FTC Consumer Alert
The Keys to Hiring a Reputable 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 you
out of your situation. If a family member or friend can’t deliver a
spare set of keys, your next call might be to a local locksmith. But
before you make that call, consider this: According to the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, some locksmiths advertising in your local telephone book may not be local at
all. They may not have professional training. What’s more, some of them
may use intimidating tactics and overcharge you.
When “Local” Is Really Long-Distance
Consider this scenario: A company far away from your town chooses a
name for its business that is very similar to the name used by a local. The company advertises in the phone book or on the Web using a
local telephone number and local address. When you call the number,
you’re actually connected to a call center in another city. What’s more,
there’s no shop at the address listed.
You may be quoted a price on the phone, but when the tech
arrives, often in an unmarked vehicle, he may want significantly more
money. also may accept only cash.
Some who claim to be companies have multiple
listings (sometimes 30 or more separate listings in a single phone book)
with different names. But the calls to each of these numbers go back to
the same central number in a distant city where operators dispatch
untrained individuals to do the job.
Tips for Picking a Lock smith
What’s the best way to pick a reputable locks mith? Consider
researching locksmiths before you need one, the same way you would a
plumber, electrician, or other professional. That works well if you’re
looking to have some security work done at your home, like installing
deadbolts on the exterior doors of your house, or a safe in your
bedroom.
But if you’re dealing with an emergency, like being locked out of your
car, you really don’t have much time for thorough research.
Regardless of whether you are locked out of your car or home, you need
new locks installed, or you require other security work, the FTC offers
these tips to help you hire a legitimate, local locks mith.
In emergency situations:
- If you’re locked out of your car and have a roadside assistance
service, call them first. These services sometimes are included with the
purchase of a car, or as an add-on through your insurance company. You
also can buy this service separately. Roadside assistance plans often
have a list of pre-approved companies to perform services like unlocking
cars, jump-starting batteries, changing flat tires, delivering
gasoline, and towing.
- Call family or friends for recommendations.
- If you find a locks mith in the phone book, on the Internet, or
through directory assistance, and a business address is given, confirm
that the address belongs to that locksmith. Some disreputable companies
list street addresses to give the impression that they’re local. But the
addresses may belong to other businesses or vacant lots, if they exist
at all. You can verify addresses through websites that allow you to
match phone numbers with street addresses. Some legitimate
companies may not include a street address in their listing either
because they operate a “mobile” business or they operate their business
out of their home and may be reluctant to list that address. If you call
a locksmith who doesn’t list an address, ask why. If the answer is that
it's a “mobile” business, you will understand they have no storefront.
- Write down the names of several businesses, their phone numbers,
and addresses for future reference, in case you don’t want to go with
the first locksmith you call.
- If a company answers the phone with a generic phrase like
“locksmith services,” rather than a company-specific name, be wary. Ask
for the legal name of the business. If the person refuses, call another
locksmith.
- Get an estimate for all work and replacement parts before work begins. In cases of “lock-outs” (being locked out
of your car or home), most legitimate locksmiths will give you an
estimate on the phone for the total cost of the work.
- Ask about additional fees before you agree to have the
locksmith perform the work. Companies may charge extra for responding to
a call in the middle of the night. Ask if there is a charge for
mileage, or a minimum fee for a service call.
- If the price doesn’t
jibe with the estimate you got on the telephone, do not allow the work
to be done.
- Never sign a blank form authorizing work.
- Find out if the company is insured. If your property is damaged
during a repair, or if faulty work leads to loss or damage, it’s
important for the locksmith to have insurance to cover your losses.
- ask for identification, including a
business card and, where applicable, a license.
- Expect the tech to ask you for identification, as well. A
legitimate tech should confirm your identity and make sure you’re
the property owner before doing any work.
- Some will work out of a car for quick or emergency
jobs, but most will arrive in a service vehicle that is clearly marked
with their company’s name.
- In the case of a lock-out, be cautious if you’re told up front
that the lock has to be drilled and replaced. An experienced legitimate company has invested in the tools and education to provide quality
service, and can unlock almost any door.
- After the work is completed, get an itemized invoice that covers parts, labor, mileage, and the price of the service call.
, local consumer protection agency , and the Better Business Bureau
to make sure there are no unresolved complaints on file. (You can get
the phone numbers for these organizations in your phone book, through
directory assistance, or through Web directories.) This is true whether
you need a lock smith for a one-time job, or you want to hire someone to
work for you on a continuing basis. You must be able to trust your
locksmith. You don’t want to give access to the locks for your home,
car, or place of business to just anyone.
In Case There’s a Next Time
Once you’ve found a reputable lock smith, keep the company’s name and
contact information in your wallet and address book at home or at work.
You also may want to program this information into your home and cell
phones. This can save you time and trouble the next time you need these
services.
For More Information
If you have a problem with a locksmith, try to resolve the dispute
with the company first. Make sure you act quickly. Some companies may
not accept responsibility if you fail to complain within a certain time.
If you can’t get satisfaction, consider contacting your local consumer
protection agency for information and assistance.
You also can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Although the FTC does not intervene in individual disputes, the
information you provide may indicate a pattern of possible law
violations requiring action by the Commission. 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 ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP
(1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. 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.
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