An expensive lesson learned?
So I had a fun Monday. David and I woke up late, and we both rushed to get ready to leave in the morning. I didn't have time to make lunch. I get to class, and my classes go okay, so when that is over, I head to work. I always stop at the post office to grab the mail on the way there, then head to the bank to drop off a deposit before I go to the office. I get back to my car and can't find my keys. I check the parking lot, store, bank, pockets, and begin to freak out. Finally, I realize I locked my keys in my car- they are sitting in the ignition. This is at about 4:15 pm. I call David, who is on his way home from work. He looks for my extra key when he gets home but has no luck- we moved not long ago and the keys are probably in a box somewhere. My dad and sister come with extra keys (none of which were the one I left with them when I moved out of my parents house). I am getting frantic. It is cold.
My dad tries to break into my car. No luck. I did this before and my car is impossible to open with a slim-jim. I call a couple locksmiths cause I'm not confident a tow-truck driver can get into my car. I find a nearby locksmith who says he can be there in 25 mins. It's around 7:15 and I'm FREAKING out. I haven't eaten since noon. My dad was nice enough to stay with me and wait. The locksmith says it will be $39.99 + about $19 labor. I say "great" and tell him what kind of car I have and where it is stuck.
The "locksmith" arrives over an hour later. It looks a little shady- the guy is in his own personal car and was really late. I'm really frustrated and tired and out of patience by then. He gets out of his car and basically says "OOOHHH! This is a FOCUS!?! This is a VERY hard car to get into! I might be able to do it, might not, but it's gonna be $39.99 + $125 labor! $177 after tax. If you don't want me to do it, you have to at least pay me the $39.99 service call. He is really intimidating and rude. He has my driver's license already. THIS IS COERCION/EXTORTION/WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. He insists he is being nice and that he could show us invoices of people who paid $265 to get into their cars. I'm in tears. It's almost nine. My dad argues with the guy for awhile and then decides f*** it, just do it. I'm pissed. He finally gets into my car, and I pay him. He doesn't even check to make sure that the car is mine. He refuses to give me the address of the business, a business card, or anything that identifies the business he is with. He has no stationary or invoices or anything to link him to a legitimate business. I feel really weird giving him my credit card- it all seems way too shady. I drive home, so mad I can hardly think. I felt so taken advantage of- he held me hostage.
I woke up Tuesday morning, even more pissed off. I missed an entire day of work over this bulls*** (at least my boss was nice about it!). I go out to my car to drive to work and notice that the door frame is bent up. Guess I didn't notice it when it was dark and I WAS SEETHING WITH ANGER. I called up the locksmith to complain. I was glad I had written down how I found them (using 411), because it seemed as if the locksmith who came out was trying to keep me from contacting him again. He knew we were pissed. Anyways, I nicely told the dispatcher/manager that I wanted a partial refund, due to the lateness, lies, and especially the damage to my car. He tried to say that they never saw me the night before. I said, "ok, well I wrote down the license # of the guy and a description. I will just cancel the credit card and give the information to the cops." He suddenly remembered me! However, he would not acknowledge the damage to my car, let alone the lying/bad customer service. He would not even consider a partial refund, so I told him I was canceling the card and initiate a charge-back with my credit card company. I also told him I would contact the BBB, attorney general, etc about his business practices.
I called my bank to cancel my card and thankfully, they were totally on my side. I have to wait a day or two for the charge to finish posting, and then there will be a charge-back. Anyways, the moral of the story is to get a definitive quote from the locksmith. Refuse to pay anymore. Maybe just don't lock your keys in your car!!! If you don't have spares, get some made for $5 at the store, and give them to your friends and family, so they can help you out when you need it. I called some more locksmiths for definite quotes to see if I was charged a legit price. Everyone else charges $60-$80 flat. One locksmith told me he knew of an old woman who was forced to pay $200 to get into her car. When you're locked out, and you can't google the business or check with the BBB, it really puts you at a disadvantage. I was vulnerable and they took advantage of me. Another moral: pay with credit cards, as they offer a lot more protection than debit cards.
From looking around on the net, it seems this is a common scam. There are stories of people whose keys are held hostage until they pay the inflated fee. There are dozens of complaints online, and supposedly these companies use many different names and phone numbers to avoid being held accountable. I shudder to think what the guy would have done if my dad hadn't been there with me. Anyways, at least they will end up paying me back what they charged me, plus some (charge-backs penalize the merchant), when I would have been happy with an apology for the damage and refund for the amount over the initial quote.
Hopefully, someone out there will learn from what happened to me ( I promise I'm calmed down now :).
7 comments:
That sounds so bad... I'm sorry you had to deal with that but thanks for putting this blog up so that other people are aware.. =)
From: locksmith
Date: 4/22/08
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BBB Warns Consumers of Nationwide Locksmith Swindle
You may have been a victim and not even know it.
For Immediate Release
Arlington, VA – July 10, 2007 – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) today is warning consumers to beware of untrustworthy locksmith companies that are ripping off consumers across the country.
Victim complaints to the BBB reveal that several locksmith companies, all using similar methods, are significantly overcharging consumers, charging consumers for unnecessary services, using intimidation tactics, and failing to give refunds or respond to consumer complaints.
“Ironically, these companies operate under names like ‘Dependable Locksmith’ but in reality they exploit the vulnerable situation of consumers who are locked out of their house or car,” said Steve Cox spokesperson for the BBB System. “We’ve found that some locksmiths have made taking advantage of consumers’ misfortune part of their business model.”
Complaints about locksmith services to the 114 BBBs serving the U.S. increased almost 75 percent from 2005 to 2006, and have continued to come in steadily during the first half of this year.
The BBB has identified Dependable Locksmith – which operates under more than a dozen different names – as a particularly disreputable locksmith. This company poses as a local locksmith in cities across the country and advertises in the yellow pages using local phone numbers and fake local addresses. A consumer might think they’re dealing with a local locksmith but their phone call is actually connected to a call center located in the Bronx borough of New York City.
Consumers are quoted a reasonable price over the phone but when the locksmith arrives – typically in an unmarked vehicle – he demands significantly more money than originally quoted, often only accepting cash.
A complaint from Cleveland, OH, where Dependable Locksmith was operating under the name “Superb Solutions,” alleges the company quoted fees of $39 and $84 for separate jobs, but the bill ended up at $471, which included add-on fees such as a $65 breaking in fee and a $58 fee to uninstall old locks.
Another complainant reported that the locksmith sent to let her into her car demanded she pay twice the price quoted over the phone. The locksmith offered to drive her to an ATM to get cash – feeling unsafe the victim refused. The victim was ultimately forced to write a check made out personally to the locksmith as he would not let her into her car until she did so. She cancelled payment on the check the next morning, but eventually filed a police report after the locksmith harassed her with continuous phone calls about payment.
The BBB has also heard many complaints from victims who say they were charged for unnecessary services. For example, complainants suspect locksmiths sent over by Dependable Locksmiths of pretending they couldn’t simply pick the lock so that they could charge more and install all new locks in homes.
Some of Dependable Locksmith’s aliases include, Superb Solutions, Locksmith 24 Hour, Inc., USA Total Security, Priceline Locksmith, and S.O.S. Locksmith.
Two other locksmith contractors fleecing consumers are Basad, Inc. – which operates under more than 50 names nationwide, such as A-1 Locksmith Service, A-1 24 Hour Locksmith, A-1 Lock & Key Locksmith, and AAA Locksmith 24 Hour – and Liberty Locksmith. Similar to Dependable Locksmith, they pose as local locksmiths and run full-page yellow pages ads with multiple phone and address listings. The phone numbers appear to be local, but connect to national call centers such as Liberty’s in New York City, while the addresses end up belonging to other established businesses in the local area, or are simply non-existent.
Liberty Locksmith had been a BBB member in Tulsa, OK, but during normal BBB member validation processes, it was discovered that the addresses provided by the company were false. In June 2007, the BBB terminated the membership of Liberty Locksmith for providing false information in its membership application and providing misleading advertisements to the public.
Like others, Liberty Locksmith and Basad, Inc. use common cons such as quoting one price over the phone, but then charging significantly more on site.
“These companies are very good at posing as trustworthy locksmiths,” said Mr. Cox. “Before you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being locked out of your car or house, do your research and find a truly dependable locksmith in your area. Ask around and always check with the BBB first to find reputable businesses.”
If you feel you’ve been taken advantage of by Dependable Locksmith, Liberty Locksmith, Basad. Inc., or others, please contact the BBB to file a complaint, or do so online at www.bbb.org.
# # #
About the BBB System
BBB is an unbiased, non-profit entity that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses and charities that earn BBB membership contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business Reliability Reports and charity Wise Giving Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about the BBB System.
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Reporters and journalists may contact Steve Cox, CBBB's Vice President, Communications, or call 703.276.0100 to request an interview or additional information.
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Back
When the woman left her friend’s house late one night in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, she discovered she’d locked her keys in her car. Noelle found “Locksmith 24-Hour, Inc.,” in the phone book, and the person who answered her call quoted a price of $40.
But when the locksmith showed up, he announced it would be an additional $80 plus tax to unlock the car door with a Slim Jim tool. Noelle, who does not want her last name disclosed, would also have to fork over a fee for paying by check. The total came to nearly $200, and the man made it clear that Noelle would not get her keys until she paid.
The next day, intent on disputing the charges, Noelle investigated further and found that there was no locksmith at the local address listed in the phone book. She cancelled the check. That’s when the locksmith and his associates started calling her “like five times a day,” Noelle says, threatening to destroy her credit and even drive by her home.
After agreeing last year to pay fines and restitution for violating consumer protection laws in Ohio and Illinois, New York City–based Superb Solutions, which did business under the name 24-Hour, among others, closed up shop. But other rogue locksmiths are turning up around the country, according to the Better Business Bureau. The number of complaints about locksmiths received by the bureau’s 114 U.S. offices rose by 75 percent from 2005 to 2006, and were up again in 2007.
The locksmith’s modus operandi is this: Cram yellow pages and websites with listings for generic-sounding lock and key companies, such as A-1, 24-Hour and Dependable, at sham local addresses. In fact, the businesses operate from a single call center often located far away and often in other states. They quote an attractive price over the phone, but once on the scene, jack it up to well above the going rate. And if the customer complains? The scammers simply dig their heels in—and often prevail because most customers, especially if they’re stranded as Noelle was, are entirely dependent on their help.
The best defense is to find a good local locksmith before you’re locked out of your house or car. Ask friends or colleagues for recommendations and verify the company’s address. The Associated Locksmiths of America offers tips on how to avoid being scammed.
If you’ve been ripped off, file a complaint at the government’s Internet Crime Complaint.
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New York BBB Reliability Report for
DEPENDABLE LOCKSMITH
This business has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB
Business Contact Information
Name:DEPENDABLE LOCKSMITHAdditional Business Names:24 Hour Emergency Locksmith
24 Hour Emergency Service Locksmith
Always Ready Locksmith
Brooklyn Locksmith
Columbus One Locksmith
Five Star Locksmith
Gold Locksmith
Millenium Locksmith
Priceline Locksmith
S.O.S. Locksmith
Speedway Locksmith
Superb Solutions
Top Guard Locksmith
Toronto Locksmith
USA Silver Locksmith
USA Total Security
Address:295 West 231st Street
Bronx, NY 10463View Location Map
Principal:Gilad Gil, OwnerAdditional Phone Numbers:(212) 253-5888
(866) 429-9485
(631) 981-1433
(212) 253-5888
(718) 359-8488
(888) 818-5625
(718) 591-3121
(212) 979-6806
(800) 852-8996
(888) 881-0097
(212) 873-2238
(718) 969-3535
(718) 359-8446
(212) 724-6500
(212) 362-5817
(877) 917-6500
(212) 501-8765
(718) 275-5353
(212) 427-3790
(631) 281-2717
(631) 289-5070
(516) 887-6668
(212) 724-6500
(888) 490-4900
(718) 353-9209
Fax Number:(800) 324-0411Website:www.usatotalsecurity.comType of Business:Locks & Locksmiths
This is NOT a BBB Accredited business
The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.
Nature of BusinessBack To TopComplaints received by the BBB indicate that Dependable Locksmith employs deceptive and misleading advertising and sales practices. In several markets throughout the U.S., the company places several similar ads with false or non-existent local addresses, most often in yellow page directories, to give the impression that each ad represents a different entity. However, calls to the local and toll-free numbers provided in these ads are in fact routed to the company's call center. Consumers who find themselves locked out of their vehicles or homes state that they identify the company through yellow-pages listings or by searching online. When they call they are given an initial price quote usually under $100. However, when the locksmith arrives, the price is inflated with numerous additional charges that were previously not disclosed to the consumer, and in many cases the final bill can be in excess of several hundred dollars. Complaints also state that the locksmiths, their techniques and the equipment used are sub-par, and replacement locks provided by the company can be purchased at a hardware store for significantly less than the company's charge for the same equipment. Consumers have also complained that wait times are often several hours, despite being told that a technician would arrive within 15-30 minutes of the call. Consumers state that locksmiths arrive in unmarked vehicles, and have indicated that technicians do not appear to be qualified, licensed locksmiths. Consumers who later complained about the price to the company expressed that the company's manager promised a discount or refund, but none was not provided. Complaints further allege that employees of the company would hang up or respond unprofessionally when consumers attempted to reach a representative.
Customer ExperienceBack To Top Based on BBB files, this business has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau, because there is a pattern of complaints, and the business has not corrected the underlying reason for the complaints.
The company's size, volume of business, and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The number of complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgment on the validity of complaints filed.
Complaint Outcome Statistics:Back To TopComplaint Outcome Last 12 Months Last 12..36 Months Total
Resolved
Consumer received the requested resolution 6 17 23
Resolved
Consumer received part of the requested resolution 9 36 45
Administratively Judged Resolved
The Company has responded to the complaint(s) addressing the disputed issues, however, the consumer remains dissatisfied 27 54 81
No Response
The Company has failed to respond to complaints 139 27 166
TOTAL 181 134 315
Complaint Issues:Back To TopPlease understand that complaints may concern more than one issue
Complaint Issue Last 12 Months Last 12..36 Months Total
Advertising Issues 8 9 17
Billing or Collection Issues 32 1 33
Contract Disputes 4 0 4
Credit or Billing Disputes 23 35 58
Customer Service 1 1 2
Customer Services Issues 11 0 11
Delivery Issues 1 3 4
Guarantee or Warranty Issues 0 1 1
Gurantee Or Warranty Issues 2 0 2
Miscellaneous 1 2 3
Product Issues 3 0 3
Product Quality 1 4 5
Refund Or Exchange Issues 6 0 6
Refund Practices 0 2 2
Repair Issues 21 19 40
Selling Practices 25 16 41
Service Issues 42 41 83
TOTAL 181 134 315
Government ActionsBack To TopOn August 30, 2007, Attorney General Marc Dann of Ohio sued Superb Solutions, Inc., for false advertising, unauthorized repairs, and business practices that were in violation of Ohio consumer protection laws and rules. Superb Solutions was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1000 and civil penalties of $50,000. On September 1, 2005, the Chicago Department of Consumer Services fined this company and its principal for numerous and repeated violations of City ordinances prohibiting deceptive business practices. The Department of Consumer Services alleged that the firm operated under 17 separate business names and false addresses in Chicago and also operated without the proper license. The company's president, Gilad Gill, has been ordered to pay $2875 in fines, as well as two employees of the firm. In addition, the company was ordered to disconnect its phone lines and cease using false addresses in its business advertising.
Additional LocationsBack To TopThis firm also does business at the following locations.
528 E. 13st Street
New York, NY 10009
3282 Oxford Avenue
Bronx, NY 10463
198-39 Epsom Course Hills
Jamaica, NY 11423
61-45 Fresh Meadow Lane
Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
208A Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10023
Report as of: 10/30/2008
Copyright © 2008 BBB of Metropolitan New York, Inc.
As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service, or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained in this report is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.
The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary, and members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of the BBB, it is stated in this report.
Thank you Anonymous!
I've researched this for a couple hours, and read a bunch of articles, complaints, etc.
I will let everyone know how it went once this all gets figured out. I am still in the process of doing all the complaints...
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next »Scams, locksmiths, cars, keys, credit cards "I Fell For The Locksmith Scam"There are lots of honest locksmiths out there — but there are dishonest ones too — and they're notorious for bullying helpless consumers out of a lot of money. Here's the scenario: You're locked out of your car, so you call a locksmith. You're quoted a price that seems reasonable, but when the "locksmith" shows up, he bullies you into paying more money — a lot more.
Alison Prezler, from the BBB, told MSNBC's Consumer Man columnist, Herb Weisbaum, “They have made taking advantage of people who are locked out of their house or car part of their business model."
Sadly, this is the exact scenario recently faced by reader Kaitlin. She was locked out of her car and used Google 411 to find a locksmith, and would like to share her story as a warning to others:
I locked my keys in my Monday afternoon. It was in the parking lot of a bank/grocery store. i waited a couple hours for my boyfriend to bring me an extra key. when he couldn't find it, my dad came to try to break into my car. No go. My 2005 Focus cannot be slim-jimmed. So, after almost 4 hours, I decide to call a locksmith. I used google 411, and picked a locksmith that was supposedly on a road nearby, because i thought it would be quick. The two I called before I got this one didn't answer their phones. A1 24 hr Locksmith answers and tells me $39.99 + about a $19 service charge. I tell him the kind of car, the address, etc. They say 25-30 mins.
I start to think things might be weird when I get two calls from two different people to confirm the address, my name, etc. The "locksmith" shows up over an hour later, in an unmarked car, with no uniform. I show him my car and he decides that my 2005 ford focus is VERY hard to break into, and that the labor charge is gonna go up to $125, for a total of $177 after tax. About $19 does not = $125. I'm sure he saw 20 year old female college student and thought $$$$$. He is very intimidating. He tells me he's charged people $260 to get into their cars, and that he is giving me a deal, it is late at night, what am I gonna do. He insists that I have to pay him for the service charge anyways. It's almost 9, I've been locked out of my car for almost 5 hours with only a sweatshirt, and I'm cold (live in the seattle area). We argue awhile. I, on the verge of tears, agree to pay him. It takes him all of 2 minutes to unlock my car. I give him my credit card, and ask him if he has a business card, invoice, etc as I was planning on reporting them to the BBB. He could not give me anything that linked him to a business of any sort. This all seems way too suspicious. I drive home, seething.
When I woke up and won't to work the next morning, I noticed that the door of my car was all bent up. I didn't see it in the dark the night before. I decided to call the company back and ask for a partial refund, due to the bait and switch, the late locksmith, and especially the damage to my car. The manager lies, saying that he didn't even have an appt with me. I said "well, I have the license plate number of the car. I will just call the cops to report it, and cancel my credit card." He suddenly "remembers" me. Refuses to discuss the damage to my car or a partial refund. He just kept repeating that it wasn't a scam since the driver told me the price before he did the work. I told him if he wouldn't help me, that I would file a charge-back and report him to the bbb, etc.
I called my bank and they were very helpful. They canceled the card so it could not be used again, and began the charge-back process. When I researched online, there were all kinds of stories about a couple companies back east who have local numbers with made up addresses and ads all over the country. People have lost $300 and more. They dispatch the calls in their main offices, and send out local contractors. They do this all the time- there are hundreds of horror stories, and some of them are about A1 24 hr locksmith. Hopefully the charge-back works. These people lie, and kick you when you are down. Its really hard to google the business name or check out it's reputation when you're locked out of your car in a parking lot. I shudder t think what the charge (and intimidation) would have been like if my dad hadn't been there with me.
Is there anyone else I can file complaints with? I want to get them in trouble and I want to keep this from happening to other people. Businesses should not be able to get away with this. From reading the stories, I doubt they were even licensed, etc. Out of curiosity, I contacted more locksmiths and got the same sort of response. Finally, I got one who seemed reputable. He told me it would be $60 flat no possibility for change, etc, and said he had helped an old woman who was charged $200 to be let into her car
You've already done the right thing and reported this shady company to your credit card company. Be sure to keep following up with them and file any paperwork request in a timely fashion.
Next, report the locksmith company to the BBB, because they like to keep an eye on this sort of thing. Finally, file an official report with your state's attorney general and/or department of consumer affairs.
And, now that you know what its like to be taken advantage of by a shady locksmith, check your credit cards to see if they offer roadside assistance for when you're away from home — and find a local locksmith that's dependable for when you're not.
(Photo: mullenite )
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By Meg Marco
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41 Discussions Classic view | Expand all Collapse all Start a new discussion Show: Oldest first | Newest first | Most popular 123next »[1..20 of 41]4:54 PM
4 replies nataku83
4:54 PM I locked my keys in the trunk once and had a locksmith come out to cut me another key using AAA. He couldn't manage to access the doorlock, which I guess he needed to get a code off of or something - but after working on the car for about an hour, he apologized and didn't charge anything. I eventually got AAA to just tow the car home and had a key cut using the VIN for about $6 at a local lock-shop. If the car is already locked (and not a convertible, like mine) it might make more sense to just abandon it and get a new key cut the next day.
nataku83 I locked my keys in the trunk once and had a locksmith...
4 replies by Orv, spazztastic, sprocket79 ...
The_IT_Crone
5:22 PM @nataku83: ?! My VIN is displayed on my windshield for all to see. You can DO this?!
The_IT_Crone @ nataku83 : ?! My VIN is displayed on my windshield for... Orv
5:26 PM @The_IT_Crone: Yes, but usually they want some kind of ID and/or proof of ownership to cut a key. A thief isn't going to bother and risk being identified; they can steal the car almost as easily without a key as with one. This also may not be available for cars with electronic anti-theft systems, and it won't work if your car has ever been re-keyed.
Orv @ The_IT_Crone : Yes, but usually they want some kind of... spazztastic
5:26 PM @The_IT_Crone: Not at any local shop, not without contacting the manufacturer, and not without jumping through a number of hoops to prove ownership.
spazztastic @ The_IT_Crone : Not at any local shop, not without... sprocket79
6:16 PM @Orv: I had to get new keys cut for my mom a couple of months ago. I went down to a dealership with the VIN number and they wouldn't give me a key. It was annoying, but when I thought about it more I saw their point. The next day I went with my mom to get the keys cut and she had to show her license and registration. It was very easy to do if you're the actual owner.
sprocket79 @ Orv : I had to get new keys cut for my mom a couple of...
4:56 PM
3 replies janetcarol
4:56 PM I had a similar ordeal. Cost me $130 for about 30 seconds worth of work. He used a balloon and a stick.
Yelled at me and wouldn't let me leave until I paid him.
I just try to think it will come back on him eventually.
janetcarol I had a similar ordeal. Cost me $130 for about 30...
3 replies by dripdrop, xwildebeestx, logicalnoise
dripdrop
4:58 PM @janetcarol:
OMG a ballon and a stick? You've got to be kidding me.
dripdrop @ janetcarol : OMG a ballon and a stick? You've got... xwildebeestx
5:17 PM @dripdrop: yeah, it's pretty easy to do. Just pry the window away from the rubber a little bit, insert the air bag (it's more like a hot water bottle than a baloon), inflate it until the gap between the window and the rubber is big enough to slide the stick through (metal rod with a hook at the end, not an actual twig or anything) and if you're lucky, you can just pop the inside door handle and the door will open. The things you learn working car rental!
xwildebeestx @ dripdrop : yeah, it's pretty easy to do. Just pry the... logicalnoise
5:18 PM
@dripdrop: yeah they hammer a wedge in between your door maybe tw then insert a heavy laod airbag inflates with a aircompressor(any portable tire pump works) and then they usually just have a bent heavy gauge wire or stick to reach in and unlock tehd oor. I paid 200 a long long time ago. Unfortunatly my car was running so time was of the essence.
logicalnoise @ dripdrop : yeah they hammer a wedge in between your...
4:56 PM
little stripes
4:56 PM
Ugh!!
I guess a good solution is to get a recommendation on a good, local locksmith and put the number in your cell phone, and also maybe let any family/friends know so that if you ALSO lock your cell phone in the car, they'll have the number available.
little stripes Ugh!! I guess a good solution is to get a...
4:58 PM
Git Em SteveDave loves this guy-->
4:58 PM Most people are auto signed up for roadside assistance with Verizon Wireless. Despite the bad reports on this site, I have never had a problem with them. Had to call them twice. Once the guy showed up in a Impala, and popped my door 1-2-3, and the next time it was a tow truck. After that, of course, I keep a spare door key zip tied to my car frame in a spot not noticeable unless you have the car on a lift. But the two times getting unlocked were more than worth the small monthly charge on my bill. You could also try calling the local police dispatcher, and see who they might recommend to do unlocks. They prolly have a list of reliable companies who won't rob you.
Git Em SteveDave loves... Most people are auto signed up for roadside assistance...
4:58 PM
1 reply bsalamon
4:58 PM while i dislike GM immensely - OnStar can unlock your doors if you accidentally lock your keys inside
bsalamon while i dislike GM immensely - OnStar can unlock your...
1 reply by Corporate_guy
Corporate_guy
5:09 PM @bsalamon: Don't you need to be paying for the service? Or can onstar charge a one time unlock fee without monthly service?
Corporate_guy @ bsalamon : Don't you need to be paying for the...
5:04 PM
4 replies MaxSmart32
5:04 PM I demand that the picture of a GREEN key ring be taken off. It is demeaning to ALL green key rings, insinuating that green key rings are stupid enough to be locked in inappropriate places.
What is happening in this world?
MaxSmart32 I demand that the picture of a GREEN key ring be taken...
4 replies by MaxSmart32, The_IT_Crone, Thanatos ...
MercuryPDX
5:08 PM @MaxSmart32: [Glares in your direction]
;)
MercuryPDX @ MaxSmart32 : [Glares in your direction] ;) MaxSmart32
5:09 PM @MercuryPDX: I'm sure I'm gonna get dis-envoweled for that, but it's worth it.
MaxSmart32 @ MercuryPDX : I'm sure I'm gonna get dis-envoweled for... The_IT_Crone
5:24 PM @MaxSmart32: It absolutely was worth it. Thank you.
The_IT_Crone @ MaxSmart32 : It absolutely was worth it. Thank you. Thanatos
6:04 PM @MaxSmart32: Awesome comment made my Day ;D
Thanatos @ MaxSmart32 : Awesome comment made my Day ;D
5:05 PM
xkaluv
5:05 PM
Many cities require a license to practice locksmithing, you need to see if yours does. Then report him to that agency.
xkaluv Many cities require a license to practice locksmithing,...
5:06 PM
2 replies MercuryPDX
5:06 PM If your auto insurance does not include "glass coverage", tack it on. It makes the decision a little easier to break a window as a last resort.
MercuryPDX If your auto insurance does not include "glass...
2 replies by Orv, triscuitbiscuit
Orv
5:23 PM @MercuryPDX: If you break your own window and then try to get your insurance to pay for it, couldn't you get nailed for insurance fraud?
Orv @ MercuryPDX : If you break your own window and then try... triscuitbiscuit
5:57 PM @MercuryPDX:
Not only could there be insurance fraud, but what is the deductible? I am sure a lot more than a locksmith. Plus, your premiums will probably go up too.
BAD decision.
triscuitbiscuit @ MercuryPDX : Not only could there be insurance...
5:08 PM
8 replies yetiwisdom
5:08 PM TIP: get a cheap key dupe made at the hardware store and drill a hole through it (or get your fave local handyman to do it). Then place said key behind your license-plate with screw through hole.
This will keep it secure and it's rare that you'll be stranded without SOMETHING that can be used (dime, piece o'metal by road, helpful person's screwdriver) to remove the screw and access the key.
This $2 fix has saved my bacon many times. Those magnetic boxes are OK but they can dislodge when u hit a pothole.
yetiwisdom TIP: get a cheap key dupe made at the hardware store and...
8 replies by tanya.peacock, Thanatos, bwcbwc ...
Orv
5:24 PM @yetiwisdom: I do pretty much the same, but I use a magnetic key box and hide it somewhere hard to see, but easy to reach. So far I've never had one fall off. After a few weeks under the car they get enough mud on them to look like part of the car, and anyway a thief isn't going to waste time looking for a key when he could just smash a window.
Orv @ yetiwisdom : I do pretty much the same, but I use a... swedub
5:26 PM @yetiwisdom: That is the coolest most simple tip I've heard. I guess you just need to make sure there is no part of the key exposed past the edge of the license plate. Nothing a simple Dremel can't solve I'm sure. Thanks for the tip!
Luckily my car is a '96 and doesn't have remote door locks. I have to physically lock the door from the outside to lock the car and set the alarm. I am going to do your little key tip for my Mom's car though.
swedub @ yetiwisdom : That is the coolest most simple tip I've... heltoupee
5:29 PM @yetiwisdom: Works unless you drive a car with a theft-deterrent device in the key (some Buicks, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, etc.) I drive a 2005 VW that the cheap valet key costs $85 to replace. They are only cut in Germany and have to be ordered and shipped. Guess that's what you get for wanting German quality...
heltoupee @ yetiwisdom : Works unless you drive a car with a... AD8BC
5:45 PM
@heltoupee: Yup but at least in most cars a simple cut key will open the doors. If the keys are in the car you could get to them and then you can use the real key to start the car.
AD8BC @ heltoupee : Yup but at least in most cars a simple cut... JeffIowa
5:46 PM
@yetiwisdom: FWIW, some people steal license plates. I would hate to give them my whole car if all they wanted were the plates...
JeffIowa @ yetiwisdom : FWIW, some people steal license plates. I... tanya.peacock
6:05 PM @JeffIowa: Very true, especially around where I work.
I actually had my plates stolen last year. Wasn't a hassle though. :)
tanya.peacock @ JeffIowa : Very true, especially around where I work.... Thanatos
6:12 PM @yetiwisdom: Last time i locked my self out of my car it only cost $60 and offered to make 2 free copies of the keys. When i got the keys made i bought a magnetic box i threw a big harddrive magnet in it as well, thing aint going anywhere anytime soon.
Thanatos @ yetiwisdom : Last time i locked my self out of my car... bwcbwc
6:28 PM @yetiwisdom: Or put the key in your wallet.
bwcbwc @ yetiwisdom : Or put the key in your wallet.
5:09 PM
1 reply CFinWV
5:09 PM I would've had the boyfriend come pick me up or take a cab home and then deal with it tomorrow when I could call my mechanic and see if he had any advice. A locksmith would've been my last and final option, but definitely not something I would do while I was upset. And believe me, I would've been upset!
CFinWV I would've had the boyfriend come pick me up or take a...
1 reply by starbreiz
starbreiz
6:16 PM @CFinWV: The last time i did that, I came back to a heavily vandalized vehicle :( My dad was the one who recommended I leave it til morning.
starbreiz @ CFinWV : The last time i did that, I came back to a...
5:09 PM
1 reply Clobberella
5:09 PM
I had something similar happen to me. I ended up paying something like $150 for the guy to spend all of five seconds opening the door with his little gizmo. Having also paid about $90 for a two-mile tow a couple of months before, I finally joined AAA (for a yearly fee of less than half of what I paid the stupid locksmith). I also had a spare key made that I now keep in my purse at all times. I will never, ever call a locksmith again, even if I'm locked out of my house and it's -20 degrees outside. Them's bad people.
Clobberella I had something similar happen to me. I ended up paying...
1 reply by sprocket79
sprocket79
6:18 PM @Clobberella: Those plastic keys AAA makes for you are so handy. I was out with my friend last week and she locked her keys in the car. I was just going to call AAA, but she remembered she had her AAA plastic key in her wallet. Either way, AAA ftw!
sprocket79 @ Clobberella : Those plastic keys AAA makes for you are...
5:13 PM
nix-elixir
5:13 PM
I pay $4.99 a month for roadside assistance with AT&T (which I decided to get after I locked my keys in my car in their parking lot). I've never had a problem with them and I've called them at all hours of the day. I've never had to wait longer than an hour. Any locksmith I call through them cannot charge me a dime.
nix-elixir I pay $4.99 a month for roadside assistance with...
5:14 PM
7 replies ajlei
5:14 PM I always keep an extra key in my purse (now) but on the rare occasion that I change purses, I always seem to a) neglect to put my new key in new purse, and b) lock my keys in my car that day.
Thanks to AAA, though, I've never had to wait more than half an hour. I do love my AAA (not a spokesperson!)
And, as Clobberella said, I think the yearly membership is probably cheaper than one nasty (or even semi-nasty) road mishap (flat/tow/lock-out) might cost. (I say I "think" because it's a family plan through my parents..)
ajlei I always keep an extra key in my purse (now) but on the...
7 replies by AD8BC, kexline, kathyl ...
CFinWV
5:17 PM @ajlei: I've had AAA for 15 years now. I look back at one particularly nasty year I had where sadly all the local tow truck drivers knew me by name. I still think of that one year every time I get ready to renew, it's so worth the peace of mind.
CFinWV @ ajlei : I've had AAA for 15 years now. I look back at... spazztastic
5:33 PM @CFinWV: Same for me...the lockout, then the tow I needed from a busy intersection when the alternator went. Well worth the annual cost.
Of course, now I have AAA, Onstar, and roadside through my insurance.
spazztastic @ CFinWV : Same for me...the lockout, then the tow I... heltoupee
5:37 PM @ajlei: I'm a big BIG fan of AAA. Member since 2003. Membership pays for itself after 1 tow / flat tire. Your membership card functions as a bond card, so you don't have to give up your license when the cops pull you over for speeding. You get discounts everywhere. And, if you still don't think you're getting your money's worth out of them, stop by their local office and pick up some free maps and talk to one of their travel agents for free. It even works if you're not the driver!
I'm not a AAA spokesperson by any means, and never had it before getting a membership as a gift, but I'll have it till I can't drive anymore, and will gladly pay for each of my kids to have it, especially when they head off to college.
heltoupee @ ajlei : I'm a big BIG fan of AAA. Member since 2003.... Outrun1986
5:42 PM @ajlei: I would HIGHLY recommend AAA, they can take care of pretty much any roadside disaster and since its already paid for you will not get ripped off. They tell you they will be there in an hour because of delays every time however usually they get there in 15 min or less, of course if you call on a busy snow day it will be longer. Honestly the price of membership is much better than even one tow or one locksmith call, and you have piece of mind too. The membership has other benefits as well such as free travel planning and other discounts. I think my membership already paid for itself this year since I had to call a tow truck for a jump when my car battery suddenly died.
Outrun1986 @ ajlei : I would HIGHLY recommend AAA, they can take... AD8BC
5:47 PM
@heltoupee: The one time I needed a locksmith was when I locked the keys inside a running rental car. Coincidentally, I was in the parking lot of my local AAA office (I was picking up maps) so they called for me!
AD8BC @ heltoupee : The one time I needed a locksmith was when... kexline
6:13 PM @ajlei: More props to AAA. They always had a sane tow truck driver on the rack when I was driving a beat-up Beetle, they've provided courteous and almost even speedy help with lockouts, and during the recent gas supply shenanigans, they sent out a guy who sold me a gallon of gas and told me where to find more.
They offer discounts (usually just an extra month, but WTH) to a zillion organizations, and an AAA hotel discount nearly offset my membership dues this year.
kexline @ ajlei : More props to AAA. They always had a sane tow... kathyl
6:27 PM @ajlei: Yep, another satisfied AAA member. I've had it ever since I had a driver's license. It's peace of mind insurance, and I've never had a bad experience with anyone AAA has sent out to me. I believe they do a fair amount of research on local companies before they are AAA certified.
kathyl @ ajlei : Yep, another satisfied AAA member. I've had it...
5:19 PM
1 reply SunsetKid
5:19 PM At least here in California, AAA will make, at no charge, a plastic duplicate of your car key in a card that will easily fit in your wallet.
SunsetKid At least here in California, AAA will make, at no...
1 reply by starbreiz
starbreiz
6:16 PM @SunsetKid: I did not know that. (I also live in CA) But I am going to make use of that service this week. Thank you!
starbreiz @ SunsetKid : I did not know that. (I also live in CA)...
5:24 PM
bohemian
5:24 PM If you have some sort of road side assistance, it might cover locksmiths. If it does and pays in full for these services they can't attempt to gouge you for extra money. If they tried you can turn them in to your roadside assistance program and they would probably no long get service calls from that program.
bohemian If you have some sort of road side assistance, it might...
5:25 PM
TemporaryAphasia
5:25 PM A friend and I once locked the keys in the car while at a gas station. It was cold and raining, and a weekend. Our coats were in the car too... But there was a locksmith a few blocks up the street, so I ran there in the rain and he came to open the car... Drenched and shivering, I stood there with my friend for about an hour as he fiddled with the locks... and in the process, managed to break the locks on both front doors. As he went back to his truck for yet another tool, a car full of guys showed up at the gas station, saw two girls in distress, and within 30 seconds, had one of the still-functional doors open. The locksmith came back to the car and was dumbfounded.
After several minutes of arguing that escalated to yelling, we got it through his head that no, we weren't going to pay him a cent since he hadn't actually opened the doors, broke them instead, and took more than an hour to do that - and yes, he was going to fix both doors free of charge on Monday - since we had somewhere to be on the weekend and couldn't do it then. We spent the whole weekend climbing in through the back doors. Took the car back on Monday and he did indeed fix them - without any sort of apology at all.
TemporaryAphasia A friend and I once locked the keys in the car while at...
5:26 PM
1 reply testsicles
5:26 PM
AAA helped me out when, after a night of $1 shots at the bar, a girl I took home locked her keys in the car. AAA came and got rid of her for me.
testsicles AAA helped me out when, after a night of $1 shots at the...
1 reply by bwcbwc
bwcbwc
6:31 PM @testsicles: Wow. That's service. Any idea where they dumped the body? :D
bwcbwc @ testsicles : Wow. That's service. Any idea where they...
5:30 PM
2 replies laserjobs
5:30 PM
How wrong would it be to smash your window and claim it on your insurance?
laserjobs How wrong would it be to smash your window and claim it...
2 replies by AMetamorphosis, triscuitbiscuit
AMetamorphosis
5:53 PM
@laserjobs:
Its unethical.
AMetamorphosis @ laserjobs : Its unethical. triscuitbiscuit
6:00 PM @laserjobs:
Read above... BAD
Think about it: potential insurance fraud, a cost to yourself (the deductible) that will be greater than a locksmith, plus an increase in insurance premiums
triscuitbiscuit @ laserjobs : Read above... BAD Think about it:...
5:31 PM
1 reply spazztastic
5:31 PM Makes $65/year for AAA well worth it. I did this twice; first time, I left my kid in the car with the keys. That was a 911 call. Second time, was just my keys, and I called AAA. the guy who showed up got $10 from my pocket, and told me that typically they charge $50-$125 to do it, depending on the car.
Most contractors will charge you a set minimum price, no matter how long the job takes, like $75 for the first half hour, and then another $75 for each hour after that (broken by quarter hours) If they didn't charge a minimum price, they wouldn't make money, and that's what they're in business to do. So no complaining about how little work it seemed like to you. You couldn't do it, could you?
spazztastic Makes $65/year for AAA well worth it. I did this twice;...
1 reply by farker
farker
6:01 PM @spazztastic:
That sounds perfectly reasonable. I think 99% of people would be happy paying $75 for 10 minutes of work, as long as that was the price agreed upon up front! The bait-and-switch would surely make me fume, I would refuse payment and drive away.
farker @ spazztastic : That sounds perfectly reasonable. I...
5:31 PM
1 reply flugelhorn
5:31 PM I locked myself out of my car in small-town South Dakota once, about 400 miles from home. A motel clerk offered to get her friend to come help, and gave him a call-- at the bar he drank at. A sunburned guy in a cutoff shirt showed up about ten minutes later, reeking of beer. He produced a coat hanger, and bent it into shape on-the-spot. 30 seconds later my car was open, and all he asked for was $15. This was 2004...not many decades ago.
flugelhorn I locked myself out of my car in small-town South Dakota...
1 reply by katiat325
katiat325
5:50 PM
@flugelhorn: that is soo funny, and yet so awesome.
katiat325 @ flugelhorn : that is soo funny, and yet so awesome.
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HOW TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST "PHONY LOCKSMITHS"
Below are links to various news outlets, consumer protection agencies and state Attorney General offices addressing the issue of "phony locksmiths". The story is familiar in many states: an out-of-state company hires a number of unscrupulous individuals in the area to sub-contract its work using assumed business names, fake addresses and phone numbers. Many times consumers have been over-sold, under serviced, or just plain lied to!
The Illinois Attorney General filed criminal charges against a New York locksmith operation for setting up phony storefronts with unlicensed individuals practicing locksmithing that lead consumers to believe they were dealing with local companies. The action was successful, and the company was ordered to pay thousands in restitution, to cease operations and to no longer do business in the state under a new name or any of the 25 different names the company had been using in local telephone directories!
ALOA encourages locksmiths who are facing this same situation to go to their state's Attorney General who can take the appropriate legal action against these fraudulent companies. ALOA recently sent a letter to all Attorneys General urging them to pursue this matter in their state. For a copy of that letter, Click Here . To contact your state's Attorney General, go to Click Here .
ALOA is also empowering you to take immediate action when these fraudulent operations show up in your city. Click Here for a Press Release that you may send to your local print and broadcast news media outlets. Make sure you put in the date and the name of your city in the highlighted areas.
For further assistance, contact ALOA Legislative Manager, Tim McMullen at 214-819-9733 x300 or tim@aloa.org
Click here to view the Phony Locksmith Press Room with various reports of Phony Locksmiths
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