Joan Scott felt her gut drop when she lifted the door handle of her 1998 Ford Escort last month. Scott was locked out, and the engine was running.
A phone-directory search of locksmiths yielded a company that quoted a $35 service charge plus a fee of $15 that could go up if her vehicle “is a newer car which could be harder to open.”
When the locksmith arrived in an unmarked truck, he said the job would cost $134.
“I told him I’d rather throw a rock through my window,” said Scott, who eventually accepted a “discounted” price of $85.
The Colorado Better Business Bureau said Scott may have been a victim of a locksmith swindle becoming prevalent in Colorado. Companies register under an assortment of business names, flood phone directories with large ads and provide shoddy work at high prices.
Basad Inc., an Englewood locksmith, faces such allegations from the Colorado attorney general’s office, which says the firm violated the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.
A suit the AG’s office filed in November alleges that Basad “deceived, misled, and financially injured consumers” in Colorado and six other states.
In addition to claiming the company raised its prices once it was on the scene, the suit says Basad has used 73 trade names since 2004 and falsely printed the Associated Locksmiths of America seal on its ads.
Basad’s attorney, David Zisser, said his client is a good corporate citizen and is working toward a resolution with the state.
“I don’t think it’s fair to say the quote doubles or triples,” Zisser said. “And frankly, I don’t think there’s actually a quote or an estimate given until a technician gets to the scene.”
Dell Sterling, owner of Interstate Lock & Key in Westminster, said up to three-fourths of the locksmith listings in phone and Internet directories are from a handful of shady firms operating under dozens of names and phone numbers.
Sterling said customers should demand a firm price before a locksmith comes
Sterling’s Star Mobile device links to a computer to program the microchip inside a modern automobile key.
out and ask to see the worker’s identification upon arrival.
The Rocky Mountain Locksmith Association’s investigative committee said receipts given by questionable operators usually are written on blank invoices.
Ted Kimmes Jr., owner of EBI Security in Commerce City, said his company sometimes has to fix broken locks left by shady locksmiths.
“If they have trouble opening a lock, they drill it out; they don’t pick it,” Kimmes said. “(Shady operators) don’t have the skills of the locksmith. They just know enough to get into trouble.”
Article by: Anthony Bowe
Don’t get picked
Tips to avoid a locksmith swindle:
- If a company won’t provide its legal name when you call, find another locksmith.
- Most reputable locksmiths arrive in a clearly marked service vehicle.
- Ask about additional fees before you agree to have the locksmith perform the work.
- Legitimate locksmiths should ask you for an ID or proof of authority to allow the unlocking.
- An experienced locksmith has the tools and education to unlock almost any door. They don’t usually have to drill out the lock.
- Once you’ve found a reputable locksmith, keep the company’s name and contact information.