Watch out for Dependable Locks, also known as Superb Solutions, Locksmith 24 Hour Inc., USA Total Security, Priceline Locksmith, and S.O.S. Locksmith. This is another example of the scammer scenarios I’ve mentioned before on the blog. Dependable Locks is a company in Florida that also had locations all over the United States. But these other

locations were not real, some were just vacant lots or peoples homes. Anybody calling these so called locksmiths was directed to a call center probably not in their state. And the locksmith who did show up charged double or triple the quoted fee.

I just wanted to share this story with you to show that the locksmith scam is still going on and everyone should still be on guard. If you are hesitant about a company, don’t use them. Or check with the Better Business Bureau.

You can read the story here:

http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/oct/14/local-locksmith-warns-consumers-scam/?local

I've mentioned the types of locksmith scams in a previous post. Here is a news story on the topic.

There seems to be a number of Locksmith scams going on in the United States.

Companies are advertising their business with fake addresses. Well the addresses may be real, but their company isn't located there. They take out big ads in the yellow pages and other service directories to make themselves appear as big legitimate companies with multiple locations .But the addresses they use are either completely fake, another business, someone’s house, empty lots, and so.

There also seems to be a lot of price gouging happening by shady companies and individuals. A customer will be given one price on the phone, but after the locksmith comes to perform the service the amount due jumps higher. Sometimes they just straight out charge more and other times they add on the so called fees for various parts of their service.

If you are getting keys made, a shady locksmith may make duplicates so that they can come back later and steal your stuff.

The best practice to avoid these shady characters is to do as much research on a Locksmith company as you can. It is best to do it, before you even need the service of a Locksmith. You can also ask for an invoice in advance, so there are no surprise charges at the end of their job. These are just a few of the things I have come across.