Blog of Sunshine Locksmith Team - Scams and Fraud

Fake Reviews Being Posted by Competitors

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:23:00 -0400

Gilles Deacur

Recently, it was discovered that fake reviews were being posted about our company, Sunshine Locksmith Team, LLC.

The few negative reviews that have showed up on a few online sites were posted on August 3rd. We are certain that these were posted by Largo Locksmith but I don't have a way to prove this.

Yelp Review

YellowBook Review

Another YellowBook Review

YellowPages Review

CitySearch Review

The fake review is given a 1-star rating, and a comment:

Bad service, bad business practice. Seems like these guys try to steal customers from other businesses by presenting themselves as Largo Locksmith, a local company, that I've used for 25 years.

If you click on the username that the reviewer posts under, you will see that the reviewer will give other competing locksmith companies a similar review (although they DO appear to be scammer companies), but then they give Largo Locksmith a 5-star review.

Here's my response to the accusation about bad service, bad business practice, stealing customers, and presenting ourselves as Largo Locksmith:

We don't "steal" customers. We have had many, many previous customers of Largo Locksmith come to us and say that the locksmith they had the experience with at Largo Locksmith was difficult to deal with, was difficult to understand, or was just an all-around jerk. Further, we have customers that say that they had Largo Locksmith come out to fix their locks several times but they finally got sick of calling them over and over and resorted to using us so we could fix the problem properly, the first time. So, stealing customers isn't really our way of doing things. It seems to me like Largo Locksmith's customers have a habit of coming to us.

As for presenting ourselves as Largo Locksmith, that's preposterous! We have different business images. We have different vehicles, different logos, and different uniforms. Even our name and telephone numbers! How can you confuse "Sunshine Locksmith Team, LLC" with "Largo Locksmith"? It's not confusing at all, really.

Now, bad service and bad business practice? Really? Our service is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. Our customers constantly comment how we arrive on time like we say we will. We are members of both the BBB and ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America). And we offer a 1 year warranty on most parts and labor. We also rekey most locks with spool pins and upgrade to 6-pin keys whenever physically possible with the existing locks. I don't think that ANY locksmith the the Tampa Bay area does any of that. So how is that bad business practice? To me, it's great business practice, because we are now in a higher category than any of the "competition".

To me, posting fake reviews on other locksmith companies is deceptive and fraudulent, and puts you in the "Scammer Locksmith" category. So, congratulations to whoever posted those fake reviews, because now I have a new perspective on Largo Locksmith and how they operate.

Dependable Locks Inc. One of Angie's List's Worst Contractors of 2009

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:26:00 -0400

Gilles Deacur

Dependable Locks, Inc., based out of Clearwater, Florida has earned a spot on the Angie's List "Worst Contractors of 2009".

Here's the official article from Angie's List: Worst Contractors of 2009 | Angie's List

Here's a word-for-word copy-and-paste of the article:

Dependable Locks Inc. | Clearwater, Fla.

In November, U.S. Postal Inspection agents arrested Dependable Locks Inc. owners Moshe Aharoni and David Peer on federal fraud and conspiracy charges. Earlier in 2009, the Missouri and Massachusetts attorneys general filed civil suits against the company, alleging it deceives consumers by purchasing multiple phone book listings to appear as different businesses with local addresses. But all calls are routed to call centers, first in New York and later Florida, where the operator offers  a low estimate, usually less than $100.

When dispatched, a locksmith claims other work is necessary, performs the work — often shoddily — and bills the consumer hundreds of dollars, demanding cash, according  to the AG complaints.

An Angie’s List survey of attorneys general, the BBB and our own records nationwide found more than 500 complaints against Dependable Locks  or its alias companies in at least a dozen cities. The federal charges allege that Dependable used a network of at least 100 locksmiths, many Israeli aliens not authorized to work as locksmiths, to perpetrate the scheme across the country.

Laura Gold of West Newton, Mass., hired the company to replace  a dead bolt based on a $70 estimate. But when the locksmith was done, the bill was nearly $600. “It was a red flag, but I felt stuck,” Gold says.  “I don’t know how they can live with themselves.”

The company has an overall D on Angie’s List based on nine reports  in seven cities. At press time, Peer and Aharoni were free on bond and scheduled for an upcoming court hearing. Calls to Dependable Locks  and the men’s attorneys were not returned.

Along with the article, they published this warning:

Be on the lookout for locksmith scams

Dependable Locks Inc., which made our National Worst list this year, allegedly used a variety of aliases to appear as local companies in business directories across the country.

Using information provided by consumer complaints received by Angie’s List, state attorneys general and local BBB chapters, we compiled a list of their aliases to help you steer clear of the company’s deceptive practices.

Legitimate locksmith companies may also use similar names to improve their position in business directories, so use the following tips to help avoid a locksmith scam.

And another helpful article published by Angie's List:

7 tips on how to avoid locksmith scams | Be wary of these aliases

7 tips on how to avoid locksmith scams

Published on January 1, 2010

Legitimate locksmith companies may also use similar names to improve their position in business directories, so use the following tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help avoid a scam:

Be wary of locksmith companies that answer calls with generic phrases like “locksmith services,” rather than a specific name. If a locksmith cannot or will not provide the business’ legal name, find another locksmith.

When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, including a locksmith license where applicable. Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas all require locksmiths to be licensed.

Get an estimate before any work begins, including emergency service.

Ask about extra charges for things like emergency hours, mileage or service call minimums before you agree to have the work performed.

If the locksmith’s on-site price doesn’t match the phone estimate, don’t allow the work to be performed.

Most legitimate locksmiths will arrive in a clearly marked vehicle.

If you’re locked out, be cautious of companies that recommend or insist on drilling or replacing the lock up front. Most experienced locksmiths have the skills and tools to unlock almost any door.

Be wary of these aliases

Dependable Locks Inc., which made our National Worst list this year, allegedly used a variety of aliases to appear as local companies in business directories across the country.

Using information provided by consumer complaints received by Angie’s List, state attorneys general and local BBB chapters, we compiled this list to help you steer clear of the company’s deceptive practices.

A Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith

A Emergency A Locksmith

A Locksmith Service 24 Hour

A-1 Locksmiths

AAA 24 & 7 Day Locksmith

Always Available Locksmith

Emergency & Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith

Locksmith Service

24 Hour Emergency Locksmith

24 Hour Locksmith

24/7 Locksmith

24hour a Locksmith

A # 1 24 Hour Locksmith

A 24 Hour Locksmith

A Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith

A Emergency A Locksmith

A Emergency Locksmith

A Kansas City # 1 Emergency Locksmith

A Locksmith

A Locksmith 00 24 Hour

A Locksmith 24 Hour Emergency

A Locksmith a 1-24 Hour

A Locksmith Always 24 Hour

A Locksmith Service 24 Hour

A Thirty Five Dollar Locksmith

A1 Locksmith Inc-Superb Solutions

A-1 Locksmiths

A24 Hour a Locksmith

AAA 24 & 7 Day Locksmith

All Around Locks, A United Locksmith

Alocksmith

Always Available Locksmith

Always Locksmith 24 Hr

Always Ready Locksmith

Brooklyn Locksmith

Columbus One Locksmith

Emergency & Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith

Emergencya Locksmith

Express Locks

Dependable Locks Inc.

Dependable Locksmith

Five Star Locksmith

Gold Locksmith

Liberty Locksmith

Locksmith

Locksmith 24 Hour, Inc.

Locksmith Service

Mega Locksmith

Millenium Locksmith

Price Line

Priceline Locksmith, Inc.

Quick Locksmith

S.O.S Locksmith

Speedway Locksmith

Superb Solutions Inc.

Superb Solutions Locksmith

Top Guard Locksmith

USA Silver Locksmith

USA Total Security

Of course, this just represents a small fraction of business names that this company uses. They will saturate the yellow pages and internet listings with hundreds of names in a city. The intent is to increase the probability that you will call them when picking a name at random from the phone book.

I took a look at my local phone book and the vast majority of listings were from locksmith companies that practice similar business practices as Dependable Locks. The listings were of names that were not registered with the state, and there were fake addresses attached to the listings.

Exercise caution when picking a locksmith from the phone book or the internet. The best advise I can give you is to pick one today and put the number in your speed dial before you need a locksmith.

Florida Locksmith Law Still Trying To Build Momentum

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:29:00 -0500

Gilles Deacur

The Florida Locksmith Services Act has still not been passed, despite the backing of locksmiths from all around Florida and nationwide.

The Florida Locksmith Services Act is designed to regulate the locksmith industry. Currently, Florida is one of 36 states that does not regulate locksmiths.

It is hoped that this act will keep the unfair "locksmiths" out of the trade and also cut down on the false advertising.

What are these unfair locksmiths?

There are many, many phone numbers listed in the Yellow Pages and online that forward to a call center. These call centers will dispatch a locksmith after quoting a price such as "$29 plus labor". That's pretty open-ended, and the person phoning only hears the $29 part. After the locksmith arrives and opens the lock, the price could quickly jump to $159 or more. It all depends on how much the "locksmith" thinks they can get from you. If you appear desperate and vulnerable, I'm sure they'll get as much as they can from you.

What is this false advertising?

The Yellow Pages this year (particularly the YellowBook... what an offensive and distasteful trash listing) has hundreds of listings in the Locks & Locksmiths section. These listings also have fake addresses that don't have a locksmith store or dispatch location, so you get the impression that you are calling a local locksmith.

I did a study of the YellowBook this year and found this pattern:

Listings that don't start with area code 727 or 813 are listings that forward to one of these call centers. Area codes in this year's book include 425, 480, 503, 602, 612, 772, 786 and some 352, 800, 866, and 888. These aren't local numbers, people! Sure, the toll-free numbers may or may not be legit. We have a toll-free number. But the other area codes are not local to St Petersburg, Clearwater, or even Tampa Bay.

Most of the telephone numbers (not all) starting with 727-213-xxxx, 727-232-xxxx, 727-302-xxxx, 727-322-xxxx, 727-368-xxxx, 727-392-xxxx, 727-397-xxxx, 727-433-xxxx, 727-437-xxxx, 727-446-xxxx, 727-451-xxxx, 727-493-xxxx, 727-548-xxxx, 727-564-xxxx, 727-803-xxxx, 727-821-xxxx, 727-842-xxxx, 727-844-xxxx, 727-940-xxxx, and 813-514-xxxx have an address beside the telephone numbers that are not a store or dispatch office. These listings are in the book to make you think they are local to your area. Visit the addresses listed. You're not going to find a locksmith. You'll notice hundreds of 727-451-xxxx and a lot of 727-322-xxxx listings with addresses listed next to them. Hold on a minute... do you really think that there are this many locksmith stores in Pinellas County? There's probably only about 3 dozen locksmiths with actual stores, listed mailing addresses, or with home addresses they are willing to have you come to. The rest are there to deceive you into thinking that they are local.

Out of the 8 pages of listings in the Locks & Locksmiths section, this could easily be reduced to 3 pages of legitimate listings. The odds are against you when you choose a locksmith at random out of the YellowBook.

Here's a story that ran on Tampa Bay's 10 Connects:

Florida locksmith law proposed to help find, eliminate bad locksmiths

They found the same pattern. The only phone number they specifically targeted was the 727-451-xxxx exchange. Nice start, but it's bigger than that.

I found this comment on their article interesting:

A Yellowbook spokesperson issued the following statement:

"Like many publishers, policing each and every business listing that is placed into its books is incredibly difficult. As a result, Yellowbook has elected to publish only paid advertiser listings in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater moving forward. This new policy, which will help ensure the validity of the Locksmiths listed in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater directory, is effective immediately and will be reflected in the 2010/2011 directory."

Excuse me?! I could have had my listing published for FREE?

Shame on YellowBook. I don't think we'll be supporting YellowBook from here on. What a trash directory! Absolute garbage! We will not stand for what they have contributed to the locksmith industry one bit! Done! Prove yourself to us that you have eliminated the fake listings first, before we renew a listing with you. YellowBook can take their book and... well... you know what they can do.

So, back to the topic, the Florida Locksmith Services Act. I hope this gets passed and actually is a force that contributes to the good of the industry, rather than just taxes the locksmiths and sits back. I've heard from locksmiths in other states that complain that their state just collects the fees and doesn't enforce the laws. I have a bad feeling Florida is going to be one of those states that sits back and watches the money roll in from law-abiding locksmiths while the scammers keep defrauding unsuspecting victims.

A Locksmith Scammer Bites the Dust... But I Doubt It!

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:12:00 -0500

Gilles Deacur

Well, I was checking BBB ratings of locksmiths in the Tampa Bay area and came across this:

BBB review of Dependable Locks, Inc

It seems that Dependable Locks, Inc of Clearwater has finally had their phones shut down. This is a big victory for all who have had a bad experience with them.

Here are snippets of the rating that BBB has written:

BBB Reliability Report for
Dependable Locks, Inc
BBB Rating No Rating

Note:
It appears that this business is no longer in business.

BBB Accreditation

This business is not a BBB Accredited Business.

BBB Rating for Dependable Locks, Inc

Based on BBB files, Dependable Locks, Inc has a BBB Rating of NR .

Reasons for this rating include:

This business has no rating because BBB has information indicating it is out of business.

Complaints received by the BBB indicate that Dependable Locksmith employs deceptive and misleading advertising and sales practices. In several markets throughout the U.S., the company places several similar ads with false or nonexistent local addresses, most often in yellow page directories, to give the impression that each ad represents a different entity. However, calls to the local and toll-free numbers provided in these ads are in fact routed to the company's call center.

Consumers who find themselves locked out of their vehicles or homes state that they identify the company through yellow page listings or by searching online. When they call, they are given an initial price quote usually under $100. However, when the locksmith arrives, the price is inflated with numerous additional charges that were previously not disclosed to the consumer, and in many cases the final bill can be in excess of several hundred dollars.

Complaints also state that the locksmiths, their techniques and the equipment used are sub-par, and replacement locks provided by the company can be purchased at a hardware store for significantly less than the company's charge for the same equipment. Consumers have also complained that wait times are often several hours, despite being told that a technician would arrive within 15-30 minutes of the call. Consumers state that locksmiths arrive in unmarked vehicles, and have indicated that technicians do not appear to be qualified, licensed locksmiths.

Consumers who later complained about the price to the company expressed that the company's manager promised a discount or refund, but none was provided. Complaints further allege that employees of the company would hang up or respond unprofessionally when consumers attempted to reach a representative.

Business Contact and Profile for Dependable Locks, Inc

Name:
Dependable Locks, Inc

Phone:
(866) 429-9485

Fax:
(727) 464-9012

Address:
407 S Arcturas Ave
Clearwater, FL 33765-3514

Website:
www.safeandfastlocksmith.com
www.locksmith-baltimore.com
www.usatotalsecurity.com

Principal:
Mr. David Peer, President

Customer Contact:
Ms. Mellissa Liburd, General Manager - (866) 429-9485 or dependablecustomercare@mail.com

Entity:
Corporation

Incorporated:
January 2006, NY

File Open Date:
February 2007

Type of Business:
Lock Companies

BBB Accreditation:
Dependable Locks, Inc is not a BBB Accredited business.

Additional DBA Names:
Neighborhood Locksmith
Mr. Locksmith Inc.
Dependable Locksmith
Always Available Locksmith
A1 Locksmith Inc-Superb Solutions
A Thirty Five Dollar Locksmith
Emergency & Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith
Priceline Locksmith, Inc.
A-1 Locksmiths
24 Hour Locksmith
A #1 24 Hour Locksmith
A 24 Hour Locksmith
AAA 24 & 7 Day Locksmith
A Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith
A Emergency A Locksmith
A Locksmith Always 24 Hour
A Locksmith A 1-24 Hour
A Locksmith 00 24 Hour
A Locksmith O Always 24 Hour
A Locksmith Service 24 Hour
A Locksmith 24 Hour Emergency
A Locksmith
A Kansas City #1 Emergency Locksmith
24 Hour A Locksmith at St. Louis
24 Hour A Locksmith
Locksmith
0 24 Hour Locksmith
Quick Locksmith
A1 24 Hour Lock Service
24 7 A Locksmith
1-2-3 24 Hour Locksmith
Brooklyn Lock
A Locksmith Emergency
Locksmith 24 Hour
24 Hour Emergency
Locksmith 2
123 24 Hour Locksmith
Pasadena Office Locksmith
24 Hours Locksmith
America's Total Security

Prior to doing business in Florida, the company operated at 295 W 231 St, Bronx, New York 10463. The BBB has a separate report on that location, whixh can be accessed at http://search.newyork.bbb.org/reports.aspx?pid=44&page=1&id=84849.

Business Management

Additional company management personnel include:
Yuval Ohana
Genadi Glik
Ms. Ashley Prestileo
Bahaa Dawoud
Kylie
Robert
Yosef Ishaki
Cheryl
Wilbert
Jacob
Eli
Brian Levy
Bill
Ofor Yoefut
Billy
Oryan
Omar Yosef
Kenny - Supervisor
Chelsea
Jude
Mr. Moshe Aharoni

Additional Locations and Phone Numbers

Additional Addresses
2643 Gulf to Bay Blvd Suite 1560-420
Clearwater, FL 33759

108 W Brandon Blvd
Brandon, FL 33511-5102

Additional Phone Numbers
- 313 (1)
Tel: (313) 279-0326
- 314 (2)
Tel: (314) 255-2256
Tel: (314) 960-3179
- 402 (1)
Tel: (402) 292-0401
- 404 (2)
Tel: (404) 683-2005
Tel: (404) 422-9043
- 414 (1)
Tel: (414) 837-8162
- 416 (1)
Tel: (416) 854-6787
- 425 (1)
Tel: (425) 303-8064
- 501 (1)
Tel: (501) 778-4368
- 604 (1)
Tel: (604) 275-2612
- 617 (1)
Tel: (617) 262-6584
- 619 (2)
Tel: (619) 465-8000
Tel: (619) 366-1706
- 636 (1)
Tel: (636) 287-9833
- 704 (1)
Tel: (704) 464-3190
- 718 (1)
Tel: (718) 581-5000
- 727 (5)
Tel: (727) 464-9005
Tel: (727) 464-9005
Tel: (727) 943-0479
Tel: (727) 847-4699
Tel: (727) 464-9025
- 734 (1)
Tel: (734) 629-1064
- 800 (1)
Tel: (800) 477-4320
- 813 (3)
Tel: (813) 600-2972
Tel: (813) 963-6541
Tel: (813) 684-1640
- 816 (1)
Tel: (816) 353-1120
- 866 (3)
Tel: (866) 775-4833
Tel: (866) 445-3763
Tel: (866) 355-5193
- 888 (4)
Tel: (888) 766-3634
Tel: (888) 762-1052
Tel: (888) 766-3634
Tel: (888) 452-4955
- 905 (1)
Tel: (905) 886-6794
- 925 (2)
Tel: (925) 202-5006
Tel: (925) 948-0546
- 952 (1)
Tel: (952) 807-0048
- 954 (1)
Tel: (954) 457-0401

Additional Fax Numbers

Fax: (866) 388-2687
Fax: (180) 032-4041 ext. 1
Fax: (727) 572-6962

Additional Web Addresses

www.locksmith-baltimore.com
www.usatotalsecurity.com

Customer Complaint History for Dependable Locks, Inc

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB processed a total of 202 complaints about Dependable Locks, Inc in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 202 complaints closed in 36 months, 107 were closed in the last year.

Advertising Issues
Resolved
3 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
1 - Company failed to arbitrate the complaint in accordance with their BBB agreement.
Administratively Closed
1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.

Contract Issues
Administratively Closed
1 - The parties could not provide sufficient information to support their positions nor were they agreeable to make reasonable efforts toward resolving the issues of the dispute.

Billing or Collection Issues
Resolved
8 - Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
20 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
6 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
8 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
13 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
No Response
4 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Sales Practice Issues
Resolved
7 - Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
27 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
3 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
8 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
9 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
No Response
2 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.
1 - Company indicated it will not resolve consumer issues through BBB process.

Delivery Issues
Administratively Closed
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.

Repair Issues
Resolved
7 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
1 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
No Response
2 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Service Issues
Resolved
2 - Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
26 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
4 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
6 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
4 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
No Response
3 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Customer Service Issues
Resolved
1 - Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
7 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
1 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
3 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
2 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
No Response
1 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Guarantee or Warranty Issues
Resolved
1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.

Product Issues
Resolved
1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.

Refund or Exchange Issues
Resolved
2 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
No Response
1 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Government Actions

On April 2, 2009, the Missouri Attorney General filed a Petition against the company seeking restitution and injunctive relief to stop the company from deceiving and overcharging customers in Kansas City.

According to the Attorney General, Dependable Locks, Inc. violated Missouri law by fraudulently advertising itself by at least 16 different names that all led consumers to one company. In addition, company workers charged consumers 2-3 times more than the price quoted them to unlock their cars.

The Attorney General alleged that addresses listed for the different business names were bogus, and led to vacant lots and even homes of individuals not associated with the company. In addition, this locksmith company operated under business names that were not registered with the Missouri Secretary of State as required to conduct business in Missouri.

This matter is pending. For more information, please contact the Missouri Attorney General at (573) 751-3321 or ago.mo.gov.

Advertising Review

BBB has no information regarding advertising review at this time.

Out of Business

According to information in the BBB files, it appears that the company is no longer in business. The phone numbers the BBB had for this company are disconnected, and directory assistance does not have a listing for this company. The BBB's mail to this company has been returned as undeliverable. If you have an unresolved dispute with this company you may wish to seek legal advice.

BBB Copyright and Reporting Policy

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.

BBB Reliability Reports are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information in this BBB Reliability Report is believed reliable, but not guaranteed as to accuracy.

BBB Reliability Reports generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Reliability Reports are subject to change at any time.

If you choose to do business with Dependable Locks, Inc, please let them know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Reliability Report.

ID: 90028394
Report as of March 3, 2010 07:22
Copyright© 2010 Better Business Bureau

And there you have it. Wow! I cannot believe these guys survived for so long.

And you know what? I know that they are going to pop up in the next Yellow Pages under a new name and with new phone numbers, playing exactly the same game as before... deception and deceit.

And it will be up to us honest locksmiths to spread the word about these phonies so as to keep the locksmith industry from getting a bad name.

The fact is, they probably are still around, just waiting for the new wave of phone books to hit the street.

I went to the web addresses referenced by the report and they are all up and running, with new phone numbers listed. These phone numbers include:
410-864-8172
619-313-2865
760-697-9159
858-812-0265
866-870-2079 (temporarily disconnected)
877-231-6319
888-452-4955 (same as one listed above)

Whether or not they are practicing deceptively under the new phone numbers, I don't know. These phone numbers could be operated by more legitimate companies, but again, I don't know.

Locksmiths in North Carolina Arrested Without Licenses

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:01:00 -0500

Gilles Deacur

A few States require locksmiths to be licensed. North Carolina is one of those States.

This story is about a company (A1A Locksmith and Security) that hired a few people and did not have locksmith licenses to cover the employees. Roi Gershon, Netta Eisner, and Dan Eisner are charged with fraud for performing locksmith services without the proper license.

The owner of A1A Locksmith and Security claims that he didn't know that one license was not sufficient to cover all employees, but according to the state licensing board, they sent two letters to the owner before the arrest was made.

"There's been stories of locksmiths coming in, and every re-key they do is on the same key," said Doug Selfe, of A-1 Safe and Lock (not to be confused with A1A Locksmith and Security). "So they have one key that fits 20, 30, 40 houses. Say he wants to go rogue, he can come back and break into any house he's done."

Locksmiths with Wilmington connections arrested in Raleigh

State licensing board cracks down on phony locksmiths

Two people facing locksmith fraud charges

If your state requires locksmith licensing, ask to see the license of the locksmith performing the work before work is started.

North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board Locksmith Search

Online Locksmith Scamming Consumers

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:53:00 -0500

Gilles Deacur

Another story of an online locksmith that's scamming consumers:

Online Locksmith Swindling Consumers

Taken from the article:

"Vern Derung is the owner of Minneapolis Lock and Key and he's had irate customers call him after the non-local company does a job, believing it was actually his company.

The out-of-state locksmith will make you think you're calling a local business, but the number actually rolls to an 800 call center. They send a person to do the job, but Vern says he's had customers tell him the person sometimes doesn't seem to be qualified.

Also, if you call a locksmith when you get locked out of your car, beware. The out-of-state company quotes a low price over the phone, and then charges you more when they get on the scene.

There are ways to protect yourself. Ask the company for a local address. Also, do your research now, and put a legit company in your cell phone, so you'll have it. If you feel you were scammed, report it to the Attorney General's Office."

This is a common scam that takes place in cities all across the USA. Typically the price quoted on the phone will be "$29 plus labor". Labor isn't calculated until the "locksmith" gets on site, but it's quoted as "$15 and up" on the phone. This is very deceptive marketing.

Check the Locksmith Wiki Knowledge Base for more information and stories of this type.

Important Warning About Fraudulent Locksmiths

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:12:00 -0500

Gilles Deacur

There are a number of "locksmith" companies advertised in the area that are practicing deceptive techniques to scam unfortunate and desperate persons who have locked themselves out.

This is a growing trend nationwide. In fact, this trend has spread beyond the USA and operates in Canada and other countries.

When somebody is locked out, they will turn to the Yellow Pages and flip though the book or go to the Internet and check a directory of locksmiths. They will probably call somebody that appears local, in the hopes of getting somebody cheaper and quicker than the other locksmiths. What the customer doesn't know is that many of these "locksmiths" aren't local at all, and the prices quoted aren't what they intend on charging either.

"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, David M. Lowell, CAE, CML. "These companies manipulate listings with multiple false addresses and phone numbers to make them seem like a neighborhood businesses. In actuality, the victims frequently are calling out-of-state operations that are not locksmith companies at all. The consumer is quoted a reasonable price over the phone, but when a person posing as a locksmith finishes the job, the victim is charged a considerable amount more for unnecessary and sub-standard work."

The Better Business Bureau has reported on this as well, stating that these locksmiths "are significantly overcharging consumers, charging consumers for unnecessary services, using intimidation tactics, and failing to give refunds or respond to consumer complaints".

Consumers are typically quoted a low price on the phone (usually lower than the other quotes they receive), but when the job is done they get handed a bill for an amount substantially higher than previously agreed upon in a bait and switch scam.

We have had reports from customers in Pinellas County about this practice. These customers have turned to us to complain about these other shady operations and for us to fix problems left behind from the other disreputable companies.

Please see the Locksmith Wiki Knowledge Base for more links to stories and information:

Unfair or Deceptive Locksmith Companies

Consumers Warned of Phony Locksmith Scam

BBB Warns Consumers of Nationwide Locksmith Swindle :You may have been a victim and not even know it

Going Out of Business

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:12:00 -0500

Gilles Deacur

No, we're not going out of business. We're here for you and we'll be here for a long time.

We have noticed that quite a few locksmith companies in Pinellas County have gone out of business in the last few years.

Some of the companies we have noticed that have closed and gone out of business are these:

"A & D Lock & Safe" of Clearwater

"A-Aaction Locksmith" of Seminole

"AA-Discount & Pinellas Park Locksmith" of St Petersburg

"A C R Locksmith" (also known as "Elcerrajero Locksmith") of Clearwater

"A Louie The Locksmith" of Largo

"Anytime Locksmith" of Seminole

"B K Lock" of Largo

"Hobens Locksmith Service" of Tarpon Springs

"Holiday Lock & Security" of Holiday

"Ironman Locksmith" of Tarpon Springs

"Jerry's Mobile Locksmith" of Tampa

"Key Craft" of St Petersburg

"Keymart Locksmith of West Florida" of Pinellas Park

"Lock-Worx" of St Petersburg

"Open Sesame LLC" of St Petersburg

"Rodriguez Lock & Key" of Largo

"Sure Lock Locksmiths" of St Petersburg

"Tampa Bay Lock & Key Enterprises" of Clearwater

"The Allied Lock & Key" of Clearwater

"Treasure Island Lock & Key Company" of Treasure Island

That's a lot of companies!

Quite frequently we'll get phone calls almost exactly like this:

Sunshine Locksmith Team: Thank you for calling Sunshine Locksmith Team. How can I help you?
Customer: How much do you charge to (insert service here, such as rekey, open up, make lost keys)?
S: It's $xx.xx.
C: Well, the last time I had that done it was $xx.xx with a different locksmith company. I tried calling them but they are out of business.

Really? Do you know why they are out of business? If we charged that amount we'd probably be forced out of business too.

It takes more than low prices to keep a business running strong.

We don't compromise your security by skipping corners. We compete on service, quality, and customer satisfaction. And sure, our prices are reasonable too. If you really want the cheapest locksmith, then keep looking; You'll find one. But the next time you need a locksmith you'll have to do that shopping all over again because I'm sure they'll be out of business.

One thing to watch out for, however, are the locksmiths that do the "bait and switch" routine on you. There are a lot of fraudulent listings in the Yellow Pages phone books and the Internet directories full of companies that will quote "$29 plus labor" with labor at "$15 and up". It never is $15. You'll end up with a bill higher than if you had called us. These are what we refer to in the industry as "scammer locksmiths". However, our prices on the phone are upfront and very accurate. Please program our telephone number into your phone right now before you need to find a locksmith. 727-216-7912.

One of the reasons that some of these companies are forced to close down are because of the scammer locksmiths out there. They flood the directories with listings, forcing the small guys to go out of business. This is the subject of another blog, but in the meantime you can read more here:

1000 Locksmiths in New York City

New York City Locksmiths - A Map Spammer’s Guide

Google Maps Data Quality: Where do we stand after the Locksmith Onslaught?