(Added Feb 4/12) Central Security Group are SCAMMERS. Do not under any circumstances sign up with them.  They will lock you into a 1 year contract even if you don't live in the house, unless you cancel in writing during a specific time period.   We did cancel, and verified with them that they did, and they still charged us for a year.  I thought ok fine our fault for not reading the extremely fine print... Ok $600 mistake.  Well next year, exact same issue.  Still trying to get them to stop billing us even though we paid an extra year for a service we don't even use!  I have never been treated this poorly from a company in my life.

(Added Jan 20/12) This company has an absolutely UNETHICAL clause in it's contract.  I signed a contract with them three and a half years ago on May 14, 2008.  The contract term was for three years.  Today, December 19, 2012, I tried to cancel the contract (I am selling the house) and they said it automatically renewed in June of 2011 until June 2012.  You CANNOT cancel your service in the middle of the year even if you have already met or exceeded the original terms of the contract unless you pay them a BUYOUT AMOUNT!  This is insane. I have paid them $33/month for 3.5 years, and now I have to pay a buyout amount because I was unaware that they automatically renew, not month to month,but for an entire year.  READ THE FINE PRINT before you consider this company.

(Added Dec 14/11) This company is a complete fraud.  I have been with them for 4 yrs and 4 months.  When I signed the contract, there was no mention of auto-renewal to 1 year contracts.  Today, I have switched to another provider knowing that I have fulfilled the original requirement of 3 years contract and am on a month-to-month.  There was no renewal notice or even a notice informing me that my contract will expire and needs renewal.  When I called to cancel, I had to call three times waiting for 15-20 minutes each on a working day to get a customer rep. She asked me the reason to cancel. When I said I have switched to another provider, she said I was bound by a second renewal of a yearly contract that auto-renewed and I have to pay for 8 months of service left.  This is a total cheat as companies must send renewal notifications even if there is no change in the terms of the contract.  I am totally disappointed by their service and representation.

(Added Dec 13/11) This Company is a fraud.  They are a scam.  They doctored my contract and added a year to my contract.  They are fraululent.  Stay away.

(Added Nov 18/11) (Rebuttal from CSG Dealer) I am part owner and General Manager for an authorized CSG dealer in Phoenix, AZ.  We also represent one of the largest companies for alarm monitoring in the world.  Since we are are authorized for both companies, we are also acutely aware of how both operate.  Central Security Group does NOT send sales reps or technichians to your home.  This is an authorized dealer function.  We sell and install the finest equipment available on the market, and proudly use CSG to monitor it.  They are superb!  Never an issue with their customer service or the monitoring service itself.  In fact it's one of the few companies that I know of that answer the phone when you call.  They are wonderful.  As for the authorized dealers, you (the client) chooses us.  You should do your due dilligence and pick the right one.  For example, we have an "A" rating with the BBB.  Does it make sense to choose a dealer with less than that?  Not often does the "low price leader" in home security offer you the best company or customer service.  When it comes to turning off your home phone line.  How is any monitoring company supposed to know that?  It's an automatic dialer that calls the central station to report an unauthorized entry.  Without a phone line, the station could never know that.  It is YOUR responsiblility to inform the central station or the dealer if this happens.  We are NOT your babysitters.  We ARE the professional alarm dealers and installers that did our job to fulfill our comittment to keep your home and valuables safe. To close, my father is a happy CSG client and has been for some time now.  He was a client of a much larger company that he chose from us to begin with.  He was so unhappy before we switched him to Central Security that I personally paid off his old account.  Thank you.

(Added Nov 18/11) THIS COMPANY IS HORRIBLE!!! After reading several of the same reviews that I have (signed a 3 year contract, canceled after 3 years was up - after paying nearly $40 a month FOR NOTHING) ... they are trying to force me into paying for one more month as a PENALTY for not notifying them in writing 30 days PRIOR to the contract expiring. They even canceled the cell phone service so they expect me to just pay them and shut up even though I told them they were nothing but a rip off. The "customer service" rep was rude even when I explained that after they canceled the service - I came home to the alarm buzzing for no reason. I never even armed the alarm for the last 2 years because I have 4 guard dogs. When my husband called to question about why our alarm was beeping when I returned home after being gone for 9 hours for work (with 6F flashing on the screen) he was promptly told "We can't talk to you because you have canceled your service". My husband again asked, Well WE did not set the alarm so obviously YOU GUYS have caused the alarm to trip and 6F to continually flash.  While $40 is not much to pay them off and get them off my back I am really inclined to report them to the Better Business Bureau with stipulation that I refuse to pay the last "penalty" clause of $40. It's the PRINCIPLE OF IT!

(Added Oct 3/11) I have had this alarm company for the last 2 years. For the last 8 months I have requested cellular service because I discontinued my phone service. They never returned my phone call. At the end of my contract date, I wanted to discontinue service with them. I was informed that the contract rolls over to a yearly basis. I was not informed of this and the salesman stated that I was month to month after the contract ended. I am in the process now of hiring an attorney to discuss this fraud. STAY AWAY from this company.

(Added Sep 20/11) Csg has always done a good job on my entire families homes. They give all customers a NO SECRETS FORM unlike any other company outlining in easy to read language about their service agreement that you sign. Read the thing before you sign it people ,,the entire alarm industry is set up this way. If you die they can't bill you in heaven or hell. And if you change your phone service its your responsiblity as the homeowner to inform them of such so your service isn't interrupted.I read these complaints and they are mostly the customers fault most of the time. Just goes to show that it's impossible to make everyone happy no matter who you are. When you get a cell phone it's the same crap. free phone for a 2 or 3 yr contract. try and cancel and see what happens.....they dont play

(Added Aug 24/11) well im was looking for a home security system. i called everyone but one is the worst.guess who..... central security!!! they cant even tell me my needs. i was just asking for features and price and i have to wait for days to get my answer???!!! what kind of a company are you!!! you can't even answer a simply question. are you selling or just a fake company to irritate people. i haven't bought your system and your the worse customer service ever!!!

(Added Aug 24/11) I'll make this plain and simple, CSG is the worst company you can choose!I was a customer for 7 years and I canceld my phone land line then I realized I had no security  service.I got no call from them alerting me.Good thing I figured it out.Very big warning. Make sure you send a cancellation notice as soon as youcan,because i've been stuck paying two months with no service because of their contract,they go by month to month from first to the first of each month.I hate them so much. "After 7 years this how they do me!"

(Added Aug 16/11) AVOID CSG at all costs!!! Their customer service is absolutely horrendous. I had a wireless system installed in my home about 14 months ago. During that time span I have had to call customer service on 6 separate occasions because at least one of my door contacts was not functioning properly. Everytime I called CSG I was informed that a service ticket was being sent to a local dealer, and that the dealer would contact me within 24-48 hours. On EVERY occasion, I waited at least 4 days without being contacted by the dealer, so I called CSG back to see what the hold up was. As it turns out, CSG does NOT follow up to see if the dealer actually contacts me and makes the necessary repairs. I recently called again about 2 weeks ago, and the dealer STILL has not contacted me. Bottom line...I have been paying for a service that has worked only about 50% of the time. One reason that we got a security system was to get some peace of mind, but we absolutely do not have that. Fortunately I was able to get a warranty included for free so I do not have to pay for the repairs, but all CSG cares about is that they know I have to pay for 3 years, so they don't care if the service actually works or not.

(Added Aug 15/11) There MUST be better alarm companies out there so DO NOT use CSG until you've checked around. When they installed the system they sent out a scuzzy looking guy in an car that didn't even have their logo on it. He wore no uniform....(read the whole review)

(Added Aug 14/11) I chose this company over ADT and I greatly, greatly regret that decision. I don't care who writes what on these reviews but what I'm about too say is the truth and nothing but. This company is the absolute worst company I have ever dealt with in my life. I was a new home buyer and wanted my house protected and this is and never will be the company for that job. I have had problems with this company from day one. I have woken up to my alarm blaring at two in the morning petrified only to find out it is because of some problem with the system. It happened so many times that I became jaded by the darn thing had someone really broke in I would have been in trouble. It is nearly impossible for anyone to get an appointment for a service tech and that's unacceptable. If someone is paying for a service that business needs to uphold their responsibitity of protecting that home. If you can't even get your system serviced how can this company say they are doing their job. i currently am without monitoring and that is unacceptable. This company has no problem taking your money and making promises they don't keep but have a huge problem doing their job. I would never ever ever ever recommend this company. It is the absolute worst and might I add their service skills ie phone reps. are beyond disrespectful and flat out rude people. STAY AWAY from this company!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Added Aug 13/11) Beware! Don't know what has happened at Central but they are definitely not the best in my eyes.  My home was broken into on July 11th, the representative decided to place the status for our triggered alarm system on partial clear for 60 minutes giving the burglars plenty of time to take at will from my home.   No one at Central has been able to explain why the ball was dropped.  Why pay for a service if they are not going to hold up their end of the contract?  The representative did kindly let us know that we were locked in based on the automatic renewal clause!  Thanks for nothing Central.  The criminals sure have one up on you.

(Added Aug 11/11) [Rebuttal from a CSG Manager] I manage a Central Security Group sale's division out of Texas and I know for a fact I can take care of any and all of these complaints.  My customers are left with paper work with CSG's number and my personal cell phone number just incase they come across certain surcomstances such as the complaints below.  Make sure when you sign up that you get your installers(dealer) number and CSG's(allready on paper work).  I make sure my customers call me first so i know the whole problem they are having and if they can't get it ironed out for what ever reason then I personaly have me or my boss call CSG and get it resolved.  We want to keep CSG looking at us as a strong dealer company and we want to keep looking at CSG as one of the leading monitoring company's so we always resolve any situation when where both involved.  Most of all we want to keep our customers satisfied so they have more safety, security and piece of mind in there lifes.  Just this last winter I started with CSG after working with some of the top security monitoring company's and found that CSG has the best of everything for customers and security dealers.  This last winter i personaly signed over 100 customers and not one of them has cancelled or complained.  I have only recieved calls from them for referals.  The complaints that you see below happen on a rare basis with all security and monitoring company's(just take a look at other company reviews).  I will finish by saying there is no other company I would rather be working for and taking care of my customers than CSG.

(Added July 4/11) We are an authorized dealer for Central Security Group in Arizona.  Because of our extensive metropolitan business network we install alarm systems for a wide variety of businesses and homeowners.  We have recieved rave reviews for CSG and for our services.  To date we have received no negative comments or requests that have not been immediatly addressed to the customer's satisfaction.  CSG has done a great job for us.  Our company C street Security could have alligned itself with any monitoring company.  We wanted the best organization which is why we chose Central Security Group as a business partner.

(Added July 4/11) Do not use this security monitoring service. Their proceedures for closing your account essentially never allow you to close your account. The following has been filed with the BBB as I can not get the situation resolved. My issue is when I decided to no no longer use Central Security Group for our alarm monitoring. I called their office and told them that I needed to cancel my account. The told me that I needed  to send a letter in writing to do so. I did. They continued to bill me. We called back and found out that they automatically renew your account whether you want to or not and they do not give you notice that it is occurring. After calling them again we were notified that we have to pay our bill in full for the renewed contract and then it would be closed. At that point I prepaid the final months of the account and they told me it would be closed at that point. 4 months later and they have billed me again. I call again and the guy tells me there was an error and that they would take care of it and assures me that the account is closed. All of this is leading up to today, a month later, and they have now renewed my account and charged me a full month. Again, I call and now they will not allow me to speak to anyone in their accounting department unless we can tell them our pass code which we no longer have. I ask to speak to a manager and they would not allow anyone to speak to a supervisor unless they can verify our code. I ask to speak to the accounting department like I have the past 3 calls and the again tell me they will not allow me to speak to anyone without verifying the code.  At this point I am now continuing to be billed for security monitoring that I do not even have in my home after being assured that our account has been closed 3 separate times. I strongly advise that you do not do business with  this company as you can never find a way to stop paying if you decide to stop using their service.

(Added May 4/11) (A Response from a CSG dealer) As a local dealer for CSG, I take certain measures with ALL my customers so they never have to go through the hassles these reviewers have. The vast majority of complaints on this page are from people who are trying to blame Central Security Group or the local Dealer who set them up with CSG for not telling them something about their contract. Allow me to...(Read the Rest of the Message)

(Added May 3/11) (A Response from a CSG dealer) We have dealt Central Security Group to thousands of customers. We just don't get calls from our customers of the nature I see on this site regarding CSG. I point out you're looking at much less than 1 percent of all CSG customers here. The majority of reviews here are about the auto-renewal clause. My company goes through the auto-renewal clause in detail with EVERYONE we sign up. We talk about how CSG will do a new system in ALMOST every part of the country with a new contract (original contract is then void). And I simply don't believe the review that suggests CSG pretended not to receive their letter of cancellation. If this is still a concern, FedEx the letter with delivery confirmation. The contract legally binds CSG to cancel your account if you give them at least 30 days written notice. We have even had customers write CSG more than a year before the end of their contract period asking for a month-to-month billing instead of the 1 year auto-renew and CSG granted it. Of course, they'd rather keep you as customer than lose you altogether. In closing, people are far more likely to go out of their way to complain about ANY monitoring company than they are to write a positive review. If a Monitoring Company is doing a good job, they simply blend in, and you forget they are there for you 24/7.. unless you set off your alarm by accident (by the way, CSG ALWAYS responds to our customers' false alarms in 10-30 seconds.. quite exceptional really).

(Added May 3/11) Not happy.  We've been with this company since 1998 and were paying a ridiculous amount per month for the monitoring.  In 2009, I called and got our rate lowered to $14.95, plus $5.00 for the extended warranty.  We just moved and I called to see if they could monitor the new house and asked if everything would stay the same.  Yes, it will.  They came out and installed, gave us a new contract, and there we go.  However, in looking at our bills, I realized that the rate went up $5.00 per month.  Granted, I should have known what we were paying, but it comes out of the bank automatically.  Considering it is the same company and I asked about everything being the same, I made a bad assumption.  I called to see if we can get it changed.  Nope - sure can't.  They won't work with us at all.  We could go back down to $19.95, but we lose the warranty.  I asked about an early termination fee.  They don't have that.  You have to pay our the entire contract!!!!  I'm so frustrated!!!!!  We are basically just stuck with no options.  Definitely not the kind of organization we want to do business with.  The sales rep is nice, but customer service is severely lacking.

(Added May 3/11) People are absolutely amazing. Want a FREE alarm system and cancel at any time. Here is a new one people, live up to your commitment. Maybe Obama will come out with a bailout for you guys.

(Added May 3/11) I have been trying to terminate my contract with these people for 90 days.  They always have an escape by claiming it takes a special form which they will not mail me.

(Added May 3/11) Avoid Central Security Group and their Dealer Vertical Security Group like the PLAGUE! I purchased a 3-year contract believing I was being serviced by Central Security Group. Central Security Group only performs the MONITORING. It does NOT own your contract! Needless to say none of this was told to me prior to my purchase. I was also told that the system supported Honeywell's TotalConnect mobile software. However, I did NOT receive ANY documentation of this software feature from my dealer. I complained MULTIPLE times to Central Security Group and Vertical Security Group that I received ZERO documentation of this feature. This is how I found out that my contract is owned by the DEALER. FYI, Central Security Group does NOT support Total Connect. Central Security Group has a website that is as helpful as screen doors on a submarine! IT is completely worthless for customer support. Furthermore, Vertical Security Group, the dealer, does NOT even have a website! I should have purchased the Alarm System from Comcast. At least I would have competent support and a company that stands by their work.

(Added May 3/11) Central Security Group is a terrible company to do business with.  It does a good job on the alarm side from my perspective.  We had the service for two years and eight months, and then we moved.  As has been mentioned in other reviews, they refused to accept three or four phone calls to cancel the service.  I called them again, and went round and round with the guy.  Finally, he gave me an email address I could submit the cancellation to.  I did it that day--February 28, 2011, the day our three years expired.  We paid the four months' fees for nothing to finish out our contract.  Now they say that because we didn't give them 30 days' written notice, we have to pay them for another year.  They are crooks.  Our house is up for short sale and our credit is already ruined.  We told them to get in line.

(Added May 3/11) The following statements are my opinion, I think this company is a huge ripoff!!!! They hide behind the fine print in the contract and take money without earning it. The state or federal government should step in and investigate the way they do business. It is not in your best interest to sign any kind of contract with this company. I would NOT recommend this company. I was trying to protect my property but instead got ripped off by the people who said they were there to watch out for me! If you take money you do not earn that makes you a thief!

(Added May 1/11) I've been using Central Security Group now for a little over 3 years. Early March I discovered my contract was up in February so I emailed the company an email cancellation on 3/15/11. They got my cancelation, but said they need to charge for April as well before thet could cancel even though I requested immediate cancellation. I went ahead and paid them through April 30th and they said on that date they will cancel the service and send me a cancelation letter for my record. So, I'm waiting to see if they will do what they have said and what I have requested which is to cancel the service. If they start playing games then I will seek other action. I will post an update shortly after April 30th.

(Added Mar 10/11) Central Security Group is a fraud! I used their service in Arkansas and then moved to Michigan. I had only used their service for 3 months when we moved. They then informed me that I could cancel my service, but I had to pay the remaining 2 1/2 years on my contract even though the contract said that they would transfer my service. This is theft! They need an alarm against themselves! I had to pay $1,500 for 3 months of service. I strongly recommend that you go with another company. I now have to hire an attorney.

(Added Mar 8/11) This company sucks. I have had their subcontractors working on my alarm for two years. Most of the time it would die the next day or it was a part that need to be order. The whole time central was billing me for service that I was not receiving. I admit that a should have bailed on them sooner, but my other provider went out of business and I figured Central must be reputable because they are so big. So, today I had another alarm company look at the alarm. He told me that the motherboard that the central had replaced initially was fried because it was hooked up wrong.Good luck with customer service, I think they have perfected the art of the run around. I have cancel my service. You can cancel it any time before the contract expires, but at least 30 days before. I still have to pay six months,but at least their is an light at the end of the tunnel.It was entertaining to read the positive comments. Give me a break, certainly their PR dept can do better than that. Do what I did cancel you contract via fax and verify that they have received it. Then go to the BBB and file your complaint. Did I mention this company sucks?

(Added Jan 25/11) (Updated Mar 22/11) Lets say I am not giving CSG a glowing recommendation!  When I got their service, I signed a 3 year contract which I moved during that time - and of course I expected the service to transfer. I did not expect the contract to renew upon moving, but I still stuck to my end of the bargain and fullfilled the 3 year contract. But then I go to cancel, called them up and informed them I wanted to cancel and they informed me I had to notify them in writing. I did so - but they claimed they never received the notice and the contract AUTOMATICALLY renewed for another year.  And during that time, there was a day when our front door was not locked and was not shut very well but we turned on the alarm and the wind must have blown the door open.  After being gone several hours, we arrived at home to find a note from the City of McKinney Police Dept stating that our front door was wide open and they came and scope things out. The alarm went off and the cops was sent out but we were never notified that someone could have broken into our home. We did not find this out until we arrived at home to find the note from the cops who were dispatched out due to an alarm response!!!  I'll never do business with this company again. Update: I canceled their service after the contract was up and they gave me grief about canceling even after the contract had expired.

(Added Dec 12/10) They may be good in responding to alarms going off, however, do not do anything to make the system work accurately.  I live in 20yrs old house, therefore added warranty to my policy, I am having problems with contacts and wiring that they are now telling me to get my problems fixed or changes contacts to wireless which each cost $90. I have 30 windows & doors. That is more than the whole 3yrs contract I sign up with them.  You call in for warranty coverage and the employees answers are "Sir, my job is not to provide services that cost additonal $ to my company". Why the h*** do they even sell services that they can not perform.  Anyways, I now have sercurity system that is not working properly... yet, still collecting bills from me. I plan to sue them if anything happens to my home.

(Added Dec 11/10) The service was great at first, then it became useless and a waste of money....(read the whole review)

(Added Nov 24/10) Do not use this service for your security needs. They have been out four times to fix the alarm system at an offsite location for my business. Each time they charge you a separate service fee, give you some excuse for what the issue is and then want immediate payment. Another 450.00 later I still have no security system that works properly and was then informed it must be the wiring at the building and I need to consult an electrician. Why didn't they tell me before I spent over 400.00 on a system that they couldn't fix. When asked if my contract could be cancelled because they I don't want to pay for a service that I can't use I was informed again that was not their problem and contract was due in full. This company is a scam, their customer service is ridiculous and really is not a form of service at all. Do your research, sometimes paying a little more upfront for a reputable company to handle your security will save you alot of money in the long run.

(Added Nov 15/10) Like others, I was not told that the contract automatically renews after the initial 3 years. I never received notice that a one-year extension was added to my contract. When I called to cancel the service because we had moved out of the house, I was told I would have to pay the rest of the one year contract or pay $100 to get out of the contract. Very underhanded business practices here. Don't use CSG! I was also told that I would have yearly maintenance done at no charge. Never saw anyone from CSG after I signed the original contract. Do NOT use this company for your security needs.

(Added Oct 13/10) I was told I could cancel my contract with CSG after the 3 year period at any time.  What I wasn't told is that CSG automatically renews the contract for one year without prior notice to renew of cancel. And, if you hadn't canceled it prior to the end of the 3 year period, it continues for another year.  I have moved and tried to cancel the contract but was told I could only cancel prior to end of the "new" contract and now have to continue to pay for a system that I now longer have or can even use for 10 months.  Had I been told it renews automatically I would have made sure to cancel prior to the contract automatically renewing.  Their service repesentative never told me the contract automatically renews and I was told I could cancel any time after the 3 year period.  CSG is deceptive in its practices and should insure their service representatives inform its customer that the contract automatically renews on the 3-year anniversary date unless cancelled prior to that date.  Will never recommend CSG to anyone!

(Added Aug 25/10) I have had Central for 3 years and feel the service is great. I moved (after one year with them) and they gave me a new system in my new house for free! (as stated in the contract.) I save lots money every month thanks to them and am very happy with the customer service. I read the reviews but I understand NO ONE can run a national company for the public without some sort of backlash.

(Added July 19/10) Central Security Group has very deceptive and unethical business practices.  They also....(read the whole review)

(Added July 19/10) Horrible company, lousy customer service.  I cancelled with a letter in 2005.  I've still been paying because of being in contract with them and never once heard a word from them.  I put a stop payment with my bank and NOW they contact me.  And, even though I sent a letter, they said they never received it so they will send my account to a  collection agency. Never have I delt with such a dishonest, crooked company.

(Added July 14/10) (CSG Dealer) Central Security Group is a wonderful company. I see so many complaints on here about the contract renewing, but all major companies have automatic renewels. The reason for the renewel is that it takes more than 36 months for Central to break even for the free system. At least Central answers their phones with a live operator every time instead of an automated system. Carl Grandberry was absolutely wonderful.

(Added July 1/10) DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT contact this company to secure....(read the whole review)

(Added June 12/10) After having ADT and Brinks for the last 10 years, it sure is nice to be with a company like Central Security Group. They have the fastest response times of any alarm company. The folks at Central are nice and professional. My alarm contract renewed for one year but I had already read that in my contract. It is not Central's fault if you are dumb. Just my two cents worth.

(Added June 2/10) I have got to side with the many complaints about this company.  They are VERY shady in their practices!!!  I cancelled my policy in writing as told that I needed to do, with the agreement that I would pay the rest of my contract as I signed I would.  But they waited until within 30 days of my contract expiration to claim they had not received my written request to cancel my policy with them.  They are liars, and very rude.  Not customer oriented at all!! If you are looking into service with them, I would HIGHLY recommend that you go with another, more reputable company.  I hope that at some point this company does what it is actually intented to do and protect its clients, instead of lie and steal from them.

(Added Apr 21/10) I wish I had found this website first before signing my contract.  I was relocated within 150 of my previous residence and they do not provide service to the new location.  Well guess what, I still have to pay for the remainder of my contract even though I don't live there anymore.  That's right, I owe 32 more months of a 36 month contract.  How ridiculous is this.  What gets me is that when I inquired about service areas, I was told that they provide service nationwide and it also states that on their homepage.  Well they don't in Paris, Texas.  It's not that I want to discontinue service but believe me if I ever get moved again to an area that is serviced by CSG, they will not receive a call from me. My recommendation is to stay away from this company.

(Added Apr 6/10) Everyone vents here when they are upset, but the fact is that the 99% of people who are happy with Central Security just carry on in life with no need to vent. So reading these reviews are just rare occasions out of the thousands of happy campers who have Central Security. I recommend Central to everyone who wants to protect their family.

(Added Apr 6/10) (Updated July 19/10) Please read this and let me know if anybody knows of a class action lawsuit starting or if anyone is....(read the whole review)

(Added Apr 5/10) Faulty installation caused our land line phone system and security system to malfunction. AT&T lines into the home were tested good. Seven months went by with no ability to monitor. CSG continued to draft my bank account each month for payment.  After several calls I was told that I had to notify them in writing to stop the draft, which I immediately did. Bank draft stopped, received a bill for over $800.00. Told them I would not pay it, they turned my account over to a collection agency. Asked that they repair the lines as a result of faulty install and I would continue service, they have refused. I'm now suing them. It's not the money, it's the principal. I can read a contract and so can my attorney; CSG is in breach of our contract by failing to provide monitoring. Frankly, I don't care how much I have to pay in attorney's fees, they will not get another dime of my money. Run, don't walk, away from this company.

(Added Mar 22/10) To all these consumers that are griping about the one year renewal clause should read their contracts.  It says it on your contract IN PLAIN ENGLISH!  It also says it on the certificate that you provide to your insurance.  Every alarm company, i.e., ADT, Broadview, Protection One have automatic renewal clauses.  You shouldn't sit there and smear the name of the company because you failed to read the contract while the 3-5 hour install was being performed.

(Added Mar 22/10) Never, Never and Never sign contracts with Central Security Group.  First of all, I agree with another customer, the salesperson is a liar. He lied to us that we can cancel the contract any time without penalty. Second, the customer service supervisor lied. We called them in 2009 and were told we needed to cancel it in March 2010. One week ago, we called and they said that we need to cancel it in Feb. We have to wait till 2011 to cancel the contract, because they have automatically renewed for one year withtout any notice.  Third, they are really rude!!!  Don't be trapped by this company. Unhappy customers get united to stop this unethical company to hurt the others. Tell the people you know about your worst experience with Central Security Group.

(Added Mar 22/10) (Updated July 19/10) I got an alarm system from this company about four months ago. Since then, the alarm....(read the whole review)

(Added Feb 25/10) Wow! Plain and simple CSG is paying for your alarm upfront so you don't have to pay $1000's. For that Central Security Group wants your service, for at least 3 years. This way they help you out and maybe save your life one day.  If you feel you can't deliver on your end of the agreement don't agree to something. Instead use option #2.  Option #2 is go buy a system pay for installation and you are free and clear and out the $$$$ upfront. Funny though, most companies will still have a contract for you to sign to monitor it! Nice free and clear system.  This "I didn't know about somthing" response.. Hmmmm, READ WHAT YOU SIGN! And yes read it all I promise it will help you in life.  The contract I signed today had a renewal clause it's written in plain English on the contract on the front in big bold letters. To emphasize this point it's included within the FIRST TWO SENTENCES!  CSG has been in business for close to thirty years. And with an A+ on the BBB. Check complaints of other companies you will see how important this statement is.  Read your contract BEFORE you sign it!  Almost every complaint about Central Security Group could be avoided if you read your agreement. I assume this is what the other 99.9% of the happy people did.

(Added Feb 25/10) I have had the monitoring system from central security group for about 4 months now. So far I am very pleased by their customer service.  I have had to call them couple of times for different purposes. 1.) When I accidentally unplugged the tech box and my cell module stopped working. I called them and they picked up almost instantly. The lady on the call patiently helped me to resolve the problem and tested the system before hanging up. 2.) When I accidentally opened my backyard door and my alarm went off, I dis-armed my system however I wanted to make sure that they did not send the police in, this time also they picked up almost instantly. So far their customer service has surpassed my expectations.  I did lot of research before selecting an alarm monitoring company and I am glad that I chose this company, I hope that they wont dis-appoint me in future.

(Added Jan 21/10) Central Security Group is highly unethical in their business practices.  Any change to your service and you MUST sign another three year contract.  The salesman that came to our home LIED!!!  Not knowing that we have been lied to we call after having our service for a year to make the change, that we were told would be no problem and a small monthly fee would be added, to find out that installation for the change is $250 along with a service call fee of $89 and a monthly fee of $20 would be added to our monthly bill.  Absolute BS from this company, they are LIARS!!!

(Added Dec 12/09) (Updated Mar 29/10) Another frustrated "customer"... we've tried multiple times to cancel our 3 year contract, which was up in June 2009.  Our first call we "too early to cancel, call back in a couple months", then we try again to cancel.  Nope we can't cancel because you have to be within 30 days of your contract expiration - call again at a later time.  They didn't bother to tell us that if we forget to call by even a single day past the last day of the contract we get renewed for an ENTIRE YEAR.  This company is very deceptive and after an obvious earnest effort to cancel, they screw us with YET another year and threaten collections if we don't pay - even though we've not stopped any payments (yet).  I will never do business with this company again.  And as a real estate agent, my clients often ask which company I use so they can get a referral for their services.  You guessed it, I will be recommending other services in the future and offering up my personal experience.  One wrong move and it will certainly cost them future business. Update: We still have not been able to cancel our service - EVEN AFTER WE SOLD OUR HOME. We're being billed for a service on a home we no longer own.... They still want to bill us through OCTOBER 2010.  If they don't cancel it I will block the charges as unauthorized. They are horrible, horrible, horrible and completely condescending over the phone.  I will never EVER go anywhere near this company as long as I'm alive.

(Added Oct 24/09) I need to cancel my service because I am moving.  My initial 3 yr contract is over.  It turns out that the contract is automatically renew for an additional year at the end of the contract unless I contact them in writing.  I guess that I should have read the fine print closer.  The representative was very quick to quote the contract.  Sounds like he does it all the time.  AND, this is a side note...my house was broken into while they were monitoring.  THEIR GLASS BREAK MONITORS DID NOT WORK!!!!  And of course, they are not responsible.

(Added Oct 8/09) (Updated Jan 22/10) I have had this company for three years and had no problems.  The service has been outstanding and the equipment works great. They are prompt at calling at alarm activation and  answering questions. I now am renogiating my contract at a considerable reduction after price matching it to another company and still have my warranty. Update: I have renogotiated my contract for 7 dollars less for another year and still get the same prompt service. They did play hard ball with negotiations but we met in the middle.  I would still recommend them to anyone.

(Added Sept 30/09) Wow...really bad experience with these folks. I would avoid at all costs. Highly unethical business practices following attempts at cancellation. When I called to resolve they attempted to blame me for the issue. They wouldn't send a copy of my contract. They would not return calls. They wouldn't explain the "automatic reupping" process. We hadn't heard from them in the year since we moved residences, but strangely they found us just 20 days after the "reup" took effect for another year at 300 bucks for a house we no longer own. Man, I wish I could generate revenue streams like that: getting paid for providing no services!! Sweeet!!!!

(Added Sept 9/09) Central Security Group (CSG) has the worst customer service I've ever experienced, and the company does not....(read the whole review)

(Added Sept 9/09) I was sold on CSG when I compared products, and then was offered 3 free months. Well, the 1st month I got charged. I called and they fixed it. 2 months later I got charged again. Called again, and they fixed it. A month later I was charged again. Called, again. Supposedly fixed, again. I am now dealing with this problem once more. They told me in June that I would actually get 3 months free and that I had a 0 balance on my account. Now they are saying I owed over $50. I would not ever use this company again. Spend the extra money for ADT or another reputable company. Terrible service!

(Added Aug 18/09) As I read these reviews, I wonder how many of them are legitimate customers.  I'm willing to bet that 75% of these reviews are....(read the whole review)

(Added Aug 5/09) I had no problem with Central Security while I was in Houston. I had to go back to Mexico because of job changes, and Central wants me to keep paying even if I don't live in the country.  I don't have a  phone line and I don't have money to pay. Isn't that bad?

(Added July 27/09) At the Houston Home Show in February 2009 we signed a 3 year contract with CSG's Agent....(read the whole review)

(Added July 22/09) My husband signed an agreement with them when I was out of town, and ever since then we have had nothing but trouble....(read the whole review)

(Added July 16/09) Approximately six months ago we transferred our home security system to Central Security Group.  The first installation technician apparently did not know how to program the system and thought that our previous system had some equipment failures.  The second technician, who had installed our original system, came out the next day and corrected the installation and said that there was nothing wrong with any of the equipment.  Since that time, the system has worked properly and is being monitored a lot better than our previous alarm company did.  The only problem we have had is one the telephone system went out and the trouble light came on.  Central even called us later to verify that everything was OK and to tell us that they had noticed the problem with the telephone system.  The monthly charge of $19.95 is half what we were paying. So far, we are well pleased with Central Security Group.

(Added July 15/09) The lightning disabled our system and when we called customer service, the representative told us it would be be a week and two days for a tech to come out and reset the system.  I was shocked!  We did have warranty and if we needed him to come out the next day it would be an additional charge.  I told her then we should just tell the burglers to wait till then to robb us right?  She said do what you have to do.  I feel trapped, going through another company is like starting over.  We have no choice but to wait for them.  Very very unhappy with their customer service.

(Added May 2/09) I had this alarm installed in December of 2006. I have had some problems and a few events that I think should warrant the breaking of the contract....(read the whole review)

(Added April 24/09) I've read some of the issues people had had with this alarm company, I honestly have to say that I haven't had any problems. I knew first hand that it was a three year contract, the installer explained in detailed how to use the system and thankfully didn't left me  a mess. On a false alarm, cops responded very quickly and CSG responded withing the first 2 minutes.  Now I'll be trying to cancel, let's hope I don't encounter the same problems some of you had, I really don't have the patience and that collection BS doesn't fly with me.  I'm cancelling because I found a company in Houston that offers it at $16.95 using my cellphone, and CSG can't match the price.

(Added April 24/09) I was contacted by Central Security Group on 4/14/09. They led me to believe they were only a different unit of ADT monitoring out of Oklahoma and that my response time would be better. Then on 4/16/09 the technican came by and, using ADT's equipment, reprogrammed my system. I found out later from ADT that I had been tricked into switching.

(Added April 21/09) Make sure if you sign up with this security system company you check the permit costs with your city first. The representative told me that my city did not charge for a permit. Turns out they did. $25... no big deal right? But the fact that they would not refund a measly $25 even though it was their fault that their list was not updated... just made me mad. Oh and good luck trying to talk to their customer service people. I waited like 3 wks before someone even called me back... of course she wasnt much help when she did finally call.

(Added April 1/09) All comments are similar, so is mine.  An honest attempt to cancel service. Company didn't receive letters we wrote for cancel request, etc.  Then they conveniently get the letters after the auto renewal kicks in. I actually paid the 32.99 mo for several months after the unit wasn't functioning just to keep these guys off my back. They wouldn't do a service call just to get everything back to working unless we paid the balance that kicked in after the auto renewal. Long story short, I am mailing a check to their debt collector who has been continually threatening to put a lien on my home. $303.75 is worth it just to get away from this headache.

(Added Mar 12/09) This is the third alarm company I have used, and by far the worst.  I never signed a contract with this company, they bought out the company I signed with.  When I tried to cancel they told me the same line everyone else on here is saying.  This is a vary shady dishonest company, and I will never use or recommend them ever.  They did however have a fast call back when the alarm went off.

(Added Mar 9/09) This is the most dishonest and worst alarm company in....(read the whole review)

(Added Mar 6/09) All major alarm companies contracts are auto renewal. Read before you sign. These guys are the best I've had. I have been with 3 other providers in the past. In reading these reviews you really see how many idiots are really out there.

(Added Mar 6/09) Anyone buying an alarm system, needs to realize the system is only as good as the company installing it.  Since CSG only....(read the whole review)

(Added Feb 11/09) I have had a contract to install and monitor a house alarm system with this group for five months....(read the whole review)

(Added Jan 26/09) I have had CSG for 18 months now and have only had 1 problem with the system, a contact fell off my back door about 6 months ago....(read the whole review)

(Added Jan 6/09) A few weeks ago my son accidentaly set off our alarm system.  I had the police out at my house in what seemed to be about 5-10 minutes.  I have heard about companies that take that long before they even call you, I was pleasantly suprised about the quick response.

(Added Oct 17/08) Me and my wife are currently going through a divorce and along with that a move to a new location along with....(read the whole review)

(Added Oct 6/08) (Updated April 4/09) Just a bad alarm company!!! Our home was badly damaged during Hurricane Ike. Our phone lines have not worked since Sept 13 and I have tried in vain to cancel the last two quarters of our three year contract since we can not live in the house and they can not monitor the house because we have no phone. I have called for six consecutive days and I receive the same message. You are under contract - I will need a manager to call you back. No one ever calls back. Very frustrating. Do not use this company under any circumstance. Update: Nothing has been resolved. The company has referred me to a collection agency. I prefer taking this to small claims court and hope to file a class action lawsuit for other consumers who have been treated unfairly.