Are you confused about whether is Abante Rooter And Plumbing Vs Alarm.Com a scam? You’re not alone. Many consumers have been caught off guard by unexpected telemarketing calls or questionable business practices from these two very different companies—one a local plumbing service and the other a national security technology provider. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the facts, examine the legal history between these entities, and help you make an informed decision about their legitimacy.
What Is The Connection Between Abante Rooter And Plumbing And Alarm.Com?
At first glance, comparing a plumbing company with a smart home security platform seems unusual. However, the connection exists through a significant class-action lawsuit filed in 2013 that brought these two companies into the same courtroom
www.casemine.com.
Understanding The Lawsuit
Abante Rooter & Plumbing, Inc., along with individual plaintiffs Mark Hankins and Philip Charvat, filed a class-action lawsuit against Alarm.com Incorporated and Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.
www.casemine.com. The case centered on alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
The plaintiffs claimed they received unsolicited telemarketing calls from Alliance or its agents, allegedly acting on behalf of Alarm.com
www.studicata.com. These calls were made to:
- Cell phone numbers using automated dialing systems
- Residential telephone lines using prerecorded voices
- Numbers listed on the National Do-Not-Call Registry www.studicata.com
In May 2017, the court certified three distinct classes for the lawsuit: the Cell Phone Class, Residential Class, and National Do-Not-Call Class
www.studicata.com. By July 2018, the court denied Alarm.com’s motion to stay the case, allowing it to proceed
www.studicata.com.
Is Abante Rooter And Plumbing Legitimate?
Company Background
Abante Rooter & Plumbing Inc. is a family-owned plumbing company based in Emeryville, California, serving the Greater Bay Area
www.abanteplumbing.com. The company has been in business for approximately 35 years, offering services including drain cleaning, sewer repair, fixture replacement, and water heater installation
www.bbb.org.
According to their website, over 90% of their business comes from satisfied repeat customers, and they operate seven days a week
www.abanteplumbing.com.
Customer Reviews And Reputation
Customer feedback for Abante Rooter & Plumbing is mixed but generally positive:
Positive Aspects:
- One Yelp reviewer stated: “This is one of the best plumbing companies in Oakland, Fred is responsive and all the guys are fantastic!” www.yelp.com
- Another long-time customer noted: “I’ve been using Abante for over 20 years. I appreciate that they are a family owned company” www.mapquest.com
- The company uses modern high-tech equipment for their services www.homeadvisor.com
Concerns Raised:
- Some customers report higher pricing, with one noting a $295 fee just for a Saturday toilet unclogging service www.yelp.com
- The company is not BBB accredited, though this doesn’t necessarily indicate poor service www.bbb.org
Legal History Beyond The Alarm.Com Case
Interestingly, Abante Rooter & Plumbing has been involved in multiple lawsuits—not just as a plaintiff, but also regarding consumer protection issues:
- The company filed a class-action lawsuit against Sears Brand LLC regarding “voluminous consumer complaints about abuses of telephone technology” www.classaction.org
- They also sued First Standard Financial Company in 2018 www.govinfo.gov
- Additional litigation includes cases against Pivotal Payments Inc. and Aliant Payment Systems case-law.vlex.comwww.courtlistener.com
This pattern suggests Abante has been actively pursuing legal action against companies they believe engaged in unfair business practices.
Is Alarm.Com A Scam?
Company Overview
Alarm.com is a well-established technology company founded in April 2000 and incorporated in October 2003
www.bbb.org. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the company provides smart home and security monitoring services through a nationwide network of authorized dealers
www.bbb.org.
Unlike traditional security companies, Alarm.com doesn’t sell directly to consumers. Instead, their services are exclusively sold, set up, and supported by third-party security providers
www.bbb.org.
BBB Rating And Accreditation
Alarm.com holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been BBB accredited since January 5, 2005
www.bbb.org. This accreditation has remained consistent for over 20 years, which typically indicates a commitment to resolving customer complaints.
Customer Complaints And Concerns
Despite the strong BBB rating, customer reviews reveal significant frustrations:
Common Complaints:
- Poor customer service: Multiple reviewers cite unresponsive support teams www.bbb.org
- System deactivation issues: One customer reported: “They refuse to deactivate my system and continue controlling it, for 13+ months” www.bbb.org
- Technical problems: Users mention cameras frequently going offline www.bbb.org
- Setup difficulties: Customers struggle with installation through third-party providers www.bbb.org
One frustrated customer wrote: “We had a good security company until we installed cameras and they made us do everything”
www.bbb.org.
Trustpilot Reviews
On Trustpilot, Alarm.com has received 152 reviews with mixed feedback
au.trustpilot.com. Common themes include:
- Limited functionality without paying for additional services
- Slow response times for thermostat adjustments
- Expensive replacement batteries for doorbell cameras uk.trustpilot.com
However, some users praise the app’s reliability and ease of use for basic commands like locking doors or turning off lights
www.fhasecurity.co.uk.
Key Differences: Abante Rooter vs Alarm.Com
| Factor | Abante Rooter & Plumbing | Alarm.Com |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Plumbing & Drain Services | Smart Home Security Technology |
| Business Model | Direct-to-consumer service | B2B (sold through dealers) |
| Years in Business | ~35 years | 26 years |
| BBB Accreditation | Not accredited | A+ rated since 2005 |
| Primary Complaints | Pricing concerns | Customer service, technical issues |
| Legal Issues | Multiple TCPA-related lawsuits | Defendant in TCPA class action |
| Geographic Reach | Local (Bay Area, CA) | Nationwide |
Why The TCPA Lawsuit Matters For Consumers
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act was designed to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls. According to the Federal Communications Commission, the TCPA restricts telephone solicitations and the use of automated telephone equipment [[external reference]].
What This Means For You
If you’ve received unsolicited calls from either company or their representatives:
- Document the calls: Keep records of dates, times, and phone numbers
- Check the Do-Not-Call Registry: Verify your number is registered at donotcall.gov
- Report violations: File complaints with the FCC or your state attorney general
- Consider legal options: Class-action settlements may provide compensation
The Abante vs. Alarm.com case highlights how even established companies can face serious allegations regarding consumer privacy and communication practices.
How To Protect Yourself From Potential Scams
Whether dealing with plumbers or security companies, follow these steps:
For Plumbing Services:
- Get multiple quotes: Compare at least 3 estimates before committing
- Verify licensing: Check with your state’s contractor licensing board
- Read recent reviews: Focus on reviews from the past 6-12 months
- Ask about warranties: Understand what’s covered and for how long
- Get everything in writing: Detailed contracts prevent surprise charges
For Security Systems:
- Research the dealer: Remember, Alarm.com works through third parties—vet your installer
- Understand the contract: Know cancellation terms and monthly fees
- Test the system: Ensure all components work before finalizing installation
- Keep documentation: Save all communications and service records
- Monitor your accounts: Watch for unauthorized charges
FAQ Section
Q1: Did Abante Rooter win the lawsuit against Alarm.Com?
The available court documents show the case proceeded through certification and various motions, but specific settlement amounts or final judgments aren’t detailed in publicly accessible records
www.studicata.com. Class-action lawsuits often result in settlements rather than trial verdicts.
Q2: Is Abante Rooter And Plumbing still in business?
Yes, as of June 2026, Abante Rooter & Plumbing continues to operate in the Greater Bay Area, California
www.yelp.com. Recent customer reviews indicate ongoing service provision.
Q3: Can I trust Alarm.Com with my home security?
Alarm.com is a legitimate, publicly-traded company with an A+ BBB rating
www.bbb.org. However, customer experiences vary significantly based on the third-party dealer you work with. Research your local provider thoroughly before signing contracts.
Q4: What should I do if I receive unwanted calls from these companies?
Register your number on the National Do-Not-Call Registry, document all calls, and file complaints with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. If you’re part of a certified class in related lawsuits, you may be eligible for compensation.
Q5: Are there better alternatives to Alarm.Com?
Several competitors offer similar services, including ADT, Vivint, and SimpliSafe. Compare features, pricing, and customer reviews. Consider companies with direct customer service rather than third-party dealer models if you’ve had negative experiences.
Q6: How can I verify if a plumbing company is legitimate?
Check for proper licensing with your state, read BBB profiles and recent online reviews, verify insurance coverage, and ask for references from previous customers. Legitimate companies will transparently provide this information.
Conclusion
So, is Abante Rooter And Plumbing Vs Alarm.Com a scam? The answer isn’t black and white. Both companies are legitimate businesses operating in their respective industries, but each has faced criticism and legal challenges.
Abante Rooter & Plumbing appears to be a genuine local plumbing service with mostly positive customer feedback, though their involvement in multiple lawsuits suggests aggressive business practices. Alarm.com is an established technology company with strong BBB credentials, but customer service issues and the TCPA lawsuit raise valid concerns.
The key takeaway? Always do your research, read recent reviews, understand contracts fully, and trust your instincts. Whether you need a plumber or a security system, informed consumers make the best decisions.
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