A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
Trap
Mary’s Boca Raton home had been broken into and her flat screen TV stolen. After the police left, she looked through the phone book for a locksmith. She saw an advertisement with a website. The business claimed to be licensed, bonded and insured. She called and they quoted a reasonable rate but arrived in an unmarked van. The “Technician” told Mary that the fee was misquoted. He would need to be paid for the service call plus the 1 hour minimum rate. Feeling a little intimidated, she agreed. Mary later suspected that she paid too much after visiting a local building supply store. Still upset by the robbery, she was now mad. Mary had paid three times the amount for the same lock.
Tips
Mary was robbed but did she really know who replaced the new lock on her front door?
- Locksmiths are not required to be licensed. Look for certification with the Association of Locksmiths of America, or other organization that shows a person has passed competency tests.
- Ask for proof the business is bonded and insured in case your home is damaged. Do they have worker’s compensation coverage for their employees?
- Does the business also require the employee to pass a criminal background check and/or drug test?
- Be sure the locksmith has a local shop and not just a website. Get a receipt with a verifiable address and telephone number should you have a problem.
Need more information? Call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray residents call toll free 1-888-852-7362) or visit our website at www.pbcgov.com/consumer to see if other consumers have filed complaints against the company you are considering.
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