Idaho Falls Police issues warning about alarm company fraudster

The Idaho Falls Police Department has received reports of an unknown man fraudulently targeting residents with security alarm systems at their homes.

The suspect is described as a large, white male with a long black beard. He goes by several aliases, including Joe Johnson, Joe Jenkins, Travis Anderson, Kevin Johnson, Jay and Kelly. He is also sometimes in the company of a child or two children, introducing them as a son and/or daughter. He is said to be driving a white pick?up truck.

According to reports, the man introduces himself as an alarm technician from the victim’s contracted alarm company. He claims to be there to complete an upgrade or fix a problem with the victim’s alarm system.

He, however, removes the alarm panel and replaces it with a lower quality panel. He then gets the victim to sign a paper saying it’s for the completed service. He leaves and takes the old panel with him.

Later, the victim receives a bill from Protect America and is now under contract with two security companies. Protect America has denied having any representatives working in the Idaho Falls area.

If anyone is approached by this person or has information about this individual, they are asked to contact the IFPD at 529-1200.