Subject: Urgent Assistance Needed: Unauthorized Devices, Permission Issues, and Potential Security Breaches with Google Nest Doorbell Installed by ACS Security
Dear Google Home Community,
I’m reaching out to this community for advice on resolving serious issues with my Google Nest setup, installed by ACS Security authorized by Pulte Home. These problems involve unauthorized device additions, restricted admin controls, and missing event history. As the sole owner of my new home, I’m deeply concerned about potential privacy violations and lack of transparency. Below, I’ll outline the timeline and details for clarity.
Timeline of Events:
December 1, 2025: Initial Installation
• ACS technicians installed a Google Nest Doorbell (Doorbell #1) on my Phone #1) using my Gmail #1 account. Without my knowledge or consent, two unauthorized “local devices” were added to my Google Home app: Living Room TV, and Master Bedroom Speaker. These appeared as phantom/ghost devices (not physical devices I own). I couldn’t remove or manage them, and they vanished about an hour after I discovered them.
• Most alarmingly, admin controls in the app are greyed out for me, displaying “You don’t have permission” when clicked.
December 4, 2025: Doorbell Replacement
• Pulte authorized ACS to replace Doorbell #1 with a new Doorbell #2. I set it up on my phone#2 using my Gmail #2 account, following instructions of ACS and Google Home app. Admin controls remain greyed out. ACS and Pulte claims this is controlled by Google/Nest, but Google support contradicts this (see below).
December 6, 2025: more Issues on the new doorbell
All recorded event history from December 4–5 vanished from Doorbell #2. Google Home Support confirmed the camera is limited to 3-hour event history (free tier default), but no other option is allowed for me. On Admin permissions: still disabled for me; Google states this is ACS/Pulte responsibility, contradicting ACS/Pulte claims. ACS stated that they only follow Pulte’s instruction.
Additional Concerns with External Cameras:
• I purchased a Uniview Essential 4-Camera Package with NVR (2TB) from ACS, installed by Pulte Homes. ACS sales recommended this as compatible with the Nest Doorbell for bundling and unified management in Google Home. On December 4, ACS activated them via IC Pro, which require a compute monitor to setup (according to ACS). December 9, the setup is red flagged in multiple counts, including not sending alert and not recording motion in the views. Neither user Instructions nor any model/serial numbers were provide to me as the owner. ACS state that they only work on Pulte instruction and asked me to contact Pulte.
• On December 6, a hidden “ICView Pro” folder was found in my iPhone’s local files containing a database file “f-dmss-dmss.db,” which I did not create or download. ACS claimed it is necessary for video downloading. On 12/9/2025, two sub-folders were found in this fold without my creating.
ACS/Pulte conduct has been unacceptable and potentially violates my rights and privacy as the owner of those devices. I appreciate any advice from the community on how to resolve this.
Thank you for your help.
Best regards,
Jen W.
