If you are Located in Virginia, the Department of Criminal Justice Service (DCJS) with begin Licensing Virginia Locksmiths on 10/1
To find out if a company is licensed in Virginia go to:
Http://www.dcjs. Virginia. Gov/ps/directory/businessSearch. Cfm
BBB Warns Consumers of Nationwide Locksmith Swindle
You may have been a victim and not even know it.
For Immediate Release
Arlington, VA July 10 The Better Business Bureau (BBB) today is warning consumers to beware of untrustworthy locksmith companies that are ripping off consumers across the country.
Victim complaints to the 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.
Ironically, these companies operate under names like Dependable Locksmith but in reality they exploit the vulnerable situation of consumers who are locked out of their house or car, said Steve Cox spokesperson for the BBB System. Weve found that some locksmiths have made taking advantage of consumers misfortune part of their business model.
Complaints about locksmith services to the 114 BBBs serving the U.S.increased almost 75 percent from 2005 to and have continued to come in steadily during the first half of this year.
The BBB has identified Dependable Locksmith which operates under more than a dozen different names as a particularly disreputable locksmith. This company poses as a local locksmith in cities across the country and advertises in the yellow pages using local phone numbers and fake local addresses. A consumer might think theyre dealing with a local locksmith but their phone call is actually connected to a call center located in the Bronx borough of New York City.
Consumers are quoted a reasonable price over the phone but when the locksmith arrives typically in an unmarked vehicle he demands significantly more money than originally quoted, often only accepting cash.
A complaint from Cleveland, OH, where Dependable Locksmith was operating under the name Superb Solutions, alleges the company quoted fees of $39 and $84 for separate jobs, but the bill ended up at $471, which included add-on fees such as a $65 breaking in fee and a $58 fee to uninstall old locks.
Another complainant reported that the locksmith sent to let her into her car demanded she pay twice the price quoted over the phone. The locksmith offered to drive her to an ATM to get cash feeling unsafe the victim refused. The victim was ultimately forced to write a check made out personally to the locksmith as he would not let her into her car until she did so. She cancelled payment on the check the next morning, but eventually filed a police report after the locksmith harassed her with continuous phone calls about payment.
The BBB has also heard many complaints from victims who say they were charged for unnecessary services. For example, complainants suspect locksmiths sent over by Dependable Locksmiths of pretending they couldnt simply pick the lock so that they could charge more and install all new locks in homes.
Some of Dependable Locksmiths aliases include, Superb Solutions, Locksmith 24 Hour, Inc., USA Total Security, Priceline Locksmith, and S.O.S. Locksmith.
These companies are very good at posing as trustworthy locksmiths, said Mr. Cox. Before you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being locked out of your car or house, do your research and find a truly dependable locksmith in your area. Ask around and always check with the BBB first to find reputable businesses.
If you feel youve been taken advantage of by Dependable Locksmith, Liberty Locksmith, Basad.inc., or others, please contact the BBB to file a complaint, or do so online at www.bbb.org.
Gary Ford Virginia Locksmith
Lorton, Virginia
U.S.A.
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