Associated Locksmiths of America Warns Consumers to Be Wary of Locksmith Scams

ALOA consumers to beware of a nation-wide scam of individuals posing as locksmiths who perform unnecessary work or charge exorbitant un-locking fees.

DALLAS, TX (PRWEB) November 11, 2006 -- The Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc. (ALOA), an international association of locksmith and physical security professionals, today warned consumers to beware of a nation-wide scam of individuals posing as locksmiths who perform unnecessary work or charge exorbitant un-locking fees.

ALOA has created a Press Room on its website at http://www.aloa.org/pressroom.html with links to numerous articles and videos of investigative reports by KVTV Channel 3 - Phoenix, AZ, TMJ Channel 4 Milwaukee, WI and WHDH Channel 7 - Boston, MA.

"This scheme entices locked-out consumers with large Yellow Pages ads that give the impression you are calling a local business," says ALOA's Executive Director, Charles W. Gibson, Jr., "These companies manipulate listings with multiple false addresses and phone numbers to make it seem like a neighborhood businesses. In actuality, they are calling out-of-state operations that are not locksmith companies. The consumer is quoted a reasonable price over the phone, but when a person posing as a locksmith finishes the job, the consumer is charged a considerable amount more for unnecessary and sub-standard work."

The complaint heard most often by consumers is for car openings. The price quoted over the phone to stranded motorist is around $45. When the individual arrives and unlocks the car, they hand the motorist a bill for $135 - $150. This unscrupulous individual tells the frustrated consumer that the $45 was just the service call and that it was another $90 - $100 for servicing the lock. ALOA has record of a number of incidents of elderly consumers locked out of their homes and being charged $900 to $1700 to replace a $12 lock. These out-of-state operations are set up solely to make money by purposely defrauding the public.

ALOA has also created a 10-point checklist for detecting a locksmith company that may be engaging in this scheme. "Many of the items in this checklist are legal by themselves," adds Gibson. "However, if several are used together, you may be dealing with a con artist."

• No Advertised Street Address … if a company does not list a physical address, make sure when you call you ask where they are located.
• "Locksmith Service." Unscrupulous individuals often operate under many business names/aliases. Thus, they must answer the phone with a generic phrase like, "Locksmith service." If they answer this way, ask, "What is the legal name of your business, and what is your street address?"
• ALOA Logo. Does the Yellow Pages ad contain a logo that makes them appear to belong to ALOA? While many locksmiths do belong to the Association, some unscrupulous individuals trick the consumer by falsely using the ALOA logo. You can always check to see if in fact these businesses are members by going to www.findalocksmith.com.
• Unclear Business Name. Look closely at the ad(s). Is the specific name of the business clearly identified? Does it appear that the dealer actually operates under several names? If a Web address is listed, does the name on the Web site match the name on the ad?
• "Under Same Ownership." This confusing statement, often found in small print at the bottom of a full-page ad in the Yellow Pages, is often legally required to prevent a business from deceiving the public. The statement itself may be a warning sign that the company operates under several aliases.
• Giant Ads. Full-page ads in the Yellow Pages are very expensive. Many unscrupulous individuals can afford these ads because they grossly overcharge for unnecessary parts and services.
• Discounts Galore. Consumers are often attracted to ads that offer discounts, e.g., for Senior Citizens, Military, AAA, AARP, etc. But which is better: paying full price for a $110 repair, or getting a 10 percent discount off a $600 bill for the same repair?
• "Lowest Prices." Unwary consumers are attracted to this statement on ads. If you truly want the "lowest price," call around to different locksmiths. Ask what the quoted price entails. Ask if that is just a service fee and if the locksmith will have further charges when they show up to your car or home.
• "Service Within an Hour." Unscrupulous individuals typically focus on service work, often taking advantage of consumers that need emergency service. These individuals know they can charge you more for a lock if you're in a hurry.
• "Rated #1 in Customer Service." This statement often constitutes false advertising. If you call a locksmith that boasts such a rating, ask them to substantiate this claim. If the locksmith can't do it, call someone else.

The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) is the world's largest organization for locksmiths and other physical security professionals. ALOA is dedicated to being the consumer's first line of defense in physical security by increasing the effectiveness and productivity of locksmiths through educational programs and materials that address broad security interests. ALOA's activities include the ALOA Continuing Education (ACE) program, the ALOA Annual Convention & Security Expo and the ALOA Training Center, which is based in Dallas, Texas. ALOA leads the way for advanced and improved security performance by providing members and the security community with access to a full range of educational programs and services.

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