days of a door-to-door sale, cancel under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule.","evidence":["signed contract or agreement with start date and term","cancellation confirmation number","bills after the cancellation date"],"steps":[{"do":"Find your contract and note the initial term (two, three or five years), the start date, the renewal terms and the termination charge percentage."},{"do":"If you signed at home with a salesperson in the last three business days, cancel under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule by mailing the signed notice of cancellation form, postmarked before midnight of the third business day.","note":"See rules/ftc-cooling-off-rule."},{"do":"Call ADT to cancel. Ask for the cancellation effective date, any termination charge and a confirmation number, and ask for written confirmation by email.","channel":"customer-phone"},{"do":"Send written notice of cancellation to the notice address in your contract by a method with proof of delivery, and keep a copy."},{"do":"If ADT keeps billing after the effective date, dispute the charges with your card issuer and file a complaint with your state attorney general."}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"ADT's 10-K for 2025 says its standard contract terms are two, three or five years, \"with automatic renewals for successive 30-day periods for residential security customers.\"","issues":["cancel_service","early_termination_fee"],"source":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1703056/000170305626000022/adt-20251231.htm","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"Search snippet only. Search results for ADT's residential terms pages quote that contracts renew for successive thirty (30)-day terms unless terminated by either party at least thirty (30) days before the end of the current term, and that no termination charges are due for a termination during a 30-day renewal period. Check the wording in your own contract.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.adt.com/about-adt/legal/residential-terms-and-conditions","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}]},{"issue":"early_termination_fee","summary":"Cancelling during the initial term usually costs a share of the remaining monthly charges; ask for the calculation in writing and check whether a price increase lets you end the contract without the charge.","evidence":["signed contract with initial term and termination clause","latest bill","written quote of the termination charge","any price increase notice"],"steps":[{"do":"Ask ADT for the termination charge in writing, with the number of months left and the monthly amount used.","channel":"customer-phone"},{"do":"Check the calculation against the termination clause in your contract. If it is wrong, dispute it in writing."},{"do":"If ADT sent a price increase notice, read your contract for a right to object in writing and end the contract without termination charges."},{"do":"If ADT bills a charge your contract does not allow, dispute it with your card issuer and complain to your state attorney general."}],"facts":[{"kind":"fee","claim":"ADT's 10-K for 2025 says that if a customer cancels or defaults before the end of the initial contract term, ADT has the right to a termination payment \"in an amount equal to a designated percentage of all remaining monthly payments.\"","issues":["early_termination_fee"],"source":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1703056/000170305626000022/adt-20251231.htm","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"fee","claim":"Search snippet only. Search results for ADT's residential terms quote that upon early termination by the customer ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term; ADT's small business terms quote 90%. The percentage in your own contract controls.","issues":["early_termination_fee"],"source":"https://www.adt.com/about-adt/legal/residential-terms-and-conditions","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Search snippet only. A search result for ADT's residential terms quotes a clause that lets the customer object in writing within 30 days of a monitoring price increase notice and, if ADT does not waive the increase, terminate effective thirty (30) days after ADT receives written notice without paying contract termination charges. Confirm that your contract version has this clause.","issues":["early_termination_fee","cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.adt.com/about-adt/legal/residential-terms-and-conditions","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}]}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"ADT's 10-K for 2025 says its authorized dealers are third-party independent dealers that are contractually obligated to offer ADT all qualified monitored accounts they generate, and that ADT's direct channel includes door-to-door activities.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1703056/000170305626000022/adt-20251231.htm","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"tips":[{"kind":"official","text":"ADT advises never to sign any documents without a thorough review, and to call 800-ADT-ASAP before letting an unexpected ADT or Authorized Dealer visitor into the home.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"known_blockers":["adt.com, help.adt.com and ADT's legal PDFs block automated fetches (HTTP 403 or a blank page), so an agent cannot read the contract terms or contact page; ask the person for their signed contract.","No ADT written-complaint address or email was found."],"official_domains":["adt.com"],"security":{"never_asks":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"ADT says its Solutions Advisors and Authorized Dealers carry company-issued identification; \"If they fail to provide it, don't believe them.\"","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"known_scams":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Door-to-door salespeople from other companies try to trick ADT customers into changing their security provider and pressure them to sign quickly. ADT says to call 800-ADT-ASAP to verify a visit before letting anyone in.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Search snippet only. ADT's deceptive sales pages list pitches such as \"We're here to upgrade your ADT system\", \"Our company just bought ADT\" and \"Your service will be cancelled because ___ is taking over ADT.\"","source":"https://www.adt.com/deceptive-security-sales","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"In a May 18, 2018 release about door-to-door security sales fraud, the BBB said that in 2017 thousands of consumers complained about dishonest and misleading sales pitches or reported door-to-door scams; one consumer described signing with a salesman she thought represented ADT.","source":"https://investor.adt.com/News--Events/news/news-details/2018/BBB-Helps-Fight-Fraud-at-the-Front-Door-by-Teaming-with-ADT-and-Other-Security-Leaders-05-18-2018/default.aspx","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"report_phishing":[{"id":"report-deceptive-sales","type":"phone","label":"Report a deceptive sales attempt to ADT (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","notes":"ADT also says to report to the Better Business Bureau and local law enforcement.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}]}},"playbooks":{"cancel_service":{"company":{"id":"adt","name":"ADT","sector":"home_services","website":"https://www.adt.com","account_url":null},"issue":{"id":"cancel_service","name":"Cancellation problem"},"playbook_source":"company","summary":"Check whether you are still in the initial term; after it, the contract renews in 30-day periods and can usually be ended with notice. Within three business days of a door-to-door sale, cancel under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule.","evidence":["signed contract or agreement with start date and term","cancellation confirmation number","bills after the cancellation date"],"steps":[{"do":"Find your contract and note the initial term (two, three or five years), the start date, the renewal terms and the termination charge percentage."},{"do":"If you signed at home with a salesperson in the last three business days, cancel under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule by mailing the signed notice of cancellation form, postmarked before midnight of the third business day.","note":"See rules/ftc-cooling-off-rule."},{"do":"Call ADT to cancel. Ask for the cancellation effective date, any termination charge and a confirmation number, and ask for written confirmation by email.","channel":{"id":"customer-phone","type":"phone","label":"ADT customer line (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","purposes":["cancel_service","early_termination_fee","billing_error","poor_service"],"notes":"ADT's newsroom gives this number to verify an ADT or Authorized Dealer visit and to report attempts to switch your provider. Third-party cancellation guides also cite it for cancelling. Use the number in your own contract or on your bill if it differs.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}},{"do":"Send written notice of cancellation to the notice address in your contract by a method with proof of delivery, and keep a copy."},{"do":"If ADT keeps billing after the effective date, dispute the charges with your card issuer and file a complaint with your state attorney general."}],"channels":[{"id":"customer-phone","type":"phone","label":"ADT customer line (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","purposes":["cancel_service","early_termination_fee","billing_error","poor_service"],"notes":"ADT's newsroom gives this number to verify an ADT or Authorized Dealer visit and to report attempts to switch your provider. Third-party cancellation guides also cite it for cancelling. Use the number in your own contract or on your bill if it differs.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"id":"verify-rep","type":"web_form","label":"Verify an ADT representative by ID number","value":"https://www.adt.com/verify","access":"open","notes":"Search snippet only. The search result title reads \"Verify Your ADT or P1 Security Representative by Entering the ID Online\". The page returned HTTP 403 to automated fetches.","source":"https://www.adt.com/verify","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"ADT's 10-K for 2025 says its standard contract terms are two, three or five years, \"with automatic renewals for successive 30-day periods for residential security customers.\"","issues":["cancel_service","early_termination_fee"],"source":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1703056/000170305626000022/adt-20251231.htm","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"Search snippet only. Search results for ADT's residential terms pages quote that contracts renew for successive thirty (30)-day terms unless terminated by either party at least thirty (30) days before the end of the current term, and that no termination charges are due for a termination during a 30-day renewal period. Check the wording in your own contract.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.adt.com/about-adt/legal/residential-terms-and-conditions","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"ADT's 10-K for 2025 says its authorized dealers are third-party independent dealers that are contractually obligated to offer ADT all qualified monitored accounts they generate, and that ADT's direct channel includes door-to-door activities.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1703056/000170305626000022/adt-20251231.htm","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"rules":{"in_force":[{"id":"ftc-cooling-off-rule","title":"FTC Cooling-Off Rule for door-to-door sales (Rule Concerning Cooling-Off Period for Sales Made at Homes or at Certain Other Locations)","citation":"16 CFR Part 429","jurisdiction":"us-federal","status":"in_effect","summary":"A buyer may cancel a covered door-to-door sale (made at the buyer's home, workplace or dormitory, or at a seller's temporary location such as a hotel room, convention center, fairground or restaurant) until midnight of the third business day after the sale, for any reason. The seller must tell the buyer about this right orally and in writing, give two cancellation forms, and refund all payments within 10 business days of a valid cancellation. Home security systems, alarm monitoring and pest control sold at the door are common examples. State laws may give more rights.","source":"https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buyers-remorse-ftcs-cooling-rule-may-help","last_verified":"2026-10-13","points":[{"kind":"limit","claim":"A \"door-to-door sale\" is a sale, lease or rental of consumer goods or services with a purchase price of $25 or more if made at the buyer's residence, or $130 or more if made at other locations, where the seller personally solicits the sale (even if the buyer invited the contact) and the buyer agrees to buy at a place other than the seller's place of business.","issues":["cancel_service","refund_request"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/429.0","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"limit","claim":"The definition excludes sales after the buyer visits the seller's permanent retail store, sales conducted entirely by mail or telephone with no other prior contact, buyer-initiated emergency sales where the buyer gives a handwritten, dated, signed waiver, home repair or maintenance the buyer asked for (extra goods or services sold during that visit are still covered), and sales of real property, insurance and certain securities.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/429.0","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"The seller must give a completed receipt or contract that states, near the buyer's signature, in bold type of at least 10 points: \"You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction.\" A business day is any calendar day except Sunday and federal holidays, so Saturdays count.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/429.1","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"process","claim":"The seller must give the buyer two copies of a \"NOTICE OF CANCELLATION\" form and must tell the buyer orally, at the time the buyer signs, about the right to cancel. The seller may not misrepresent the buyer's right to cancel.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/429.1","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"Within 10 business days after receiving a valid cancellation notice, the seller must refund all payments, return any trade-in in substantially as good condition, cancel any negotiable instrument and security interest, and tell the buyer whether it will pick up or abandon any goods left with the buyer.","issues":["refund_request","cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/429.1","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"Under the notice of cancellation form, if the seller does not pick up the goods within 20 days of the buyer's notice of cancellation, the buyer may keep or dispose of them without further obligation.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/429.1","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"process","claim":"To cancel, sign and date one copy of the cancellation form and mail it to the address given, postmarked before midnight of the third business day. If the seller gave no form, write a cancellation letter postmarked within three business days. The FTC suggests certified mail with a return receipt and keeping a copy. No reason is needed.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buyers-remorse-ftcs-cooling-rule-may-help","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"process","claim":"Report a seller that does not honor the rule to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general or local consumer protection agency. For a credit card purchase, also dispute the charge with the card company.","issues":["cancel_service","refund_request"],"source":"https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buyers-remorse-ftcs-cooling-rule-may-help","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"limit","claim":"The rule does not apply to sellers of automobiles at auctions, tent sales or other temporary locations when the seller has a permanent place of business, or to sellers of arts or crafts at fairs or similar places.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/429.3","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}]},{"id":"rosca-negative-option","title":"Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA) negative option requirements","citation":"15 U.S.C. 8401-8405","jurisdiction":"us-federal","status":"in_effect","summary":"A seller that charges consumers online through a negative option feature (for example an automatic renewal or a free trial that converts to paid) must clearly disclose all material terms before taking billing information, get the consumer's express informed consent before charging, and provide simple mechanisms to stop recurring charges. The FTC enforces ROSCA.","source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/8403","last_verified":"2026-10-12","points_omitted":2,"points":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Before obtaining the consumer's billing information, the seller must provide text that \"clearly and conspicuously discloses all material terms of the transaction\".","issues":["cancel_service","unauthorized_charge"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/8403","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"The seller must provide \"simple mechanisms for a consumer to stop recurring charges\" on the consumer's credit card, debit card, bank account or other financial account.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/8403","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"A ROSCA violation is treated as a violation of an FTC rule on unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and the FTC enforces ROSCA with its FTC Act powers and penalties. Report violations to the FTC.","issues":["cancel_service","unauthorized_charge"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/8404","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}]}],"not_in_force":[{"id":"ftc-click-to-cancel","title":"FTC \"Click-to-Cancel\" amendments to the Negative Option Rule (2024)","citation":"16 CFR part 425 (2024 amendments, published November 15, 2024)","jurisdiction":"us-federal","status":"vacated","summary":"The FTC's 2024 amendments to the Negative Option Rule (\"click-to-cancel\") were vacated in full by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit on July 8, 2025, and never took effect. Do not cite them. For online subscriptions, cite ROSCA (rules/rosca-negative-option) and applicable state automatic renewal laws instead.","source":"https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/25/07/243137P.pdf","last_verified":"2026-10-12","status_note":"Vacated in full by the Eighth Circuit on July 8, 2025 (Custom Communications, Inc. v. FTC, 142 F.4th 1060). The FTC removed the 2024 text effective February 12, 2026 and restored the pre-2024 prenotification rule. A new rulemaking is only at the ANPRM stage (March 13, 2026), with no proposed text as of 2026-10-12. What remains in force: ROSCA (rules/rosca-negative-option), Section 5 of the FTC Act, and state automatic renewal laws (for example rules/ca-automatic-renewal-law, rules/ny-automatic-renewal-law).","do_not_cite":"This rule is not in force. Do not cite it as current law."}]},"tips":[{"kind":"official","text":"ADT advises never to sign any documents without a thorough review, and to call 800-ADT-ASAP before letting an unexpected ADT or Authorized Dealer visitor into the home.","issues":["cancel_service"],"source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"escalation":[{"index":0,"rung":"frontline","channel":{"id":"customer-phone","type":"phone","label":"ADT customer line (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","purposes":["cancel_service","early_termination_fee","billing_error","poor_service"],"notes":"ADT's newsroom gives this number to verify an ADT or Authorized Dealer visit and to report attempts to switch your provider. Third-party cancellation guides also cite it for cancelling. Use the number in your own contract or on your bill if it differs.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}},{"index":1,"rung":"retention","note":"If offered a discount to stay, ask whether it starts a new contract term. Ask for the exact termination amount and the cancellation effective date in writing.","candidate_channels":["customer-phone"]},{"index":2,"rung":"written_complaint","note":"No ADT complaint address or email could be verified. Send written cancellation notice to the notice address printed in your contract, by a method with proof of delivery.","candidate_channels":[]},{"index":3,"rung":"payment_dispute","note":"Dispute charges after the cancellation effective date with your card issuer or bank.","rules":["fcba-billing-error","efta-reg-e"]},{"index":4,"rung":"state_agency","note":"ADT's newsroom says to report deceptive sales to ADT, the Better Business Bureau and local law enforcement; the state attorney general takes consumer complaints about contracts and sales practices.","agency_kind":"attorney_general","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."},{"index":5,"rung":"small_claims","note":"Check your contract for an arbitration clause first; ADT's terms could not be read directly."}],"known_blockers":["adt.com, help.adt.com and ADT's legal PDFs block automated fetches (HTTP 403 or a blank page), so an agent cannot read the contract terms or contact page; ask the person for their signed contract.","No ADT written-complaint address or email was found."],"security":{"official_domains":["adt.com"],"never_asks":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"ADT says its Solutions Advisors and Authorized Dealers carry company-issued identification; \"If they fail to provide it, don't believe them.\"","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"known_scams":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Door-to-door salespeople from other companies try to trick ADT customers into changing their security provider and pressure them to sign quickly. ADT says to call 800-ADT-ASAP to verify a visit before letting anyone in.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Search snippet only. ADT's deceptive sales pages list pitches such as \"We're here to upgrade your ADT system\", \"Our company just bought ADT\" and \"Your service will be cancelled because ___ is taking over ADT.\"","source":"https://www.adt.com/deceptive-security-sales","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"In a May 18, 2018 release about door-to-door security sales fraud, the BBB said that in 2017 thousands of consumers complained about dishonest and misleading sales pitches or reported door-to-door scams; one consumer described signing with a salesman she thought represented ADT.","source":"https://investor.adt.com/News--Events/news/news-details/2018/BBB-Helps-Fight-Fraud-at-the-Front-Door-by-Teaming-with-ADT-and-Other-Security-Leaders-05-18-2018/default.aspx","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"report_phishing":[{"id":"report-deceptive-sales","type":"phone","label":"Report a deceptive sales attempt to ADT (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","notes":"ADT also says to report to the Better Business Bureau and local law enforcement.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}]},"credibility":{"grade":"C","primary_share":0.933,"sources":{"primary":28,"reference":2},"verified_from":{"page":9,"search_snippet":5},"last_verified":"2026-10-13","oldest_verified":"2026-10-13","stale_items":0,"explanation":"Grade C (use with care: check the source of each value before relying on it). 93% of 30 sources are the organization's own pages or government sites; 5 value(s) were read from a search snippet or an archive copy.","dossier_last_verified":"2026-10-13"},"context":{"dossier":true,"sector_guide":true,"hint":"Call get_context for how this company handles complaints in practice and which scams use its name."},"notes":"Home security monitoring company. ADT's 10-K for 2025 reports about 6.1 million security monitoring subscribers as of December 31, 2025. Customers come from ADT's own sales channels (including door-to-door activities) and from independent authorized dealers who must offer ADT the monitored accounts they sign. Contract terms depend on the version you signed: the 10-K says standard terms are two, three or five years with residential contracts renewing automatically for successive 30-day periods, and a termination payment equal to a designated percentage of the remaining monthly payments if the customer cancels during the initial term. adt.com, help.adt.com and ADT's legal PDFs returned HTTP 403 or empty pages to automated fetches on 2026-10-13; values marked \"search snippet\" were seen only in search results for adt.com pages. newsroom.adt.com and sec.gov pages were readable.","warnings":[]},"early_termination_fee":{"company":{"id":"adt","name":"ADT","sector":"home_services","website":"https://www.adt.com","account_url":null},"issue":{"id":"early_termination_fee","name":"Early termination fee"},"playbook_source":"company","summary":"Cancelling during the initial term usually costs a share of the remaining monthly charges; ask for the calculation in writing and check whether a price increase lets you end the contract without the charge.","evidence":["signed contract with initial term and termination clause","latest bill","written quote of the termination charge","any price increase notice"],"steps":[{"do":"Ask ADT for the termination charge in writing, with the number of months left and the monthly amount used.","channel":{"id":"customer-phone","type":"phone","label":"ADT customer line (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","purposes":["cancel_service","early_termination_fee","billing_error","poor_service"],"notes":"ADT's newsroom gives this number to verify an ADT or Authorized Dealer visit and to report attempts to switch your provider. Third-party cancellation guides also cite it for cancelling. Use the number in your own contract or on your bill if it differs.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}},{"do":"Check the calculation against the termination clause in your contract. If it is wrong, dispute it in writing."},{"do":"If ADT sent a price increase notice, read your contract for a right to object in writing and end the contract without termination charges."},{"do":"If ADT bills a charge your contract does not allow, dispute it with your card issuer and complain to your state attorney general."}],"channels":[{"id":"customer-phone","type":"phone","label":"ADT customer line (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","purposes":["cancel_service","early_termination_fee","billing_error","poor_service"],"notes":"ADT's newsroom gives this number to verify an ADT or Authorized Dealer visit and to report attempts to switch your provider. Third-party cancellation guides also cite it for cancelling. Use the number in your own contract or on your bill if it differs.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"id":"verify-rep","type":"web_form","label":"Verify an ADT representative by ID number","value":"https://www.adt.com/verify","access":"open","notes":"Search snippet only. The search result title reads \"Verify Your ADT or P1 Security Representative by Entering the ID Online\". The page returned HTTP 403 to automated fetches.","source":"https://www.adt.com/verify","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"facts":[{"kind":"fee","claim":"ADT's 10-K for 2025 says that if a customer cancels or defaults before the end of the initial contract term, ADT has the right to a termination payment \"in an amount equal to a designated percentage of all remaining monthly payments.\"","issues":["early_termination_fee"],"source":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1703056/000170305626000022/adt-20251231.htm","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"fee","claim":"Search snippet only. Search results for ADT's residential terms quote that upon early termination by the customer ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term; ADT's small business terms quote 90%. The percentage in your own contract controls.","issues":["early_termination_fee"],"source":"https://www.adt.com/about-adt/legal/residential-terms-and-conditions","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Search snippet only. A search result for ADT's residential terms quotes a clause that lets the customer object in writing within 30 days of a monitoring price increase notice and, if ADT does not waive the increase, terminate effective thirty (30) days after ADT receives written notice without paying contract termination charges. Confirm that your contract version has this clause.","issues":["early_termination_fee","cancel_service"],"source":"https://www.adt.com/about-adt/legal/residential-terms-and-conditions","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"rules":{"in_force":[],"not_in_force":[]},"tips":[],"escalation":[{"index":0,"rung":"frontline","channel":{"id":"customer-phone","type":"phone","label":"ADT customer line (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","purposes":["cancel_service","early_termination_fee","billing_error","poor_service"],"notes":"ADT's newsroom gives this number to verify an ADT or Authorized Dealer visit and to report attempts to switch your provider. Third-party cancellation guides also cite it for cancelling. Use the number in your own contract or on your bill if it differs.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}},{"index":1,"rung":"retention","note":"If offered a discount to stay, ask whether it starts a new contract term. Ask for the exact termination amount and the cancellation effective date in writing.","candidate_channels":["customer-phone"]},{"index":2,"rung":"written_complaint","note":"No ADT complaint address or email could be verified. Send written cancellation notice to the notice address printed in your contract, by a method with proof of delivery.","candidate_channels":[]},{"index":3,"rung":"payment_dispute","note":"Dispute charges after the cancellation effective date with your card issuer or bank.","rules":["fcba-billing-error","efta-reg-e"]},{"index":4,"rung":"state_agency","note":"ADT's newsroom says to report deceptive sales to ADT, the Better Business Bureau and local law enforcement; the state attorney general takes consumer complaints about contracts and sales practices.","agency_kind":"attorney_general","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."},{"index":5,"rung":"small_claims","note":"Check your contract for an arbitration clause first; ADT's terms could not be read directly."}],"known_blockers":["adt.com, help.adt.com and ADT's legal PDFs block automated fetches (HTTP 403 or a blank page), so an agent cannot read the contract terms or contact page; ask the person for their signed contract.","No ADT written-complaint address or email was found."],"security":{"official_domains":["adt.com"],"never_asks":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"ADT says its Solutions Advisors and Authorized Dealers carry company-issued identification; \"If they fail to provide it, don't believe them.\"","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"known_scams":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Door-to-door salespeople from other companies try to trick ADT customers into changing their security provider and pressure them to sign quickly. ADT says to call 800-ADT-ASAP to verify a visit before letting anyone in.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Search snippet only. ADT's deceptive sales pages list pitches such as \"We're here to upgrade your ADT system\", \"Our company just bought ADT\" and \"Your service will be cancelled because ___ is taking over ADT.\"","source":"https://www.adt.com/deceptive-security-sales","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"In a May 18, 2018 release about door-to-door security sales fraud, the BBB said that in 2017 thousands of consumers complained about dishonest and misleading sales pitches or reported door-to-door scams; one consumer described signing with a salesman she thought represented ADT.","source":"https://investor.adt.com/News--Events/news/news-details/2018/BBB-Helps-Fight-Fraud-at-the-Front-Door-by-Teaming-with-ADT-and-Other-Security-Leaders-05-18-2018/default.aspx","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"report_phishing":[{"id":"report-deceptive-sales","type":"phone","label":"Report a deceptive sales attempt to ADT (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","notes":"ADT also says to report to the Better Business Bureau and local law enforcement.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}]},"credibility":{"grade":"C","primary_share":0.933,"sources":{"primary":28,"reference":2},"verified_from":{"page":9,"search_snippet":5},"last_verified":"2026-10-13","oldest_verified":"2026-10-13","stale_items":0,"explanation":"Grade C (use with care: check the source of each value before relying on it). 93% of 30 sources are the organization's own pages or government sites; 5 value(s) were read from a search snippet or an archive copy.","dossier_last_verified":"2026-10-13"},"context":{"dossier":true,"sector_guide":true,"hint":"Call get_context for how this company handles complaints in practice and which scams use its name."},"notes":"Home security monitoring company. ADT's 10-K for 2025 reports about 6.1 million security monitoring subscribers as of December 31, 2025. Customers come from ADT's own sales channels (including door-to-door activities) and from independent authorized dealers who must offer ADT the monitored accounts they sign. Contract terms depend on the version you signed: the 10-K says standard terms are two, three or five years with residential contracts renewing automatically for successive 30-day periods, and a termination payment equal to a designated percentage of the remaining monthly payments if the customer cancels during the initial term. adt.com, help.adt.com and ADT's legal PDFs returned HTTP 403 or empty pages to automated fetches on 2026-10-13; values marked \"search snippet\" were seen only in search results for adt.com pages. newsroom.adt.com and sec.gov pages were readable.","warnings":[]}},"escalation":[{"index":0,"rung":"frontline","channel":{"id":"customer-phone","type":"phone","label":"ADT customer line (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","purposes":["cancel_service","early_termination_fee","billing_error","poor_service"],"notes":"ADT's newsroom gives this number to verify an ADT or Authorized Dealer visit and to report attempts to switch your provider. Third-party cancellation guides also cite it for cancelling. Use the number in your own contract or on your bill if it differs.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}},{"index":1,"rung":"retention","note":"If offered a discount to stay, ask whether it starts a new contract term. Ask for the exact termination amount and the cancellation effective date in writing.","candidate_channels":["customer-phone"]},{"index":2,"rung":"written_complaint","note":"No ADT complaint address or email could be verified. Send written cancellation notice to the notice address printed in your contract, by a method with proof of delivery.","candidate_channels":[]},{"index":3,"rung":"payment_dispute","note":"Dispute charges after the cancellation effective date with your card issuer or bank.","rules":["fcba-billing-error","efta-reg-e"]},{"index":4,"rung":"state_agency","note":"ADT's newsroom says to report deceptive sales to ADT, the Better Business Bureau and local law enforcement; the state attorney general takes consumer complaints about contracts and sales practices.","agency_kind":"attorney_general","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."},{"index":5,"rung":"small_claims","note":"Check your contract for an arbitration clause first; ADT's terms could not be read directly."}],"security":{"official_domains":["adt.com"],"never_asks":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"ADT says its Solutions Advisors and Authorized Dealers carry company-issued identification; \"If they fail to provide it, don't believe them.\"","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"known_scams":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Door-to-door salespeople from other companies try to trick ADT customers into changing their security provider and pressure them to sign quickly. ADT says to call 800-ADT-ASAP to verify a visit before letting anyone in.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Search snippet only. ADT's deceptive sales pages list pitches such as \"We're here to upgrade your ADT system\", \"Our company just bought ADT\" and \"Your service will be cancelled because ___ is taking over ADT.\"","source":"https://www.adt.com/deceptive-security-sales","last_verified":"2026-10-13"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"In a May 18, 2018 release about door-to-door security sales fraud, the BBB said that in 2017 thousands of consumers complained about dishonest and misleading sales pitches or reported door-to-door scams; one consumer described signing with a salesman she thought represented ADT.","source":"https://investor.adt.com/News--Events/news/news-details/2018/BBB-Helps-Fight-Fraud-at-the-Front-Door-by-Teaming-with-ADT-and-Other-Security-Leaders-05-18-2018/default.aspx","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}],"report_phishing":[{"id":"report-deceptive-sales","type":"phone","label":"Report a deceptive sales attempt to ADT (800-ADT-ASAP)","value":"+1-800-238-2727","notes":"ADT also says to report to the Better Business Bureau and local law enforcement.","source":"https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics","last_verified":"2026-10-13"}]},"credibility":{"grade":"C","primary_share":0.933,"sources":{"primary":28,"reference":2},"verified_from":{"page":9,"search_snippet":5},"last_verified":"2026-10-13","oldest_verified":"2026-10-13","stale_items":0,"explanation":"Grade C (use with care: check the source of each value before relying on it). 93% of 30 sources are the organization's own pages or government sites; 5 value(s) were read from a search snippet or an archive copy.","dossier_last_verified":"2026-10-13"},"dossier":{"title":"ADT — how complaints actually go","last_verified":"2026-10-13","file":"dossiers/adt.md","markdown":"## In short\n\nEverything depends on the contract you signed, so get your copy first: ADT's standard terms run two, three or five years, then renew in 30-day periods, and cancelling during the initial term costs a share of all remaining monthly payments. If a salesperson signed you up at home in the last three business days, cancel under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule by mail instead. Call 800-ADT-ASAP to cancel or to check any door-to-door visitor who says they are from ADT, and confirm everything in writing.\n\n## How complaints actually go\n\n- ADT's 10-K for 2025 says standard contract terms are two, three or five years \"with automatic renewals for successive 30-day periods for residential security customers.\" [ADT 10-K for 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1703056/000170305626000022/adt-20251231.htm)\n- Many accounts start with independent authorized dealers, who must offer ADT every qualified monitored account they sign; ADT's own direct channel includes door-to-door activities. [ADT 10-K for 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1703056/000170305626000022/adt-20251231.htm)\n- ADT's main line is 800-ADT-ASAP (800-238-2727); ADT gives it for verifying visits and reporting attempts to switch your provider. [ADT newsroom, May 13, 2025](https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics)\n- adt.com, its help center and its contract PDFs blocked automated reading on 2026-10-13, so an agent cannot check the contract terms online; work from the customer's signed copy. [ADT terms page (blocked to automated fetches)](https://www.adt.com/about-adt/legal/residential-terms-and-conditions)\n\n## What tends to work\n\n- Cancel during a renewal period. Search results for ADT's residential terms quote that contracts renew for successive 30-day terms unless either party ends them at least 30 days before the end of the current term, and that no termination charges are due for a termination during a renewal period (search snippet only; check your contract). [ADT residential terms](https://www.adt.com/about-adt/legal/residential-terms-and-conditions)\n- Use a price increase. A search result for ADT's residential terms quotes a clause that lets the customer object in writing within 30 days of a monitoring price increase and, if ADT does not waive it, terminate without contract termination charges (search snippet only; confirm your contract has it). [ADT residential terms](https://www.adt.com/about-adt/legal/residential-terms-and-conditions)\n- Within three business days of a sale made at your home, cancel under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule: sign and mail the cancellation form, postmarked before midnight of the third business day; the seller must refund within 10 business days. [FTC: Cooling-Off Rule](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buyers-remorse-ftcs-cooling-rule-may-help), [16 CFR 429.1](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/429.1)\n\n## Traps and fine print\n\n- Cancelling or defaulting during the initial term lets ADT collect a termination payment \"equal to a designated percentage of all remaining monthly payments.\" [ADT 10-K for 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1703056/000170305626000022/adt-20251231.htm)\n- Search results for ADT's terms quote 75 percent of the remaining monthly charges for residential contracts and 90 percent for small business contracts (search snippet only; your contract controls). [ADT residential terms](https://www.adt.com/about-adt/legal/residential-terms-and-conditions)\n- In California, an alarm contract that renews for more than one month needs a separate auto-renewal disclosure that the customer signed or initialed; without it the automatic renewal provision is void. [Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 7599.54](https://california.public.law/codes/business_and_professions_code_section_7599.54)\n\n## By the numbers\n\n- ADT had about 6.1 million security monitoring service subscribers as of December 31, 2025. [ADT 10-K for 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1703056/000170305626000022/adt-20251231.htm)\n- In a May 18, 2018 release, the BBB said more than 700,000 North American consumers used BBB resources to research home security companies in 2017, and thousands complained about misleading sales pitches or reported door-to-door scams. [BBB release via ADT investor relations](https://investor.adt.com/News--Events/news/news-details/2018/BBB-Helps-Fight-Fraud-at-the-Front-Door-by-Teaming-with-ADT-and-Other-Security-Leaders-05-18-2018/default.aspx)\n\n## Scams that target customers\n\n- Door-to-door salespeople try to trick ADT customers into changing their security provider. ADT says its Solutions Advisors and Authorized Dealers carry company-issued ID, \"If they fail to provide it, don't believe them,\" and to call 800-ADT-ASAP before letting an unexpected visitor in. [ADT newsroom, May 13, 2025](https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics)\n- ADT's deceptive sales pages list pitches such as \"We're here to upgrade your ADT system\" and \"Our company just bought ADT\" (search snippet only). [ADT: deceptive security sales](https://www.adt.com/deceptive-security-sales)\n- Report a deceptive sales attempt to ADT at 800-238-2727, the Better Business Bureau or local law enforcement. [ADT newsroom, May 13, 2025](https://newsroom.adt.com/safety-trends/protect-yourself-from-sales-scams-how-to-spot-and-avoid-fraudulent-sales-tactics)\n"},"guide":{"key":"home_services","title":"Home security and pest control — how complaints work","last_verified":"2026-10-13","file":"guides/home_services.md","page":"https://escalate.alexgaoth.com/#/guides/home_services"}}