Your first step in protecting yourself is to know what credentials are required and ask the locksmith to fax or email copies.
A properly licensed locksmith should be happy you are asking since the majority of companies are not compliant. We also know from experience that many locksmiths will also lie and tell you they are licensed
Did you know that in California a State Contractors license is required for locksmith's to do business over $400.00?
Ask for their license number and than check the number with the California Contractors Board to be sure it is current and in their name.
If they do not have a State Contractors license you can assume they are either working illegally or they do not have many residential or commercial clients that require larger jobs with more experience and knowledge.
Also required of all locksmiths is the Consumer affairs license issued by the Dept. of Investigative services. Any locksmith who comes to your business or home should be asked to show it to you.If they can't then send them away!
All of the above licenses are on Flam's web site on the credential page.
Remember, being properly licensed is not a guarantee of quality work or ethics but it is the first step in eliminating who you choose.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Tip #1:Locksmith Scams
Complaints about locksmiths have increased by 77% since 2007 and the articles about scams are abundant to back it up.
Who are you handing your keys to and who are you letting hand you your new keys?
When you call a locksmith is your first question "how much do you charge?" OR "who are you?"
It's your life and property-do you know what credentials are required? Do you take their word for it or ask them to fax you a copy? Are they a mobile service, here today and gone tomorrow?
Do you think all locksmiths are equal?
Think about it, you wouldn't be calling in the first place if you didn't have a security concern, right? Then it makes sense that your first step in protection is the "who" not the "how much"!
Who are you handing your keys to and who are you letting hand you your new keys?
When you call a locksmith is your first question "how much do you charge?" OR "who are you?"
It's your life and property-do you know what credentials are required? Do you take their word for it or ask them to fax you a copy? Are they a mobile service, here today and gone tomorrow?
Do you think all locksmiths are equal?
Think about it, you wouldn't be calling in the first place if you didn't have a security concern, right? Then it makes sense that your first step in protection is the "who" not the "how much"!
Key Bumping Is Going Crazy!
In a recent article, and as we were featured on FOX News, there is a big phenomenon called key bumping and you should be safe.
There are also interesting articles on Wall Street Journal and CNN.
If you have any questions, be sure to email us and we'll try to answer your question.
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