Bizarre Encounters: Exploring Vivint’s Horror Stories

With the help of integrated home security and automation systems from Vivint, your house will be safer, more practical, and more comfortable than you could have ever imagined.

Vivint Smart Home company is quite famous in the USA and Canada, with almost 1.5 million customers.

But people who have used Vivint have gone through the most dreadful things in their lives. There are a number of people who shared their unpleasant experiences with Vivint.

Allow me to share some of the famous Vivint horror stories I have found online. This is not to discourage you from using Vivint but to raise awareness on how to become safer while using smart home gadgets and devices in general.

Let’s begin!

Vivint Complaints

Some of the top grievances customers filed with Vivint include poor equipment, misleading contract terms, and the inability to terminate a contract.

There are people complaining that their devices, such as the thermostat, security cameras, and doorbells, are not working or can’t connect properly. Despite the equipment not working, customers are billed for the full service.

There are also instances wherein the Vivint device comes with outdated software, resulting in connectivity issues. When customers call Vivint support, the response would be that they’re not responsible for the problem if it’s related to software changes.

The misleading contract is another complaint of most Vivint customers. Some customers claim that they entered into a new contract even after calling for a cancellation. In other words, contract charges apply despite calling to cancel it.

Vivint customers are given a span of three days to cancel the contract. Installation of the services may take days to weeks, giving people no chance to cancel if they’re unhappy with it.

As a result, you’ll be paying for a useless service or have to buy out the contract to close an account. Expect to get charged a staggering $ 1,500 to buy out the Vivint contract.

Check out this thread to see what other people think of the Vivint security system.

Bizarre Vivint Stories

In this section, I have compiled some Vivint stories that are kinda creepy.

A new homeowner freaked out when a stranger took over her security system. She watched in disbelief as the “stranger” disarmed her security system. It turns out that the “stranger” is the former house owner, and it’s his way of showing her that he can still control the security system remotely using Vivint’s app. The former house owner contacted Vivint to cancel the service weeks ago, but they failed to do so.

Another bizarre story is of a fake Vivint salesperson targeting homes to offer the company’s services. Apparently, it’s an MO of some burglars. They’ll pose as someone from a security company to change your passcode so they can break into your home without any issue.

That said, you should be careful when choosing a security company for your property.

Live footage — Man looking at home security cameras on tablet

What is the lawsuit against Vivint?

There is a $189.7 million worth of lawsuit against Vivint for tricking customers from CPI Security System Inc. to switching to Vivint services.

The jury found that Vivint’s representatives deceived CPI customers into signing a contract with Vivint because the company had bought CPI, which is false.

CPI filed a lawsuit against Vivint in 2020, accusing Vivint representatives of going door to door to take over their accounts. CPI customers unknowingly signed contracts with Vivint that are impossible to cancel.

Vivint denied the allegations.

Another rival of Vivint, ADT LLC, has filed a lawsuit for the same misconduct that was settled in 2018.

What happened to the old CEO of Vivint?

The Vivint CEO, Todd Pedersen, for over 20 years, has stepped down from Vivint.

He founded Vivint in 1999 and since then became one of the biggest security companies in North America, with smart home revenues of over $1 billion in 2022.

Despite stepping down as CEO, Pedersen will remain a member of Vivint’s board of directors.

Watch this clip of the former Vivint’s CEO going undercover.

Can Vivint see my cameras?

The feed on your camera is private and can’t be accessed by Vivint.

You can access your camera feed with these steps:

Tap Cameras on the home screen of your Vivint Smart Home app.
Tap the thumbnail of the camera you want to see the live feed. Tap All Clips if you want to see recorded clips.

How to Stop Being Hacked

Here are some best practices that’ll prevent your home security system from getting hacked:

Use a VPN.
Use different networks.
Use cloud access.
Use a strong password.
Activate port forwarding.
Update your device.

What are the pros and cons of Vivint?

PROS	CONS
package customization	difficulty canceling contract
equipment financing	security risks
good security features

PROS & CONS OF VIVINT

FAQs

Have there been complaints about equipment malfunctions and false alarms?

Answer: Yes, customers have reported instances where Vivint’s security equipment has malfunctioned, leading to compromised security. False alarms triggered by faulty sensors or technical glitches have also been reported.

Is Vivint transparent about its pricing structure and contract terms?

Answer: Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Vivint’s lack of transparency regarding pricing and contract terms, feeling misled or unaware of certain fees, add-ons, or limitations.

How long does the installation and setup process typically take with Vivint?

Answer: The installation and setup process with Vivint can sometimes be time-consuming, with customers reporting delayed appointments and lengthy procedures.

Does Vivint have limited service coverage in certain areas?

Answer: Yes, Vivint’s service coverage may be limited in certain areas, which can pose challenges for customers who have moved or wish to transfer their services to locations where Vivint is unavailable.

Are there any upfront costs associated with Vivint’s services?

Answer: Vivint typically requires upfront costs for equipment and installation. Customers should inquire about the specific costs involved before committing to the service.

Can Vivint’s services be transferred to a new residence?

Answer: Vivint allows for the transfer of services to a new residence, but customers should verify the availability of Vivint’s coverage in their new location and inquire about any associated fees or requirements.

Are there any additional fees for system maintenance or updates?

Answer: Some customers have reported unexpected fees for system maintenance or updates. It’s important to clarify the potential costs involved in maintaining and updating Vivint’s systems.

What alternatives exist for individuals experiencing issues with Vivint’s services?

Answer: Individuals experiencing issues with Vivint may consider exploring alternative home security providers that offer services better aligned with their needs and preferences. Researching and comparing different options can help find a suitable alternative.

Conclusion

As a responsible and safety-conscious homeowner, it is imperative to fully comprehend the potential risks associated with the use of home security systems, including those offered by Vivint and other security companies.
By taking proactive measures to counteract these hazards, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones.
It is important to stay informed about the potential dangers and to take all necessary precautions to mitigate any risks that may arise.
With a thoughtful and diligent approach to home security, you can rest easy knowing that your family is protected at all times.
While the subject matter of this particular post concerns negative experiences with the home security company Vivint, it is important to remember that everyone’s experiences can vary.
It may be worth considering giving Vivint a try and seeing how their services work out for you personally. As with any company, it’s always best to do your research and make an informed decision.