Locked Out And Ripped Off?
Amanda Pavlik
It's a warning everyone needs to know about before you find yourself in an emergency situation, locked out of your car or home. It's happened to many of us at one time or another.
While there's no doubt most locksmiths are reputable and provide you the rescue you need, the Better Business Bureau says it's receiving a growing number of complaints about companies that have customers paying a lot more than they bargained for. It leaves folks saying they're being swindled and in some cases robbed by locksmiths.
The BBB says they've received more than a thousand complaints, most over the past year or so, about companies that have legitimate sounding names and use local phone numbers with fake addresses. But when you dial the number, you're transferred to a call center that could be thousands of miles away.
They're not forthcoming about where they're located. They quote you a price and dispatch one of their representatives in your area.
“They’re very unprofessional. He demands two, three, even four times the amount quoted over the phone and he’s not going to let you into your house or car until he gets it," says Alison Preszler, Better Business Bureau.
She says the scammers know how to take advantage of the vulnerable situation of folks who are locked out of their houses or cars.
The locksmith industry is aware of these questionable companies and is warning that people aren't just being overcharged.
"They may tell the consumer that they need new locks and that they’re prepared to put in some high security locks in for them and they turn around and put in substandard locks," says Tim McMullen, Associated Locksmiths of America.
Locksmith Jason Gage is outraged these companies are giving his business a bad name.
"It’s an epidemic. Out of all industries, the locksmith industry should be the one that a consumer knows that they can call and they’re going to have somebody that’s going to be honest, trustworthy," says Gage.
So how can you make sure the locksmith you're hiring is trustworthy? The BBB says be weary of servicemen in unmarked cars, who don't wear uniforms or present identification.
"The Better Business Bureau recommends that you do your research ahead of time and find a reputable locksmith before you find yourself in an emergency," says Preszler.
If you're looking for a locksmith, the Association of Locksmiths of America says it can make recommendations for a reputable company in your neighborhood.
Story Created: Feb 18, 2008 at 5:28 PM EST
Undercover Locksmith Investigation
Reported by: John Matarese
It's happened to almost all of us: You lock yourself out of your home, car, or apartment. Your only hope: A locksmith.
But the Better Business Bureau has a warning about an emergency locksmith company that it says could cost you a lot more than you bargained for.
The Common Complaint
You know the feeling: You lock your car door...Then realize your your keys are inside. That's exactly what happened to Heather Slavey.
But this mom had to do something...So she grabbed the Yellow Pages, and called a locksmith with a big ad and local number called "Always Ready."
It promised 15 minute service, 24 hours a day, at a good price.
The Escalating $39 Charge
"They quoted me over the phone 39 dollars," she explains.
But Heather's receipt tells another story. She says "when they got there, they had an additional charge of $110."
The total charge, which she had to pay on the spot: $149...a far cry from $39.
She was furious, telling me "I feel like they were misleading and deceptive!"
In addition, her receipt shows that "Always Ready" was really a company called "Dependable Locksmith" out of the Bronx, New York!
What the BBB Files Say
The Better Business Bureau says Heather's experience is common. It's issued a warning about what it calls a -- quote -- "Nationwide locksmith swindle" involving "Dependable Locksmith."
The BBB says"Dependable" --which it says uses more than a dozen names -- has an "unsatisfactory" record with 217 recent complaints.
But was Heather's inflated bill a fluke? We decided to test them.
We go Undercover
We asked a newsroom producer --Suzanne -- to call "Always Ready"... after we locked her out of a Chevy Blazer in a public parking lot.
The phone rep quoted her $39: Sound familiar?
As we rolled our hidden camera...a man in an unmarked SUV soon pulled up. But he had some bad news : It would cost her another 110 dollars.
At this point, however, who's going to call another locksmith? So Suzanne allowed him to grab his tools, at which point he popped the door, and gave Suzanne a "high five."
But she wasn't high fiving. As the receipt showed, he billed her $149 dollars...not the $39 originally quoted.
What did he say when we confronted him with our camera? He jumped in his SUV and peeled out of the parking lot.
Back in the newsroom, I called "Dependable" for their side of the story. I left two messages with phone reps. Neither was returned...Nor is an e-mail I sent to their website.
What You Can Do
So don't let this happen to you:
When calling a locksmith, look for an ad with a local address.
Ask where their office is located.
Finally, ask if there may be extra charges...so you don't end up with a bill you can't afford.
The Latest
Meantime, the arm of the law is starting to notice.
The state of Illinois has pulled "Dependable's" license to practice in that state.
And former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro filed suit against a Cleveland area locksmith called "Superb Solutions' ...that the BBB report says was just another name for "Dependable Locksmith" out of New York. That case is still pending.
So ask questions and Don't Waste your Money. I'm John Matarese.
Undercover Locksmith Investigation
Reported by: John Matarese
It's happened to almost all of us: You lock yourself out of your home, car, or apartment. Your only hope: A locksmith.
But the Better Business Bureau has a warning about an emergency locksmith company that it says could cost you a lot more than you bargained for.
The Common Complaint
You know the feeling: You lock your car door...Then realize your your keys are inside. That's exactly what happened to Heather Slavey.
But this mom had to do something...So she grabbed the Yellow Pages, and called a locksmith with a big ad and local number called "Always Ready."
It promised 15 minute service, 24 hours a day, at a good price.
The Escalating $39 Charge
"They quoted me over the phone 39 dollars," she explains.
But Heather's receipt tells another story. She says "when they got there, they had an additional charge of $110."
The total charge, which she had to pay on the spot: $149...a far cry from $39.
She was furious, telling me "I feel like they were misleading and deceptive!"
In addition, her receipt shows that "Always Ready" was really a company called "Dependable Locksmith" out of the Bronx, New York!
What the BBB Files Say
The Better Business Bureau says Heather's experience is common. It's issued a warning about what it calls a -- quote -- "Nationwide locksmith swindle" involving "Dependable Locksmith."
The BBB says"Dependable" --which it says uses more than a dozen names -- has an "unsatisfactory" record with 217 recent complaints.
But was Heather's inflated bill a fluke? We decided to test them.
We go Undercover
We asked a newsroom producer --Suzanne -- to call "Always Ready"... after we locked her out of a Chevy Blazer in a public parking lot.
The phone rep quoted her $39: Sound familiar?
As we rolled our hidden camera...a man in an unmarked SUV soon pulled up. But he had some bad news : It would cost her another 110 dollars.
At this point, however, who's going to call another locksmith? So Suzanne allowed him to grab his tools, at which point he popped the door, and gave Suzanne a "high five."
But she wasn't high fiving. As the receipt showed, he billed her $149 dollars...not the $39 originally quoted.
What did he say when we confronted him with our camera? He jumped in his SUV and peeled out of the parking lot.
Back in the newsroom, I called "Dependable" for their side of the story. I left two messages with phone reps. Neither was returned...Nor is an e-mail I sent to their website.
What You Can Do
So don't let this happen to you:
When calling a locksmith, look for an ad with a local address.
Ask where their office is located.
Finally, ask if there may be extra charges...so you don't end up with a bill you can't afford.
The Latest
Meantime, the arm of the law is starting to notice.
The state of Illinois has pulled "Dependable's" license to practice in that state.
And former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro filed suit against a Cleveland area locksmith called "Superb Solutions' ...that the BBB report says was just another name for "Dependable Locksmith" out of New York. That case is still pending.
So ask questions and Don't Waste your Money. I'm John Matarese.
Emergency locksmith companies can gouge you when you are most vulnerable
Release Date: 2008-02-25
Better Business Bureau Says Jacked-Up Prices Can Leave You Out In The Cold
Wallingford, CT – February 25, 2008 – If you have ever locked yourself out of your home or car, then you know the feeling of relief when a locksmith shows up. But Better Business Bureau warns that emergency locksmith companies sometimes take advantage of people in such situations by adding charges --- sometimes four times as high as quoted over the telephone.
Better Business Bureau files say it is a common practice:
Someone gets locked out of their car, calls a locksmith and is quoted $39.00 for the service.
In the case of a Florence, KY woman, however, a company charged not only $39.00, but also an additional $110.00 for a total of $149.00, payable on the spot, a far cry from their original quote. The company she called, “Always Ready,” was, in fact, a company called “Dependable Locksmith,” operating out of the Bronx, NY.
Better Business Bureau says the Kentucky woman’s experience is common and issued a warning about what it calls a “Nationwide Locksmith Swindle” involving “Dependable Locksmith.”
“Dependable,” which BBB says operates under more than a dozen names, has an unsatisfactory record with 160 complaints in the last 12 months, for a total of more than 220 in the last 36 months.
Another scam involves locksmiths who recommend the installation of high-security locks and then turn around and install sub-standard locks.
BBB says they've received more than a thousand complaints, most over the past year or so, about companies that have legitimate sounding names and use local phone numbers with fake addresses. But when you dial the number, you're transferred to a call center that could be thousands of miles away.
They're not forthcoming about where they're located. They quote you a price and dispatch one of their representatives in your area.
To prevent becoming a victim of the locksmith swindle, Better Business Bureau recommends:
1. When you call a locksmith look for an ad with a local address.
2. Ask where their office is located.
3. Be wary of servicemen in unmarked cars, who don't wear uniforms or present identification.
4. Finally, ask if there may be extra charges, so you don’t end up with a bill you cannot afford.
It is better to find a reliable locksmith before you need one. You may either visit out web site www.bbb.org, or call us at [protected] extension 2.
Website Link: http://www.bbb.org
Better Business Bureau Says Jacked-Up Prices Can Leave You Out In The Cold
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
Wallingford, CT – February 25, 2008 – If you have ever locked yourself out of your home or car, then you know the feeling of relief when a locksmith shows up. But Better Business Bureau warns that emergency locksmith companies sometimes take advantage of people in such situations by adding charges --- sometimes four times as high as quoted over the telephone.
Better Business Bureau files say it is a common practice:
Someone gets locked out of their car, calls a locksmith and is quoted $39.00 for the service.
In the case of a Florence, KY woman, however, a company charged not only $39.00, but also an additional $110.00 for a total of $149.00, payable on the spot, a far cry from their original quote. The company she called, “Always Ready,” was, in fact, a company called “Dependable Locksmith,” operating out of the Bronx, NY.
Better Business Bureau says the Kentucky woman’s experience is common and issued a warning about what it calls a “Nationwide Locksmith Swindle” involving “Dependable Locksmith.”
“Dependable,” which BBB says operates under more than a dozen names, has an unsatisfactory record with 160 complaints in the last 12 months, for a total of more than 220 in the last 36 months.
Another scam involves locksmiths who recommend the installation of high-security locks and then turn around and install sub-standard locks.
BBB says they've received more than a thousand complaints, most over the past year or so, about companies that have legitimate sounding names and use local phone numbers with fake addresses. But when you dial the number, you're transferred to a call center that could be thousands of miles away.
They're not forthcoming about where they're located. They quote you a price and dispatch one of their representatives in your area.
To prevent becoming a victim of the locksmith swindle, Better Business Bureau recommends:
1. When you call a locksmith look for an ad with a local address.
2. Ask where their office is located.
3. Be wary of servicemen in unmarked cars, who don't wear uniforms or present identification.
4. Finally, ask if there may be extra charges, so you don’t end up with a bill you cannot afford.
It is better to find a reliable locksmith before you need one. You may either visit out web site www.bbb.org, or call us at [protected] extension 2.
Website Link: http://www.bbb.org
Contact Info:
Howard Schwartz
94 South Turnpike Rd. Wallingford, CT 06492
Phone: [protected] ext 103
Website: http://www.bbb.org
Dependable Locks
Phone: [protected]
Fax:
295 W. 231st
Bronx, New York, 10463
U.S.A.
Submitted: 3/5/2008 3:53:18 PM
Modified: 3/5/2008 3:53:00 PM
Treece76
Cincinnati, Ohio
We locked our keys in our car yesterday and I thought I was calling a local locksmith. Come to find out they are crooks whose call center is based out of New York and they quote you a price on the phone and end up sending contracts out to your location where they WILL overcharge you. This makes you feel helpless especially when you are at the impound lot and they are about to close. On the phone, Dependable Locks told me it would be 39.99 plus 15.00 per difficulty to get in the vehicle. Also we think they are mostly illegal immigrants. Last night when the first locksmith showed up from the company, when he was asked to show his I.D. at the impound lot, he left and ran off and left my husband just standing there. He said he would call someone else to come out and help us. It was a horrible situation last night and so I got on the internet today to see if they were listed on /link removed/ and they are! I just wish I knew this before hand and at the time we had no other number for a locksmith. I don't want this to happen to anyone else in our area. These people are crooks and they need to be dealt with for taking advantage of people. One website stated their call center and main office are not in NY anymore that they went to Clearwater FL because there were so many complaints against them. When you go on the internet to anywho.com to look up a locksmith they come up more than anyone else also. It's also under A 24 Hour A Locks & Locksmith. Not sure what you can do, but it would be nice for these people to be exposed! Our bill ended up being 39.00 plus 110.00 total 149.00. My poor husband was sucked into this payment because he felt like he had no other choice.
Treece76
Cincinnati, Ohio
U.S.A.
Dependable Locks Caused $1000 damage to my car's ignition Seattle Washington
Dependable Locks
Phone: [protected]
Fax:
Seattle, WA 98133
Seattle, Washington,
U.S.A.
Submitted: 3/25/2008 12:47:47 AM
Lori
Kent, Washington
I called out dependable locks because my key was stuck in my ignition. He said that the success rate was close to 90% that he could fix it without problems. It took several hours for him to arrive, he showed up in an unmarked car and the price was different from what I had been quoted on the phone but because I was desperate to not leave the key in the ignition over night I allowed him to do the work. It was already 10p. He took advantage of my situation.
It became apparent rather quickly I was gonna be that 10%. He had troubles getting the key out from the start, he had to take apart my entire ignition housing to get the key to come loose and he took it apart 3 times! My husband mentioned that the lights were still on even with the key free from the ignition, he didn't seem to give it a second thought.
He told me repeatedly there was nothing wrong with my ignition, there was nothing shaking or rattling around in it and that all I probably needed was a key which he could not do because it was a dealer's key and only the dealer could make it for me.
The key would come from free from the ignition BUT the key would not go all the way in, the car would start and turn off as normal but in all of this and messing around inside my steering column he messed up the wiring. By the next day the battery was dead because the lights didn't know they were on. I had to have it towed to the dealer because even a jump wouldn't start it.
The dealer found that the ignition had been completely destroyed and in order to determine that they had to fix a wire inside the steering column to even get the car to start, not the kind of wire that just falls loose.
I called Dependable Locks on many occasions trying to fix the problem only to be told that it wasn't their problem, I or the dealer caused the damage. My dealer made many attempts to fax the information to them on the damage with no regard from them. I was told they hadn't received it repeatedly. My dealer even kept the fax reports that the fax went through successfully. I was finally told that they would not pay a dime of the costs because it wasn't the locksmiths fault who came out to service the car.
His account of that night didn't include all the messing around he had to do inside my steering column and that the key wouldn't go all the way back in. He also didn't make an issue of the fact that he was told the lights wouldn't go off. He presented it to his company as if it was a normal call with no problems.
Lora
Kent, Washington
U.S.A.
Dependable Lock And Hundreds Of Other Names Phony Locksmiths rip off scam over billing fake addresses in Virginia New York New York
Dependable Lock
Phone:
Fax:
New York, New York,
U.S.A.
Submitted: 4/3/2008 8:28:48 PM
Modified: 4/3/2008 8:29:00 PM
Gary ford virginia locksmith
Lorton, Virginia
If you need a Locksmith, when you call them ask them where they are located. If they say they are a moblie service, this is a RED flag. Do not tell them what City or State you are in, if they are a real company they will know at least the local area you are calling from. HANG UP. Call another company. If you are using the phone book, most of the large ads are real. Look for a DCJS Virginia License number. If you have the internet you can confirm the number at DCJS web site.http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/ps/directory/businessSearch.cfm
The Virginia Locksmith License Bill passed and was signed into law by the Governor of Virginia. Anyone advertising in Springfield Lorton Fairfax Annandale Centreville Alexandria Arlington Kingstowne Sterling Woodbridge Ashburn Chantilly Leesburg Tysons Corner Mclean Richmond Norfolk Tidewater Virgina Beach and the rest of Virginia will now have to include a License number in their ads. If you call out a locksmith that does not present a license, you do not have to pay him, call the police if they hassle you.
It continues hundreds of fake addresses listed in the phone books, Verizon, Yellow Book, their (responce we don't care) The internet is worse, full of them. It's is a joke that in a small area like Springfield Virginia the internet shows 20 locksmith companies, when there is only ONE, same thing for Lorton, Fairfax and most of the other area's listed above.
This company does not have a county license to do business in Northern Virginia or any where else in Virginia. Be careful Good Luck
Gary Ford a Real Virginia locksmith
Lorton, Virginia
U.S.A.
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BBB Warns Consumers of Nationwide Locksmith Swindle
You may have been a victim and not even know it.
For Immediate Release
Arlington, VA – July 10, 2007 – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) today is warning consumers to beware of untrustworthy locksmith companies that are ripping off consumers across the country.
Victim complaints to the BBB reveal that several locksmith companies, all using similar methods, are significantly overcharging consumers, charging consumers for unnecessary services, using intimidation tactics, and failing to give refunds or respond to consumer complaints.
“Ironically, these companies operate under names like ‘Dependable Locksmith’ but in reality they exploit the vulnerable situation of consumers who are locked out of their house or car, ” said Steve Cox spokesperson for the BBB System. “We’ve found that some locksmiths have made taking advantage of consumers’ misfortune part of their business model.”
Complaints about locksmith services to the 114 BBBs serving the U.S. increased almost 75 percent from 2005 to 2006, and have continued to come in steadily during the first half of this year.
The BBB has identified Dependable Locksmith – which operates under more than a dozen different names – as a particularly disreputable locksmith. This company poses as a local locksmith in cities across the country and advertises in the yellow pages using local phone numbers and fake local addresses. A consumer might think they’re dealing with a local locksmith but their phone call is actually connected to a call center located in the Bronx borough of New York City.
Consumers are quoted a reasonable price over the phone but when the locksmith arrives – typically in an unmarked vehicle – he demands significantly more money than originally quoted, often only accepting cash.
A complaint from Cleveland, OH, where Dependable Locksmith was operating under the name “Superb Solutions, ” alleges the company quoted fees of $39 and $84 for separate jobs, but the bill ended up at $471, which included add-on fees such as a $65 breaking in fee and a $58 fee to uninstall old locks.
Another complainant reported that the locksmith sent to let her into her car demanded she pay twice the price quoted over the phone. The locksmith offered to drive her to an ATM to get cash – feeling unsafe the victim refused. The victim was ultimately forced to write a check made out personally to the locksmith as he would not let her into her car until she did so. She cancelled payment on the check the next morning, but eventually filed a police report after the locksmith harassed her with continuous phone calls about payment.
The BBB has also heard many complaints from victims who say they were charged for unnecessary services. For example, complainants suspect locksmiths sent over by Dependable Locksmiths of pretending they couldn’t simply pick the lock so that they could charge more and install all new locks in homes.
Some of Dependable Locksmith’s aliases include, Superb Solutions, Locksmith 24 Hour, Inc., USA Total Security, Priceline Locksmith, and S.O.S. Locksmith.
Two other locksmith contractors fleecing consumers are Basad, Inc. – which operates under more than 50 names nationwide, such as A-1 Locksmith Service, A-1 24 Hour Locksmith, A-1 Lock & Key Locksmith, and AAA Locksmith 24 Hour – and Liberty Locksmith. Similar to Dependable Locksmith, they pose as local locksmiths and run full-page yellow pages ads with multiple phone and address listings. The phone numbers appear to be local, but connect to national call centers such as Liberty’s in New York City, while the addresses end up belonging to other established businesses in the local area, or are simply non-existent.
Liberty Locksmith had been a BBB member in Tulsa, OK, but during normal BBB member validation processes, it was discovered that the addresses provided by the company were false. In June 2007, the BBB terminated the membership of Liberty Locksmith for providing false information in its membership application and providing misleading advertisements to the public.
Like others, Liberty Locksmith and Basad, Inc. use common cons such as quoting one price over the phone, but then charging significantly more on site.
“These companies are very good at posing as trustworthy locksmiths, ” said Mr. Cox. “Before you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being locked out of your car or house, do your research and find a truly dependable locksmith in your area. Ask around and always check with the BBB first to find reputable businesses.”
If you feel you’ve been taken advantage of by Dependable Locksmith, Liberty Locksmith, Basad. Inc., or others, please contact the BBB to file a complaint, or do so online at www.bbb.org.
# # #
About the BBB System
BBB is an unbiased, non-profit entity that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses and charities that earn BBB membership contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business Reliability Reports and charity Wise Giving Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about the BBB System.
# # #
Reporters and journalists may contact Steve Cox, CBBB's Vice President, Communications, or call 703.276.0100 to request an interview or additional information.
If you are a consumer who is seeking additional information, or need assistance with a complaint against a business, please contact your local BBB, visit the BBB web site (www.bbb.org) or call 703.276.0100.
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Locksmith Company Investigated
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008 - 09:49 AM Updated: 06:07 PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The following is an exact transcript of NBC 4's investigative report, exactly as it was shown on NBC 4 at 6 p.m. on April 24, 2008.
ANCHOR: It can be a time of desperation. You're locked out of your car or your home and you need help.
You wouldn't expect a locksmith to take advantage of your vulnerability, but you might be surprised about a complaint we investigated. Target 4's Patrick Preston investigates.
PRESTON: "It's $80 total. Can you do it for $54?" Preston said.
You're witnessing a locksmith adjusting his price. Thirty minutes ago, his company quotes us on the phone at at least $54.
PRESTON: "$39 just to come out and $15 to just unlock the doors?"
Now on the scene, Gal Ben Haim says the price to unlock this vehicle is actually $80. The extra $26 is like an insurance policy, in case he breaks something.
HAIM: "We can do a mistake. Maybe something, we can break. Not our fault, but we can make damage."
$80 seems high if you're expecting to pay less, but not to Bill Palmer.
PALMER: "I wasn't thinking. I just shut the doors and there was my keys."
The temperature outside was 20 degrees the morning Palmer locked his keys in his pickup truck.
He turned to the locksmith with the biggest ad in the phone book. A half-hour later, he found out how the company could afford the ad, when they showed him a bill for $149.
PALMER: "I told the guy, 'Hey man, this is ridiculous.'"
DON HOTT, owner of Worthington Locksmith: "In all the years I've been doing this, I have never charged anybody that kind of price, " said Don Hott.
The Better Business Bureau says complaints about locksmiths overcharging customers are common and the company most often cited in the U.S. -- New York-based Dependable Locksmith.
But you won't find Dependable Locksmith's name in this ad. In fact, you won't find any name, which seems to be the way Dependable Locksmith likes it.
PRESTON: "You can't tell us anything about the company?"
Three times we called Dependable Locksmith for answers. And each time, the out-of-state phone operator refused to connect us to a company representative.
PRESTON: "Whoever you'd give the message to, I've left my name and number with you twice now."
They never did return our calls.
JOAN COUGHLIN, BBB: "They'll advertise locally in the yellow pages in communities all over the country under fake names, fake addresses."
Coughlin said customers who think they're calling a local locksmith are really getting a New York call center. The BBB issued a consumer warning against Dependable Locksmith and the dozens of aliases they use, including Superb Solutions, which the attorney general's office sued in 2006 for deceiving Cuyahoga County customers. The company was fined -- but Dependable continues to operate in Ohio, aided by the lack of a licensing requirement for locksmiths.
PALMER: "I was in a bad situation and they took advantage of it."
Back on West Broad Street, Palmer reluctantly agreed to pay the $149 to get out of cold and into his truck. But he could have got a better deal with the same company.
LAUREN SCHMOLL, NBC 4 employee: "So, $39 for you to come out and unlocking it is actually $45?"
We sent an NBC 4 employee to the same location where Palmer was locked out. Dependable Locksmith quoted her a price of at least $54 on the phone. They charged her $84. Then we came back, to see if the price would change again.
Again, a meaningless $54 quote. A bill for $80. But when we question the extra costs, the employee agrees to lower the price to $60.
PRESTON: "I don't think you're going to break it."
EMPLOYEE: "How do you pay?"
PRESTON: "I'm sorry."
EMPLOYEE: "How do you pay? In cash?"
PRESTON: "I've got cash."
EMPLOYEE: "You pay cash?"
PRESTON: "Yeah."
EMPLOYEE: "We can do this."
Moments later, (the employee) spots our camera and we explain our efforts to contact his company by phone and now in person. He tells us employees are on commission and change the prices.
PRESTON: "How is it possible that one of your customers got charged $84 (and) another of your customers was charged $149?"
EMPLOYEE: "I don't know, my friend. I only work there. This is my price, what I charge. What other guys charge, God knows."
PRESTON: "If you had charged me $80, the extra $20 would have gone to you?"
EMPLOYEE: "Not exactly."
PRESTON: "How would that have worked? Would you have had to lose $20 if you only charged me $60?"
Gal Ben Haim refused to give us a way to contact his supervisors. Instead, he told us to check the phone book for locksmith service.
That's where we found a different dependable alias -- Locksmith 24 Hour Inc. -- listed with several local addresses. But we didn't find any locksmith shops. Two of the addresses led us to restaurants.
The BBB advises customers to research a locksmith before they need one. Warning signs include an unwillingness to give out information about the company, including where they're located.
Worthington Locksmith owner Don Hott said most reputable locksmiths drive marked cars with the company's name on the side. Dependable Locksmith employees use unmarked cars.
Most locksmiths support licensing to weed out the bad seeds. The statehouse has passed a bill that would require locksmiths to be licensed.
It's now being considered by a Senate committee chaired by Upper Arlington Sen. Steve Stivers.
ANCHOR: Here's another money-saving tip, you can call AAA, make a credit card payment for $74. AAA will come unlock your car and give you a one-year basic membership. That year-long membership includes up to three additional service requests at no additional charge.
Dependable Locks Inc.
Phone: [protected]
Fax:
295 W. 231 St.
Bronx, New York, 10463
U.S.A.
Submitted: 5/3/2008 10:12:01 PM
Modified: 5/3/2008 10:12:00 PM
Alfonzo
Chesterfield, Missouri
I've been ripped off!
I called this company and asked for someone to provide the free estimate for changing the locks on my house. I received a phone call from someone I couldn't understand as I don't speak Russian, he stated in broken English that he would be late in arriving, late by a half hour. When he arrived one and a half hours later he didn't understand what I wanted when I told him that I wanted the locks changed and I wanted everything keyed alike. He had six lock cylinders to change so that they would accept new keys and keyed them alike for the price of $244.00. He indicated that the job was done and asked for payment. When I went to get my checkbook he stopped me and said, 'We dunt taka da chics.' and proceeded to ask for my credit card whereupon he took out his pencil and rubbed the sales slip over the embosed numbers with the side of the graphite pencil. He also asked be to sign the waiver of the 3 day right to cancel the sale. Should have been my Red Flag!
I asked for a key to each lock (6) and he responded by saying I only get 2. If I want more they are $5.00 each. As it was late, nearly 10pm! I said, 'I'll get some made myself.' he left. I was never asked to inspect his work or check the locks. Upon leaving for work the next day I noticed the damage to the door, the paint and the fact that one of the lower cylinders was mounted upside down, an inconvienence when you have an arm full of groceries. So, I called them back. They scheduled the installer to return but he never showed. I suggest you never call Dependable Lock Inc. btw: I believe they are only a broker and hire at will whomever they can get to go to the calling customer.
Alfonzo
Chesterfield, Missouri
U.S.A.
Dependable Locks Inc. Installed new cylinders in existing locksets UPSIDE DOWN! Dented steel door and removed existing paint Bronx New York
Dependable Locks Inc.
Phone: [protected]
Fax:
295 W. 231 St.
Bronx, New York, 10463
U.S.A.
Submitted: 5/3/2008 10:12:01 PM
Modified: 5/3/2008 10:12:00 PM
Alfonzo
Chesterfield, Missouri
I've been ripped off!
I called this company and asked for someone to provide the free estimate for changing the locks on my house. I received a phone call from someone I couldn't understand as I don't speak Russian, he stated in broken English that he would be late in arriving, late by a half hour. When he arrived one and a half hours later he didn't understand what I wanted when I told him that I wanted the locks changed and I wanted everything keyed alike. He had six lock cylinders to change so that they would accept new keys and keyed them alike for the price of $244.00. He indicated that the job was done and asked for payment. When I went to get my checkbook he stopped me and said, 'We dunt taka da chics.' and proceeded to ask for my credit card whereupon he took out his pencil and rubbed the sales slip over the embosed numbers with the side of the graphite pencil. He also asked be to sign the waiver of the 3 day right to cancel the sale. Should have been my Red Flag!
I asked for a key to each lock (6) and he responded by saying I only get 2. If I want more they are $5.00 each. As it was late, nearly 10pm! I said, 'I'll get some made myself.' he left. I was never asked to inspect his work or check the locks. Upon leaving for work the next day I noticed the damage to the door, the paint and the fact that one of the lower cylinders was mounted upside down, an inconvienence when you have an arm full of groceries. So, I called them back. They scheduled the installer to return but he never showed. I suggest you never call Dependable Lock Inc. btw: I believe they are only a broker and hire at will whomever they can get to go to the calling customer.
Alfonzo
Chesterfield, Missouri
U.S.A.
Dependable Locksmith; Dependable Lock & Service;24 Hour Emergency Locksmith Aka USA Total Security DEPENDABLE LOCKSMITH SENDING PHONY OVER CHARGING LOCKSMITH, SCAM! 39 plus labor but won't say how much, UNMARKED CAR, NO NAMETAG Bronx New York is home office but sent scammer to me in GA
Dependable Locksmith; Dependable Lock & Service;24 Hour Emergency Locksmith Aka USA Total Securi
Phone: [protected]
Fax: [protected]
295 West 231st Street
Bronx, New York, 10463
U.S.A.
Submitted: 5/23/2008 7:37:34 PM
Modified: 5/23/2008 7:38:00 PM
Holly
Kennesaw, Georgia
This is the letter I sent to them to explain it...
5/23/2008
Attention Mr Gil or Manager of Dependable Locksmith aka Dependable Lock & Service along with multiple other names,
[protected]
I am disputing the outrageous charges I was charged when I called to get a local Kennesaw Ga locksmith on 5/21/2008. I was given your number and I called and was quoted a $39.00 service fee and labor.
They would not give me any more info on charges. I was told someone would call me back in 5 minutes, 15 minutes later I still had not gotten a call so I called again only to be told they couldn't seem to find the order and had to give all the info again. Then I was told someone would be there in 20 to 30 minutes.
A couple of calls later and an HOUR and 15 MINUTES LATER a white van pulls up with no markings on the outside to show who the people were and a guy asked if I called for a locksmith. I said yes and he got out along with some guy he had with him, the one guy had his pants so low you could see his rear and his friend has his so you could see his boxer shorts. I didn't know what to say or who they were. No business card was given, he didn't have a name tag on or anything to show he was a locksmith.
He said it would be $80.00 and did I want the door opened, I said yes at this point I had waited so long already and it was getting late. I wasn't about to start over and I had no idea it was not based in Kennesaw which is what I asked for.
The car is a 98 Saturn and it took the man less than 30 seconds to wedge a balloon like thing in the window, pumped it a couple of times and popped the lock. I argued with him about the charge but he wouldn't change it. At that time I felt I had no choice but sign the paper after he got it open. Total charge was $120.00
My mom called and asked to get a quote if they came out then for an address right beside the other business where I was and was told around $85 for the call. She kept pushing for exact answers and a maximum total and was told that $110 was the max that could ever be charged. She had to keep on and on asking to get any info at all
An honest and above board business would have no problem giving a quote which is what she got from several other local locksmiths she called. Their quotes were half of what I was charged! We talked to Licia at ext 497 I think she said because she wouldn't repeat it and her attitude was very rude just as soon as the word supervisor was mentioned. Her and the other lady I talked to did a lot of double talk and did not resolve anything.
Please refund at least half of what you charged($120.00 so please refund $60.00). I did not get the time frame nor the professional locksmith I was promised.
The invoice I was given has the number 7 or 1 followed by 32988, the first # was too messed up to read. However the lady I talked with today said to refer to # 940273.
Thank you
Holly M.
cc: BBB.org;
Office of the Attorney General Fax: [protected];
[redacted].com
Holly
Kennesaw, Georgia
U.S.A.
Usa Locksmith Charged over $700 for 2 simple locks! Atlanta Georgia
Usa Locksmith
Phone: [protected]
Fax:
usalocksmiths.com
Atlanta, Georgia,
U.S.A.
Submitted: 5/28/2008 3:34:58 PM
Modified: 5/28/2008 3:35:00 PM
Mary
Alpharetta, Georgia
I called to replace a regular lock with a turn-button on the knob. When the locksmiths arrived, they said their names were 'Johnny' and 'Tom', but had no ID or last names.
They advised me to put in a deadbolt, and I asked the charge, but they were evasive. I went ahead with a regular lock and a deadbolt, continuing to ask the cost. I also told them I wanted normal locks that wouldn't add to the cost, and they agreed to that. When the work was done (keying locks also to match present keys--I think the charge for that was huge) they presented me with a bill for $700 and ran my VISA through their system. The invoice had no name or address on it. I wanted them out of the house because there were 3 of them and only my daughter and I at home, so I let them go. When I called the company I got the royal run-around. After 4 different calls, I got no response. Someone named Richard Lawson was supposed to call back, but of course never did.
Mary
Alpharetta, Georgia
U.S.A.
Usa Locksmith Charged over $700 for 2 simple locks! Atlanta Georgia
Usa Locksmith
Phone: [protected]
Fax:
usalocksmiths.com
Atlanta, Georgia,
U.S.A.
Submitted: 5/28/2008 3:34:58 PM
Modified: 5/28/2008 3:35:00 PM
Mary
Alpharetta, Georgia
I called to replace a regular lock with a turn-button on the knob. When the locksmiths arrived, they said their names were 'Johnny' and 'Tom', but had no ID or last names.
They advised me to put in a deadbolt, and I asked the charge, but they were evasive. I went ahead with a regular lock and a deadbolt, continuing to ask the cost. I also told them I wanted normal locks that wouldn't add to the cost, and they agreed to that. When the work was done (keying locks also to match present keys--I think the charge for that was huge) they presented me with a bill for $700 and ran my VISA through their system. The invoice had no name or address on it. I wanted them out of the house because there were 3 of them and only my daughter and I at home, so I let them go. When I called the company I got the royal run-around. After 4 different calls, I got no response. Someone named Richard Lawson was supposed to call back, but of course never did.
Mary
Alpharetta, Georgia
U.S.A.
Browse Latest ReportsUse Advanced Search |
Usa Locksmith Charged over $700 for 2 simple locks! Atlanta Georgia
Usa Locksmith
Phone: [protected]
Fax:
usalocksmiths.com
Atlanta, Georgia,
U.S.A.
Submitted: 5/28/2008 3:34:58 PM
Modified: 5/28/2008 3:35:00 PM
Mary
Alpharetta, Georgia
I called to replace a regular lock with a turn-button on the knob. When the locksmiths arrived, they said their names were 'Johnny' and 'Tom', but had no ID or last names.
They advised me to put in a deadbolt, and I asked the charge, but they were evasive. I went ahead with a regular lock and a deadbolt, continuing to ask the cost. I also told them I wanted normal locks that wouldn't add to the cost, and they agreed to that. When the work was done (keying locks also to match present keys--I think the charge for that was huge) they presented me with a bill for $700 and ran my VISA through their system. The invoice had no name or address on it. I wanted them out of the house because there were 3 of them and only my daughter and I at home, so I let them go. When I called the company I got the royal run-around. After 4 different calls, I got no response. Someone named Richard Lawson was supposed to call back, but of course never did.
Mary
Alpharetta, Georgia
U.S.A.
FTC Urges Consumers to Use Caution When Seeking a Locksmith
Posted: 12:59 PM May 30, 2008
Last Updated: 12:59 PM May 30, 2008
Reporter: From the Federal Trade Commission
FTC Urges Consumers to Use Caution When Seeking a Locksmith
If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help. And if that someone ¬– a family member, neighbor or friend – can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call probably is to a local locksmith.
What’s the best way to pick a reputable – and local – locksmith? Do the research before you need one – the same way you would a plumber, electrician, or other professional – and then program his or her number into your phone. That’s one of several useful tips from the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, in ‘The Keys to Hiring a Reputable Locksmith.’
The FTC says that some locksmiths advertising in your local phone book may not be local at all, and that others may not have professional training. Find out how to hire a legitimate local locksmith at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt032.shtm.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit http://www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP [protected]); TTY: [protected]. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
FTC Urges Consumers to Use Caution When Seeking a Locksmith
Posted: 12:59 PM May 30, 2008
Last Updated: 12:59 PM May 30, 2008
Reporter: From the Federal Trade Commission
FTC Urges Consumers to Use Caution When Seeking a Locksmith
If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help. And if that someone ¬– a family member, neighbor or friend – can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call probably is to a local locksmith.
What’s the best way to pick a reputable – and local – locksmith? Do the research before you need one – the same way you would a plumber, electrician, or other professional – and then program his or her number into your phone. That’s one of several useful tips from the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, in ‘The Keys to Hiring a Reputable Locksmith.’
The FTC says that some locksmiths advertising in your local phone book may not be local at all, and that others may not have professional training. Find out how to hire a legitimate local locksmith at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt032.shtm.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit http://www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP [protected]); TTY: [protected]. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
24 Hour Locksmith, Www.24xlocksmith.com, locksmith_elite.com, A1 24 Hour Locksmith, They use other peoples business address for there listings, Locksmith call center scam, Bait and switch, SCAM SCAM SCAM, Please use a real local profesional locksmith with a verified address and support your community not a scamming locksmith call center. Boston, San Francisco, Oakland, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Nationwide
24 Hour Locksmith, Www.24xlocksmith.com, Www.locksmith_elite.com, A124 Hour Locksmith,
Phone: [protected]
Fax:
They Dont Give It, They Use Other Businesses Addresses To List On Google.
Boston, San Francisco, Oakland, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, , Nationwide,
U.S.A.
Submitted: 6/28/2008 8:42:30 PM
Modified: 6/29/2008 1:11:30 AM
Prolocksmith
san francisco, California
These guys are a call center scam. They use other profesional businesses addresses for these local listings on Google maps and other listings on the internet. So what does that say about a locksmith company that practices shady dishonest tactics and that comes to your home or business and can make copies of your keys, what happens when they screw something up or they pull the ol bait and sitch scam. Please use a local profesional. They are a call center and they cant even understand english, when they answer the phone all they say is locksmith in a heavy middle eastern accent. The Boss or Manager is always not there, you ask where is the corporate office and good luck with that. They also have the same web landing page going to this site, and if you try to google the website it's not indexed in google. Google does not condone or want any types of businesses like these guys on there site. Google wants a real profesional company on there site wether your googling a locksmith or a dentist. SO PLEASE BEWARE OF THESE GUYS IF YOUR GOOGLING A LOCKSMITH BOSTON, LOCKSMITH SAN JOSE, LOCKSMITH SAN FRANCISCO, LOCKSMITH MIAMI. LOCKSMITH OAKLAND, LOCKSMITH CORAL GABLES, LOCKSMITH PHOENIX, LOCKSMITH LAS VEGAS, LOCKSMITH SAN DIEGO, lOCKSMITH DALLAS, LOCKSMITH BERKLEY AND BAY AREA. Please beware of 24 hour locksmith www.24xlocksmith.com www.locksmith_elite.com
Please ask for there address when calling for you city
Phoenix phone numbers [protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
Las Vegas [protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected] you can see a pattern 702 478
[protected]
San diego [protected]
[protected] ther called safe and fast here
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
Miami [protected]
[protected] main 800 call center #
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
Dallas [protected]
Oakland Ca [protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
coral gables [protected]‎‎‎
[protected]
[protected]
Boston [protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
San francisco [protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
San jose [protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
BERKLEY [protected]
[protected]
WALNUT CREEK [protected]
[protected]
Mike
san francisco, California
U.S.A.
Consumer Watch team investigates locksmiths
Posted: May 13, 2008 04:08 PM EDT
Updated: May 19, 2008 11:35 PM EDT
Consumer Watch team investigates locksmiths
Every locksmith should have a license on them for the customer to view prior to making a deal.
The locksmith working for Dependable Locksmiths raised his prices after arriving to the car the keys were locked inside.
Dependable Locks Florida Corporation Reinstatement
Dependable Locks Oklahoma Certificate of Qualification
Dependable Locks Oklahoma location: Address does not exist
Find licensed individual Oklahoma Locksmiths
Find licensed Oklahoma Locksmith companies
Get tips on finding a locksmith
New York BBB Report for Dependable Locksmiths
Oklahoma Better Business Bureau
Were you a victim of Dependable Locks? File your complaint here
By Amanda Taylor, NEWS 9
Phony storefronts, unlicensed workers and a scam that spans the nation prompted NEWS 9's Consumer Watch Team to find locksmiths in Oklahoma - who aren't locksmiths at all.
Joe Leach needed a locksmith so he grabbed the phone book and found a locksmith company who said it would cost $39.99 to open his door.
But once the locksmith came out - and finished - the price shot up.
Reluctantly he paid - but upset he started digging.
He plugged in the company's name, Dependable Locks Inc., and he came across pages of complaints and postings warning of "phony locksmiths" going "nationwide and spreading like cockroaches" and being part of a "large organized crime type outfit".
The company once based out of New York, now in Florida, advertises using local addresses and phone numbers.
They're unlicensed and many times customers said they'll quote one price over the phone then charge another once they get there.
"I asked him while he was here, ‘Where are you guys located?' [He said] ‘Uh, NW Expressway', " Leach said.
The company's location leads to a piece of property that doesn't exist, and their bogus address is causing big problems for the State Department of Health.
"We can write them numerous citations based on the evidence that we have and we don't have a physical address to find a manager, " Vernon Bolz of the State Department of Health said.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health requires locksmiths to be licensed - meaning the person has undergone a background check. But Dependable Locks hasn't applied.
When contacted, the company answered the phone, ‘24 hour locksmith of Oklahoma City, ' not Dependable Locks. After more investigating, it turns out the company goes by many names.
Every locksmith who advertises in a new phone book must display their license number. And once they come to you, ask to see their license.
Family says they were overcharged for lock
11:33 PM PDT on Thursday, July 3, 2008
By JESSE JONES / KING 5 News
Video: Family says they were overcharged for lock
Larger screen E-mail this clip
EVERETT, Wash. - Martha Smith thought she was getting was a top-of-the-line lock, but experts say she got overcharged for a product that broke down very quickly.
Martha was in a jam. She was about to go on a European vacation when her son gave her some bad news.
"He told us that his keys were stolen and his house key was on it and it was missing, " she recalled.
Seh got online and found USAlocksmith.com.
"I looked at the site, it looked reputable, " she said.
They sent a locksmith who charged $60 for the service call and installation, plus $150 for a lock.
Find a good locksmith
Northwest Locksmith Association
Associated Locksmiths of America
A little over two months later, the key "justed turned, there was no clicking, the door wouldn't open at all."
The new lock was broken, so she called information from her cell phone.
"I just called the 555-1212 and asked for a locksmith, " she said. "Could they connect me with a locksmith? They did and it happened to be USA Locksmith."
The locksmith arrived and asked Martha if she had the original lock. Because her son's keys had meanwhile been found, she gave the old lock to the locksmith who installed the same old lock he took out a few months earlier - at a cost of $200.
"I'm very frustrated, " she said.
Martha wanted her money back, and after getting nowhere with the company she called Jesse.
We took that $150 lock to Jesse Black, vice president of the Northwest Locksmith Association and asked if this lock looked like a $150 lock.
"This looks like a $25 or $30 lock you can buy at Home Depot, " Black said.
USA Locksmith is based in New Jersey and dispatches locksmiths based in the Seattle area.
Black says to be careful using out-of-state companies.
"They will sell grade one or grade two deadbolts that are not up to standard, " he said.
After speaking with USA Locksmith, they agreed to pay Martha $150 to replace her shoddy lock with a better product.
The best way to find a good locksmith is to look before you need one and not when the pressure is on. If you are locked out of your house or car, it's best to go online and check with the Northwest Locksmith Association or the Associated Locksmiths of America.
It's your best bet to find a local and competent locksmith.
If you have a consumer concern, give Jesse a call toll-free at 877-51-JESSE or send an e-mail to getjesse@king5.com. Print this story Add RSS Feeds Email this story Advertisement
More Consumer News
Family says they were overcharged for lock
Right On Time Lock Smith, Right On Time Locksmith Services,
Phone: [protected]
Fax:
Mike - The Manager, Says You Don't Need That Information Becausr Their A Mobile Business
Los Angeles County, San Diego County, California,
U.S.A.
Submitted: 7/7/2008 9:31:15 PM
Modified: 7/7/2008 9:31:00 PM
This lock smith sucked!
San Diego, California
'RIGHT ON TIME LOCKSMITH' is a Horrible locksmith company, their main office has deceptive business practices and will lie to you just to get in your door, the Manager Mike is rude and has not been able to shake his camel jokey sense of management, they sub-contract with people who aren't even licensed, insured or who are even locksmiths, this is not the first RIP-OFF this company has, so don't hire this company!
If you do, YOU will get RIPPED-OFF!
One morning, my 3 year old decided to lock me out of my office. I'm a General Building Contractor and my office had all of my locksmiths numbers right on the other side of the door. I know how to install a door and hardware, I just don't know lock cylinders.
So my wife called her mom and they found this company on the internet and ended up calling 'RIGHT ON TIME LOCKSMITH'. She wrote down the phone quote they gave her and it was $55 to unlock the door and $18 to re-key the door.
I took off to work feeling that everything was going fine and then my wife frantically called me about an hour later saying that the man that showed up from 'RIGHT ON TIME LOCKSMITH' was gouging and scratching our door hardware in attempt to open the door! She stated he hardly speaks any english and I can barely make out what he's saying and he's starting to scare me how he's treating our door and the door hardware. She told me that he finally got the door open at the expense of my door hardware but now he couldn't even get the hardware off the door to re-key the cylinder. My wife told him to please leave our home because she felt so uncomfortable with this man in our house. On the way out the door this man said he would replace the part he damaged and we found out the company ended up charging our credit card $110 before he even showed up.
I called this company when I got home and while I was on the phone I took off the hardware that this so called locksmith couldn't, it took me about 45 seconds to remove it. After being grilled by a very un-empathetic so called dispatcher, I ended up speaking to a guy named Mike who stated he was the manager. I asked him where their office was located and he said that he wasn't going to give me that information and they were a mobile company and that they didn't have an office.
The rest of the conversation with this guy was a bunch of junk. I asked him, 'why did your dispatcher tell me one price on the phone and then charge another price and I got a damaged knob and didn't even get my key made?' He said, 'what do you want me to do for you?'. I said, ' I want new door hardware and a new key for that hardware!'. He said, 'I'll see what I can do'.
About an hour later that original guy that damaged the hardware showed up and said he wanted to install a new piece of my hardware. I said, no just give me the hardware and I'll install it myself. He did, but their were no keys in the box! My wife and I said, hey where are the keys? He said, 'I am not giving those to you!' He said, 'We charged you $55 to unlock the door and $55 for a service charge, you didn't pay for the keys!'. We told this guy that he was misinformed and that we paid for the keys and that we were told a different price on the phone than he was quoting. He stood their strong and stupid and never gave us our keys and then drove off and 'RIGHT ON TIME LOCKSMITH' still charged us $110.
Mike, the Manager of 'RIGHT ON TIME LOCKSMITH' said, 'we could take him to court if we wanted to!?'
'RIGHT ON TIME LOCKSMITH' left me with damaged hardware that I needed to remove, a new doorknob that I had to install and no keys to open the new hardware! I then needed to remove the hardware again and personally take it to a trusted locksmith down the street - Commercial Lock & Safe [protected] or [protected] Miramar Rd. #118 SD, CA 92121. They charged me only $ 22.50 to re-key the lock and gave me 2 key's.
'RIGHT ON TIME LOCKSMITH' is a Horrible locksmith company, their main office has deceptive business practices and will lie to you just to get in your door, the Manager Mike is rude and has not been able to shake his camel jokey sense of management, they sub-contract with people who aren't even licensed, insured or who are even locksmiths, this is not the first RIP-OFF this company has, so don't hire this company!
If you do, YOU will get RIPPED-OFF!
Whatever you do, Just call the next guy, it will be the best thing to do, get 3 estimates and make sure to not let 1 of the 3 be 'RIGHT ON TIME LOCKSMITH'.
http://www.rightontimelocksmiths.com/ Their numbers are [protected] or [protected] - DO NOT CALL THEM!
Don't even try to retaliate Mike or 'RIGHT ON TIME LOCKSMITH' or I'll attach the video I have of your stupid sub damaging my hardware and being a fool to my wife in my front yard with the 2 different company names on his van.
This Locksmith Sucked!
San Diego, California
U.S.A.
A LOCKSMITH
Phone: [protected]
Fax:
2526 Mt. Vernon Rd. #304
Dunwoody, Georgia, 30338
U.S.A.
Submitted: 7/11/2017 6:26:14 PM
Modified: 7/11/2017 6:26:00 PM
Customer
Jacksonville, Florida
Over $500 dollars to replace a lock and deadbolt. The supposable cost of the door knob and deadbolt lock was about $200 dollars each. That's called a highway rip-off! Door knobs don't cost $200 dollars. To install the new door knob and deadbolt was originally $750 dollars. After refusing to pay $750 dollars the Israeli locksmith told me to just give you $500 dollars. WOW. What a scam!
The company operator told me that they only hire Israeli locksmith LOLnow that is funny! I looked up the most expensive industrial door know and dead bolt which both came to less than $65 dollars a piece. Unfortunately the locksmith already did the work without explaining the cost so I was stuck in a rock and a hard place. Unbelievable! Every other lock smith that I had come to my house said that the maximum cost for the parts and install was no more than $225 dollars. WOW. A Locksmith ripped me off so bad its unbelievable! Shame on you guys!
I was forced to pay $500 dollars or basically leave my front door exposed all night. What a huge scam and ripoff! The Israeli was a liar and a scam artist making over a thousand dollar profit for his work. Buyers beware!
Customer
Jacksonville, Florida
U.S.A.
Lockbusters
Phone:
Fax:
24037 Research Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48335
Farmington Hills, Michigan,
U.S.A.
Submitted: 7/12/2008 3:02:30 PM
Modified: 7/12/2008 3:03:00 PM
Squandered
Madison Heights, Michigan
Was refferred to another locksmith by lockbusters, they quoted me a price of $75.00 a key on my 2007 Taurus. I told him that the last time I had it done it cost $60.00 for 2. He said he would match the price. I drove 35 miles to have the keys made on a Saturday for my mother. He started making teh keys and came out of his truck stating that he wanted more money for the job. Said he charges $100.00 a key. I told him he agreed to charge me $60.00 the same price I was charged last time I had to have 2 keys made. I was about to leave and he again agreed to make the keys.
When I returned home I found, Frances Katz from Lockbusters, Inc had called my house and was very abusive, swearing and using offensive language to my wife. They not only attempted to rip me off, they were ABUSIVE to this EX-CUSTOMER!
Squandered
Madison Heights, Michigan
U.S.A.
HOW TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST "PHONY LOCKSMITHS"
Below are links to various news outlets, consumer protection agencies and state Attorney General offices addressing the issue of "phony locksmiths". The story is familiar in many states: an out-of-state company hires a number of unscrupulous individuals in the area to sub-contract its work using assumed business names, fake addresses and phone numbers. Many times consumers have been over-sold, under serviced, or just plain lied to!
The Illinois Attorney General filed criminal charges against a New York locksmith operation for setting up phony storefronts with unlicensed individuals practicing locksmithing that lead consumers to believe they were dealing with local companies. The action was successful, and the company was ordered to pay thousands in restitution, to cease operations and to no longer do business in the state under a new name or any of the 25 different names the company had been using in local telephone directories!
ALOA encourages locksmiths who are facing this same situation to go to their state's Attorney General who can take the appropriate legal action against these fraudulent companies. ALOA recently sent a letter to all Attorneys General urging them to pursue this matter in their state. For a copy of that letter, Click Here . To contact your state's Attorney General, go to Click Here .
ALOA is also empowering you to take immediate action when these fraudulent operations show up in your city. Click Here for a Press Release that you may send to your local print and broadcast news media outlets. Make sure you put in the date and the name of your city in the highlighted areas.
For further assistance, contact ALOA Legislative Manager, Tim McMullen at [protected] x300 or tim@aloa.org
Click here to view the Phony Locksmith Press Room with various reports of Phony Locksmiths
