Locksmith Identity Theft
Seems like even some locksmiths are stealing the names and reputations of other locksmiths…
See this NBC6 report:
You get locked out of your car or home, or want to change your locks. You call the locksmith you trust. But do you know who is actually showing up?
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“Well, Richard’s has been around for a long time,” said NBC reporter Jeff Burnside posing as a driver who locked his keys in a car.
“They’re busy sometimes and they call me,” said the locksmith who showed up to unlock the car.
On hidden camera, the locksmith claims he’s working on behalf of a well-known locksmith company named
“Richard’s Locksmith and Safes” on Sample Road in Coral Springs, Florida.In fact, we called directory assistance and asked simply for “Richard’s Locksmith.” We dialed that number. “Yea, Richard’s,” said Burnside, “Do you help people who are locked out of their car?”
But the locksmith who showed up was not the one we intended. When we confronted him, we discovered he works for “Boca Security Services.” The locksmith, who wouldn’t give us his name, conceded there is deception in the way his boss got our business.
“You would agree with that, wouldn’t you?” asked Burnside.
“I guess there is. Everyone does their business their own way. It’s unfortunate.”
Here’s what happens. When a customer does an Internet search or calls Directory Assistance for a favorite locksmith, like “Richard’s,” you may get the real number. But you also get a slew of copycats using similar names that can mislead a lot of customers.
“I’ve been cheated by an unscrupulous locksmith,” says salon owner Steve Holbrook who looked up his favorite locksmith to come change door locks, only to find out later he’d been misled by the same “Boca Security Services.”
November 13th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
[...] discusses locksmith identity theft. When selecting a locksmith, make sure who you dial is who shows [...]
February 28th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Richards locksmith NEVER Tradmarked his Name! He does NOT own it! Too bad for him!
March 30th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Bellflower Locksmith is a local branch operated by AM PM Locksmith. We are licensed, bonded and insured. Our reputation is built on years of dedicated service in Bellflower and the greater Los Angeles county . We are available 24/7 to provide help in emergency situations as well as routine lock & key replacement.