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| Ethical Dilemma (Read 327 times) |
| view log Dave |
posted: 8/15/2008 at 11:32 PM |
Need some outside opinions on this one.
We do not have a security system on our house. Mostly safe neighborhood. A few minor crimes and recently our unlocked car (stupid, I know) had a GPS taken out of the side door.
Our neighbor changed security services and offered his sign to us. Do you put the sign in front of your house even though you don't pay for the service? |
I ran a mile and I liked it, liked it, liked it.
dgb2n@yahoo.com
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| view log I run for Fried Chicken! |
posted: 8/15/2008 at 11:44 PM |
I don't see why not. Think of it as free advertising for the security company.
Last condo I lived in, we had fake security cameras in the parking garage.
They were pretty obviously fake and someone figured that out pretty quickly and started stealing the batteries out of them.
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posted: 8/15/2008 at 11:45 PM |
| I would have no problem doing that. I don't think I would have thought about it being an ethical dilemma. |
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Jayr |
posted: 8/15/2008 at 11:49 PM |
What do you think the General of the Army would do?  |
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| view log Dave |
posted: 8/15/2008 at 11:52 PM |
Quote from Jayr on 8/15/2008 at 11:49 PM:What do you think the General of the Army would do?
He would have a security detail and wouldn't need the sign. I, on the other hand, don't have a security detail. 
I haven't disclosed how I felt about this yet but will later. Appreciate the answers so far. Hoping for a few more. |
I ran a mile and I liked it, liked it, liked it.
dgb2n@yahoo.com
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posted: 8/15/2008 at 11:55 PM |
That's a tough one. My brother's house has been burglarized 3 times over the years (different locations), so after the last time I offered him one of my signs, but he refused to take it.  He just said something about having insurance for things like that, saying he had nothing important in his house (how 'bout family?), and would pay the increased insurance premiums. BTW, it wasn't a question of not being able to afford an alarm system. I just didn't want him to keep getting ripped off because he was so stubborn!
It's definitely wrong if it's illegal, or if you falsely claim to have a security system in order to recieve a home insurance premium deduction (fraud).
Sorry - I really haven't answered your question, but I'm certain that people do it.  |
| Goal HM under 2:00:00 |
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Guy running in pink |
posted: 8/15/2008 at 11:55 PM
modified: 8/15/2008 at 11:56 PM |
ethical things that you identify always become 'gut checks'. If it feels wrong, don't do it... no matter what others say.
Me? Hmmm.
1. Are you misrepresenting your security status to potential burglars? Sure. But who cares about that.
2. Are you misrepresenting to your neighbors? Sure, but that shouldn't matter.
3. Is this a 'theft of services' from the provider? Nope. They aren't providing any services.
You are making the appearance of having a service you don't actually have. I suppose that "the appearance of" is kind of an intangible benefit for which the security provider might be miffed about. And that comes back to the gut check.
Anyway, it's fuzzy.
Not like banditing a race, though  .
Edited to add: yes, if you misrepresent your situation to your insurance company, that's hosed. |
| With realistic Pants-on-Fire action! |
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| view log |
posted: 8/16/2008 at 12:11 AM
modified: 8/16/2008 at 12:12 AM |
| Quote from srlopez on 8/15/2008 at 11:55 PM:
3. Is this a 'theft of services' from the provider? Nope. They aren't providing any services.
Anyway, it's fuzzy.
I think a provider could argue (but not prove) that you had obtained a service of some value by causing your property to become more protected or safer than it would have been without their sign. Of course, this probably wouldn't happen because (a) a company isn't gonna mess with such a minor thing, and (2) businesses don't want to get involved in any possible bad PR.
Yep, it's fuzzy to me too.
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Jayr |
posted: 8/16/2008 at 12:30 AM |
Quote from dgb2n on 8/15/2008 at 11:52 PM:He would have a security detail and wouldn't need the sign. I, on the other hand, don't have a security detail. I haven't disclosed how I felt about this yet but will later. Appreciate the answers so far. Hoping for a few more.
Exactly, he wouldn't need one...... Did not mean to be belligerent.. just plain question some people sometimes in their thinking. (not yours). |
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| view log Dave |
posted: 8/16/2008 at 12:41 AM |
OK, so I was upset with my wife over accepting the sign and wanting to put it up.
My thinking was along the lines of "you had obtained a service of some value by causing your property to become more protected or safer than it would have been without their sign."
All my neighbors thought there was nothing wrong with it so I was already outnumbered.
I read my wife all the responses and she's convinced that I overreacted (which I'm certain I did).
My gut check said no. I'll probably capitulate to her position now.
Thanks for the input. |
I ran a mile and I liked it, liked it, liked it.
dgb2n@yahoo.com
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| view log Perfection! |
posted: 8/16/2008 at 12:49 AM |
| Don't give it another thought. I don't think it's UN-ethical. However, do find a way to get an alarm installed when you can. |
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| view log |
posted: 8/16/2008 at 12:57 AM |
We have a SS but the sign is for the former company. The on-line service is half the price. Neither company
offered advertising royalties. |
Run until the trail runs out
2008 TARGET 150 MONTH
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posted: 8/16/2008 at 1:11 AM |
| hell ya |
- Anya
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| view log Jazz, happy dog |
posted: 8/16/2008 at 2:03 AM |
| You're probably not fooling anyone, least of all the bad guys. Anyway, it can't hurt. |
| Just 'cause you can, doesn't mean you should
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