Fraudulent door-to-door salesmen are visiting Hawaii consumers, claiming to represent local alarm companies, such as Lifeline Fire and Security, Security Alarm Shop, and Security One Inc., according to the Better Business Bureau.

The bureau's Hawaii office is warning residents to be wary of salesmen who claim they represent Max Alarm, a mainland home security company.

“;Every summer, door-to-door alarm salesmen hit the pavement and every summer BBB sees an increase of inquiries from consumers who want to check them out,”; Dwight Kealoha, chief executive officer of Hawaii's BBB, said in a news release.

The bureau has received 330 inquiries about Max Alarm since June. Kealoha said that the sales reps don't clearly identify who they're working for and won't provide a business card or local contact information.

According to the news release, a current Lifeline customer in Kailua filed a complaint stating that a salesman arrived at her door “;saying he was from Max Alarm, and they are now Lifeline.”; The false sales rep asked her to make some changes to her existing contract and sign a new one, the BBB said.

Hawaii's BBB said to avoid being swindled by door-to-door salesmen, ask for a business card, identification or document with their name and the company's contact information, then call to verify the employee's name. The BBB also advises consumers to deal only with reputable businesses or check the company's BBB reliability report before conducting business.

If you have been conned, Hawaii's BBB said federal law allows consumers a three-day period to cancel purchases of $25 or more that are made in their home or another location that is not the seller's permanent business place.