Monday, June 29, 2009

Another hit to the scammers

ENGLEWOOD LOCKSMITH PAYS $100K SETTLEMENT: Colorado Attorney General John Suthers on Friday announced a settlement with an Englewood locksmith company after an investigation revealed it had routinely misrepresented the costs of its services to consumers. Under the settlement, Basad, Inc., and its owners Peleg Forman, Batia Forman and Michael Biton, will pay $100,000. The money will be used to reimburse consumers who complained of paying Basad, Inc., charges that were not disclosed to consumers when they called and requested locksmith services. A lawsuit filed in January alleged that Basad, while disclosing their $55 service charge for a car lockout, failed to alert consumers of additional charges that often exceeded the service charge.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Here is another spot on KARE 11

I think we were able to show people the difference of better grade locks.

http://www.showcaseminnesota.com/show/client_article.aspx?storyid=818110

Saturday, June 13, 2009

This takes the cake the scammers have a blog about avoiding the scammers

I thought I have seen it all but I was wrong. The scammers have a blog about avoiding the scammers and then all of the web-sites of the areas they serve.

http://thelocksmithblog.com/local-locksmiths/minneapolis-locksmith/

The site is very lite on content but does a great job confusing the issue. Watch out, more deception to come from these guys.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Keying in on locksmith fraud - The Denver Post

Keying in on locksmith fraud - The Denver Post

I was sent this article from a very good Locksmith inthe Twin Cities. Thanks Luke

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The word is getting out about the scammers


Showcase Minnesota Segment

It was a great experience being on Showcase Minnesota. Below is the link to view the show. I hope we can help the community be better prepared when selecting a locksmith in the future.

http://www.showcaseminnesota.com/show/client_article.aspx?storyid=779840

Saturday, June 6, 2009

MN ALOA

I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the people from the Local ALOA ( Assosiated Locksmiths Of America) What a great bunch of folks. I wish I would of taken the time over the last few years to get to know them, but I was to focused on building the Pop-A-Lock Business. These folks are really going after the scammers and phony Locksmiths. They are committed in raising the professionalism of our industry and I really applaud their efforts. They are recommending that you use two web-sites to find a legitimate Locksmith. www.findalocksmith.com and or www.legallocksmith.com
If you get a chance look up their web-site too. http://www.mnaloa.org/

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Think you have been ripped off by a Locksmith?

If you are having work done by a locksmith and they charge you substantially higher than what you were quoted when they finish the job, "DO NOT PAY THEM" and "CALL 911". Most consumers think they can't do anything about Phony Locksmith or think they have to pay, but the fact is you have rights under the consumer protection laws and if what they are charging you is different from what you were told then you can dispute this on the spot. If you get threatened, call 911 to get the police out ASAP. You also need to file a complaint against them with the AG and consumer protection agency.

The best way to avoid this issue is to make sure they are accredited with the BBB with a B+ or better rating. You can also use web sites like findalocksmith.com or legallocksmith.com to avoid the scammers. The locksmiths on those sites have been screened and deemed legitimate locksmiths.

One last thing, Make sure you get a firm quote before they start the work so there is no misunderstanding or surprise when the work is done. Phony locksmiths like you to be in the dark so they will give you very soft figures and hope you don't probe further.