Big news last week the U.S. Postal service and other law enforcement agencies raided the offices of “Dependable Lock” in Florida. “Dependable Lock” is allegedly one of the most nortorious “phoney locksmith” groups in operation, with rip off artists in several states.
Check this link for info http://www.jaxobserver.com/2009/11/05/florida-based-locksmith-chain-raided-on-wednesday/.
These arrests, investgations and hopefully future convictions will not end the predatory practices of these “phoney locsmith” scammers, however it will make a huge dent in them. Now the authorities have a blueprint of how to go after them, we should see more action on this front.
Consumers still need to use due diligence when choosing a locksmith, whether for emergoecy service or any other security need. Remember when you choose a locksmith, you are giving them the authority to access your propety and valuables, you need to be sure you are dealing with a reputable, legitimate business. Do not depend on just the phone book, or internet for finding locksmith services.
Legitimate locksiths can be found at www.ALOA.org as well as www.LegalLocksmiths.com. Once you locate a legitimate locksmith be sure their phone numbers are handy in the event of an emergency. When they arrive ask for identification, ask for references, and check them.
By: Cliff Berman
Did you know that your house key could be bought on the Internet, letting criminals of all shapes and sizes into your home anytime they wanted? No, probably not. That s the sort of thing that happens in crime novels, not real life. But the police (and your homeowners insurance) know that all today s criminals have to do is go out on the web and not only do they have access to one of the locksmith community s best secrets, they also have handy how to guides to show them how to get into your home without letting anyone know they ve even been there. Continue reading The Facts About Bump Keys Your Homeowners Insurance Needs You to Know
by: Jim Newell
A locksmith service scam has been running wild in major cities in the USA for a couple of years, and is now spreading to other areas. Authorities in many states are aware of the problem, however they have not had a lot of luck stamping this out.
There seem to be a few dispatch firms that are placing toll free phone numbers with multiple ads in area phone books and in on line phone books. Many of these ads have addresses that are for residences and even other businesses, but these are all not connected with the name of the locksmith in the ad. When you call the phone number the phone is being answered in a dispatch center in another city, they will quote a price covering your service need and dispatch a supposed locksmith they have contracted with. Continue reading Beware; this Locksmith Service scam is running wild!