What investigators learned, Sheriff Wes Tripp said today, is that some residents purchased what they thought to be an upgrade from ADT when paperwork showed the company name to be Vector.

“Detectives initially contacted Vector, who initially stated that they did not have people in the area selling alarm systems,” Tripp said in a statement. “ADT advised detectives that they did not have representatives in the field offering upgrades.”

Further contact with Vector revealed that another company was in fact working for them and is legitimately serving customers.

Since news media reported the story, about three or four people have called the sheriff's office reporting they experienced this issue.

The sheriff's office is recommending that people who are not sure what the status of their alarm system is, whether it is not working properly or other issues, to contact AAA Security in Roanoke Rapids, an ADT dealer, which will do these checks at no charge. AAA Security, which is located at 406 Becker Drive, can be reached at 252-535-1178.

Tripp said thus far no one has lost money in this matter, but advises that people should exercise caution before letting people without proper credentials into their homes. “The sheriff's office has not found any new service provided to be faulty.”

Both ADT and Vector have been encouraged to contact the state Attorney General's Office for any complaints of unethical business practice claims. “Citizens are encouraged to call the sheriff's office any time they feel uncomfortable with an unsolicited visitor,” the sheriff said in the statement.