Big Box stores purchase locks by the case,
in truck or box car load. To get them at a low price they
usually order cases that are KA or keyed alike.
That means every padlock in that case uses the same key and
EVERYONE buying those locks will have a key to all the other locks in the case.
This could apply to entry locks and deadbolts to padlocks and other utility locks.
Next time you are in one of the big hardware stores just look
on the front of the display box(case) the locks are in.
If you see KA in front of the product number like 3KA0392
it means all the locks in the case use the same key. If you can see the key it will have a number stamped on it also. Look at another lock in the same case and
those keys will have the same number stamped on them also.
When you purchase locks from a locksmith, he or she, can key them
to your existing house key. Your local locksmith can also service the locks
if you lose your key. All that has to be done is open the lock, if locked,
and make a new key or rekey it instead of buying a new lock.
Your local locksmith can also get rekeyable padlocks so you can use
existing your house key instead of having another key. Rekeyable padlocks
are useful when you need to add a lock but do not want another padlock key.
An example: You already have 2 Master #1 padlocks and need
2 more but you don't want 2 different keys. Your locksmith can key up
2 rekeyable padlocks to the key you already use. You could even get them to
use your house key. You can have one key for your house, garage,
padlock on the shed and each padlock on the kids
bicycles.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
To inform the public
Hello, this blog page is to inform the general public about scammer locksmith companies.
Please don't relay on the internet to find a locksmith.
There are several companies that have been caught in news stings scamming customers and telling customers on the phone a price of $39 to open a locked car or house only to turn around and demend $200 or more CASH from the customer. Many times the guy will try to pick the lock but this is for show. Than he'll say the lock is high security and can't be picked-this is usually a lie unless the lock really is HS. He'll say he has to drill the lock which will cost more. After drilling a good lock, the scammer will sell you a cheap off brand lock for more than one costs at a hardware store, a $10 lock is marked up to $100 or more. Most of the scammer( I prefer the term parasite)companies employ people with very little to no locksmith training and almost never have the required state licensing or any insurance. Also they use call centers located several states away and most don't even have service vehicles but use cars with no signage or even taxis and most always have out of state plates.
This is just the tip of these scammer/parasite companies tactic to rip you off.
Please don't relay on the internet to find a locksmith.
There are several companies that have been caught in news stings scamming customers and telling customers on the phone a price of $39 to open a locked car or house only to turn around and demend $200 or more CASH from the customer. Many times the guy will try to pick the lock but this is for show. Than he'll say the lock is high security and can't be picked-this is usually a lie unless the lock really is HS. He'll say he has to drill the lock which will cost more. After drilling a good lock, the scammer will sell you a cheap off brand lock for more than one costs at a hardware store, a $10 lock is marked up to $100 or more. Most of the scammer( I prefer the term parasite)companies employ people with very little to no locksmith training and almost never have the required state licensing or any insurance. Also they use call centers located several states away and most don't even have service vehicles but use cars with no signage or even taxis and most always have out of state plates.
This is just the tip of these scammer/parasite companies tactic to rip you off.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Spotting Phony Locksmiths
Today you need to be highly aware of locksmith scams. These parasites prey on people at the most vulnerable-locked out of their car or home. Before you need a locksmith, go to your local shop and ask questions. We like to talk to customers and future customers. The parasites, once they have your money, can be next to impossible find again.
“Phony locksmith” parasite companies purposely manipulate phone book and internet listings with multiple false addresses and phone numbers to make it seem like a neighborhood business. In actuality, you are calling out-of-state operations that are not locksmith companies. You are quoted a reasonable price over the phone, say $39, but when a person posing as the locksmith finishes the job, he demands a considerable amount more than the quoted price for unnecessary and/or 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 $39. When the individual arrives and unlocks the car, he hands the motorist a bill for $139 - $239. The so-called locksmith tells the frustrated consumer that the $39 was just the service call and that it was another $100 - $200 was for servicing the lock. Several states and the BBB has record of a number of incidents of elderly consumers locked out of their homes and being charged $900 to $1700 to replace a $15 lock. These out-of-state operations are set up solely to make money by purposely defrauding the public.
The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) has created a 10-point Phony Locksmith check-list for detecting a phony locksmith company that may be engaging in this scheme. Many of the items in this checklist are legal by themselves, however, if several are used together, you may be dealing with a phony:
#1: Not Familiar with Your Area . To ensure that the company is local, make sure that they are familiar with your area of town. A local company should be familiar with the area they service.
#2: They answer the phone with “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.”
#3: Member of a locksmith association. 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 calling ALOA, (800) 532-2562 or www.findalocksmith.com .
#4: 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).
#5: Service Vehicle. Legitimate locksmiths will arrive in a service vehicle, a van or truck that is clearly marked. Some may use their own cars for quick jobs but that is rare
#6: Identity. Just asking for a business card will not work as these can be made on any computer. A legitimate locksmith should ask for identity and some form of ID. They will put that information on the work order and give you a copy. You have the right to ask for the locksmith’s identification as well. If your state requires a locksmith to be licensed than he should have that with him. Does he have an invoice or bill with the company name printed on it? Does it match the name on the service vehicle?
#7: Estimate. Find out what the work will cost before you have the locksmith come out and verify the amount again before you authorize it. Never sign a blank form authorizing work.
#8: 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.
#9: Refuse. If you are not comfortable with the service provider, you can, and should, refuse to work with the locksmith.
#10: Check for a valid state license number . The states that have licensing for locksmith services (AL,CA, IL, LA, NJ, NC, OK, TN and TX ) may require the licensed locksmith company to include a state license number on their vehicles, advertising, and all paperwork. If your state requires licensing, then the technician must show you his/her identity card, which is a good indicator of legitimacy. These licensed locksmiths and their companies have been investigated by the state and found free of criminal activity in their past, and are required to have current valid liability insurance policies in force. States with a licensing law typically have a consumer protection hotline number to call and a mailing address for complaints to be sent to. Do not pay anyone that will not provide you with this information. If your state does not have a licensing law to protect you, ask your legislator for that protection.
Here in Illinois, we are required to have a state license and insurance. Also you can look for the Illinois Licensed Locksmith decal
“Phony locksmith” parasite companies purposely manipulate phone book and internet listings with multiple false addresses and phone numbers to make it seem like a neighborhood business. In actuality, you are calling out-of-state operations that are not locksmith companies. You are quoted a reasonable price over the phone, say $39, but when a person posing as the locksmith finishes the job, he demands a considerable amount more than the quoted price for unnecessary and/or 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 $39. When the individual arrives and unlocks the car, he hands the motorist a bill for $139 - $239. The so-called locksmith tells the frustrated consumer that the $39 was just the service call and that it was another $100 - $200 was for servicing the lock. Several states and the BBB has record of a number of incidents of elderly consumers locked out of their homes and being charged $900 to $1700 to replace a $15 lock. These out-of-state operations are set up solely to make money by purposely defrauding the public.
The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) has created a 10-point Phony Locksmith check-list for detecting a phony locksmith company that may be engaging in this scheme. Many of the items in this checklist are legal by themselves, however, if several are used together, you may be dealing with a phony:
#1: Not Familiar with Your Area . To ensure that the company is local, make sure that they are familiar with your area of town. A local company should be familiar with the area they service.
#2: They answer the phone with “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.”
#3: Member of a locksmith association. 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 calling ALOA, (800) 532-2562 or www.findalocksmith.com .
#4: 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).
#5: Service Vehicle. Legitimate locksmiths will arrive in a service vehicle, a van or truck that is clearly marked. Some may use their own cars for quick jobs but that is rare
#6: Identity. Just asking for a business card will not work as these can be made on any computer. A legitimate locksmith should ask for identity and some form of ID. They will put that information on the work order and give you a copy. You have the right to ask for the locksmith’s identification as well. If your state requires a locksmith to be licensed than he should have that with him. Does he have an invoice or bill with the company name printed on it? Does it match the name on the service vehicle?
#7: Estimate. Find out what the work will cost before you have the locksmith come out and verify the amount again before you authorize it. Never sign a blank form authorizing work.
#8: 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.
#9: Refuse. If you are not comfortable with the service provider, you can, and should, refuse to work with the locksmith.
#10: Check for a valid state license number . The states that have licensing for locksmith services (AL,CA, IL, LA, NJ, NC, OK, TN and TX ) may require the licensed locksmith company to include a state license number on their vehicles, advertising, and all paperwork. If your state requires licensing, then the technician must show you his/her identity card, which is a good indicator of legitimacy. These licensed locksmiths and their companies have been investigated by the state and found free of criminal activity in their past, and are required to have current valid liability insurance policies in force. States with a licensing law typically have a consumer protection hotline number to call and a mailing address for complaints to be sent to. Do not pay anyone that will not provide you with this information. If your state does not have a licensing law to protect you, ask your legislator for that protection.
Here in Illinois, we are required to have a state license and insurance. Also you can look for the Illinois Licensed Locksmith decal
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Greeting from Long's Locksmith Service
Hello, this blog page is to inform the general public about what locksmiths do.
I will try to keep the information as clear as possible.
First off please don't relay on the internet to find a locksmith.
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