Read Tim McMullen's "Phony Locksmiths Pressroom" for insight into the locksmith scams and some actions being taken today to fight this threat to your business!
Beware of Disreputable Locksmiths
You are locked out or you've lost your keys. Your friend can't find the spare. So, you have no choice but to call a locksmith. Think you're calling a local guy? Think again. CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine is here with a warning. Click here for the complete article.
Federal Trade Commission Provides Guides to 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. Click here for the complete article.
Better Business Bureau Warns About Phony Locksmiths
Victim complaints to 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. Click here for the complete article or here to search the Better Business Bureau website for a locksmith in your area.
NBC's Today Show Discusses Phony Locksmiths
Most locksmiths are honest. A few are not. According to a new warning from the Better Business Bureau, these untrustworthy locksmiths are ""ripping off consumers"" across the country. The BBB says this ""nationwide locksmith swindle"" has already resulted in more than a thousand complaints. Click here for the complete article.
Dealers Unite in Wisconsin
On 3/19/09, Steve Burroughs of Burrough's Locksmithing in Menomonee Falls, WI organized a media event to help alert consumers in Wisconsin to the growing problem of unscrupulous companies preying on unsuspecting consumers who are in need of locksmithing services. These companies are operating nationwide, and they use deceptive advertising practices and related tactics to prey on consumers in a time of need. Consumers have been overcharged, charged for unnecessary service, intimidated, and more.
This particular media event was held at the IDN H. Hoffman facility in Butler, WI, and was attended by prominent and concerned locksmiths, media personnel, and State Representative Dan Knodl. A news report aired on Fox 6 News in Milwaukee that same evening.
Locksmiths throughout the country are gathering to address this important issue and to get the word out to consumers through the media. The key message is to alert consumers to what is happening so they can take the necessary steps to avoid being scammed; to know how to recognize a scam if/when it occurs; and most importantly, to report a scam to authorities – either the police, the Better Business Bureau, the state's Attorney General, or equivalent. Reporting the problems is one of the best ways to ensure that this problem is dealt with at the appropriate levels.
Related News Reports on Scamming in the Industry
Here is a link to a recent ABC news story video about the phony locksmiths. Click here to view.
More reports are available through the ALOA website www.aloa.org. Click on Legislation, then Take Action Against Phony Locksmiths, or click here. At the bottom of the page you will find a reference to the Press Room to see other reports on scamming or click the document attached.
To find a locksmith or sign up to be listed through ALOA, visit here for more information.
Other notable websites related to this topic are from the Legal Locksmiths website. Click here for more information.
Dealers Taking Action
Locksmiths are encouraged to communicate with their state's Attorney General to report inappropriate business conduct and to voice your concerns about this issue. Go to the ALOA website www.aloa.org, click on Legislation, and then click the title Take Action Against Phony Locksmiths. Here you will find a copy of a letter ALOA sent to all Attorney Generals along with contact information for your own state's Attorney General.
In the same location, you can also find a template of a Press Release that you can customize your own city and send to local print and broadcast news media outlets.
IDN Hardware Sales is a Proud Sponsor of LegalLocksmiths.com.
Due to the high influx of recent locksmith scams occurring, IDN Hardware Sales has joined the fight to protect legitimate locksmiths and consumers alike from being affected by scams.
Visit www.legallocksmiths.com for more information.
Thanks to IDN H. Hoffman for the content of this article.
