Reputable Atlanta Locksmiths
There are a lot of reputable locksmiths in the Atlanta area; however, there are just as many looking to take advantage of consumers with deceptive advertising and scammer practices. Here are three tips for evaluating the locksmiths online or in the yellow pages to see if they are reputable or just another scammer:
- When you call for service, ask for the final price and emphasize "final". If they refuse to give you the final price, call someone else. An honest locksmith will tell the customer up front what the final cost will be without hesitation.
- If the company phone is answered with a generic phrase like "locksmith" or "locksmith service," ask them for the legal name of the company. A local phone number doesn't guarantee a local locksmith. Some national firms have bought local numbers that roll the calls to a central dispatch location. If the yellow page advertisement doesn't include a local address or looks similar to one or more other ads in the locksmith section, that is another clue as to the nature of the company.
- Second, when the locksmith arrives, he or she should ask for identification or some kind of proof that it is legal to open the locks for the person requesting the service. Ask them for a business card right away, especially if they arrive in an unmarked vehicle.
This scam happens every day in Atlanta:
You lock your keys in the car and you go on the web to find a locksmith advertising 15 min response and $29.00 locksmith service. You call and ask for the final price and they tell you once the locksmith comes out and assesses the situation, he will provide you with the final price. The locksmith comes out 1 ½ hours later, unlocks your door and hands you a final bill for $150.00. You have just been scammed and have paid 2, 3 or even 4 times more than you should have paid.
Next time, call Pop-A-Lock Atlanta where we will give you a final price on all of our services and we guarantee our work 100%.
ALOA has created a checklist for detecting a 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."
- "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 the call is answered this way, ask, "What is the legal name of your business"
- 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 phone directories, give consumers a sense that the firm has been in business for awhile. The statement itself may be a warning sign that the company operates under several aliases. Also, the ad sometimes lists association memberships for organizations that do not exist, (i.e. American Locksmith Association)."
- Service Vehicle. Some legitimate locksmiths will work out of a car or unmarked van for quick jobs, most will arrive in a service vehicle or a van or truck that is clearly marked.
- Identity. A legitimate locksmith should ask for identity and some form of proof that you have the authority to allow the unlocking to be done. You have the right to ask for the locksmith's identification as well. Does he have a business card? Does he have an invoice or bill with the company name printed on it? Does it match the name on the service vehicle?
- Estimate. Find out what the work will cost before you authorize it. Never sign a blank form authorizing work.
- Invoice. Insist on an itemized invoice. You can't dispute a charge without proof of how much you paid and what the payment was for.
- Refuse. If you are not comfortable with the service provider, you can, and should, refuse to work with the locksmith.
If you feel that you have been the victim a scheme as described above, ALOA recommends that you contact the office of the Attorney General in your state. Most Attorneys General have a division that specializes in fraudulent or deceptive business practices. You may find out how to contact your Attorney General at www.naag.org.
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