So who watched the ABC program called “Lookout” this week
and the segment about scam locksmiths?
Part of the information was old news but a needed reminder
of the following:
1.
When you are locked out of your home or business
most locksmiths rip you off by when they drill a lock that can be easily picked
adding up to hundreds of dollars.They also insist on cash payments.
2.
Don’t think because you are calling a local
locksmith that they are local.Many companies are based in other states and send
independent contractors all over the nation. They get millions of calls a year
and send out complete strangers who are handing you your keys.
3.
We personally know one valley locksmith who
employed a registered sex offender for 12 years. He does not do background
checks before hiring.PRETTY SCARY STUFF!
Now this individual owns his own security company.
4.
Every company charged 3 to 4 times more than
they quoted these vulnerable folks who asked first.
5.
Most companies show an address on google maps
but when ABC went to these address’s they were all fake( not a surprise to us)
SO LISTEN UP-HERE IS
FLAM’S ADVICE:
1.LIE,
YES I SAID LIE! When Flam’s is not available for lockouts we tell our
customers to say something
Like this; “ I
have locked myself out 3 times already ( I am such a ditz) to thankfully I know
my lock
Can be picked”.
If they still have to drill it it means they are either inept or you have a
high security
Lock which is designed to be pick
resistant(not*even Flam’s has had to drill a common lock but is
About 1% of the
time).
2. Find a local
brick and mortar 24/7 locksmith BEFORE you need them and don’t believe the
internet.
3. As a general
rule most locksmiths who run 24/7 and have the largest ads are not the
companies
You would
call for your more important security needs-that would of course be Flam’s. But
Kidding aside,
they do not have the required California State Contractors license and do
mostly
Lockouts.
Protecting what you most value,
Vikki Flam
