VIRGINIA BEACH--A Salem Lakes community is on alert after a man posing as a home security worker reportedly tried getting into a house.
Police say the incident happened last Thursday evening.
A neighbor living along Starwood Arch, who asked not to be identified, told 13News Now a man approached him, claiming to be a manager at ADT.
The homeowner had just moved into the neighborhood and had the home security program installed the day before.
The self-alleged ADT worker began asking questions, according to the homeowner.
"He came up to our front door, and he just started asking questions about our system, trying to figure out what kind of panel we had and where the sensors were," said the homeowner.
The man could not provide a valid form of photo identification linking him to ADT.
"He showed us an ADT sign that you would see outside of a house and an ADT school bag," the homeowner said.
The homeowner refused to let the man inside, and turned him away before calling the police.
A local ADT sales representative told 13News Now the man in question did not work for the company.
An ADT corporate spokeswoman did not comment specifically on the incident, but wrote:
While ADT does engage in door-to-door sales, our direct and dealer sales representatives are required to abide by an ethical code of conduct, and requires them to do the following:
•Carry and present a photo ID; state their full name, company name, and purpose of visit; must identify themselves as ADT employees
•Make contact with potential customers only during reasonable hours and immediately discontinue sales pitch at customer's request
•Wear professional business attire
At ADT, we suggest consumers take the following actions if they have someone knocking on their door attempting to sell alarm services:
•Confirm the identity of the person at your door
•Don't be pressured into making a quick sale
•Don't change your security provider without contacting your original one first
•Be sure to validate all claims
"If you find yourself in that position, it's human nature to believe or come off as trusting some people," the homeowner said. "He seemed good at it, very convincing. Keep your stuff locked and don't give them that leverage or ability to find out about your house and your home."
The Virginia Beach Police Department advises all residents to be weary of strangers, especially ones looking to get inside your home.
