Scammers disguised as security system salespeople reported around the metro

Police are warning residents about potentially fake salespeople in neighborhoods across the Twin Cities trying to upgrade or sell home security systems.

Minneapolis Police Department spokesman John Elder says scams like these are common during warmer months, but this one has a timely and dangerous twist. Given concerns over recent violence, some residents are letting the scammers in their homes and even showing them how to work their alarm systems.

"What they are doing are playing off people's fear right now for public safety," Elder said.

In most of the cases, the salespeople are wearing Honeywell shirts and say they are contracting for ADT. But when police checked with both companies, they said they don'y have employees doing door-to-door sales — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Police say if someone shows up uninvited to your door, call 911, try to provide a description and a license plate number and never let the person inside your home.