Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Global TV Exposes Locksmith Scam

Global's Sean O'Shea did this report revealing how widespread locksmith schemes in the U.S. have penetrated Canada.

Toronto residents should take caution the next time they're locked out and searching for a locksmith. Watch this video revealing the truth behind these Toronto "locksmiths".  

Locksmith video:

Monday, September 27, 2010

Unlicensed Locksmith Story

We've all been there or know someone who has -- locked out and desperate. Homeowners rarely ever need the services of a locksmith, but when you do, you look for the most inexpensive you can find. And you probably look in the phone book and online. 

Locksmith Toronto would like to remind homeowners that they need to be aware of who they call for help.

A local TV station in the U.S. exposes a locksmith scam put on supposed "local" locksmiths. 

A homeowner phones up a locksmith company and reports a home lockout situation. She is quoted $35 for the service. 20 minutes later, an unmarked van shows up at her home. Two men quickly survey the situation and proceed to drill out the lock. Note that just the door knob is locked, not the deadbolt. However, the men proceed to drill both the deadbolt and the door knob and the price jumps to $185. Next, the homeowner is then informed that the lock is a "high security" lock and the price jumps up again, this time to over $400.

Luckily this scenario was all staged by the local news station and when the news reporter appeared on the scene, the "locksmiths" hopped back into their unmarked van and fled. These locksmiths are certainly not licensed, bonded or insured.

Unfortunately, nationwide locksmith schemes are giving local Toronto locksmiths a bad reputation.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Locksmiths Barred and Fined $1.24M

It's bad enough that you're locked out. But imagine getting ripped off by the company you call for help on top of that?!

The latest locksmith news comes out of North Carolina where several locksmith companies have been ordered to repay a total of $1.24M in penalties. They are found guilty of employing unlicensed locksmiths, quoting one price and charging more at the scene, and demanding cash payments.

Defendants in the lawsuit (from http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2010/08/30/daily30.html):

  • 704 Locksmith, Inc. of Charlotte which does business in the Triangle area under several names including Raleigh Locksmith, Durham Locksmith, Apex Locksmith and Smithfield Locksmith.
  • NC Charlotte Locksmith which does business throughout central and western North Carolina using a variety of names such as Charlotte Locksmith, Concord Locksmith, Hickory Locksmith, and Shelby Locksmith.
  • Anna Konevsky of Charlotte, president of 704 Locksmith and NC Charlotte Locksmith
  • Locksmith Services, Inc. of Charlotte, which also operates as Cary Locksmith and Atlantis Locksmith.
  • Tamir Avraham of Charlotte, president of Locksmith Services, Inc.
Toronto residents and businesses: if you're looking for a reputable locksmith in Toronto for rekeying, lock and door repairs, be sure to see Locksmith Toronto at 24hrLocksmithToronto.ca before you hire! 

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Does Your Locksmith Have a Storefront?

Most Toronto locksmith companies don't even have a business set up in Toronto!

The unfortunate reality is that the locksmith companies listed on the first page of Google when you search for "Toronto locksmith" or "locksmith Toronto" are shells of companies that are based nowhere near Toronto?

So you're locked out. And you happen to call one of these locksmiths. What's the problem?

Well the problem is that these companies are employing unethical practices to essentially scam the consumer. For example, you're locked out of your house. You call a "Toronto-based" locksmith and quoted no more than $50. The locksmith shows up and tells you that they can't pick the lock and need to drill it out. Flustered and confused, you agree. They go ahead and drill it out. Now you're no longer locked out but your front door is missing a lock! The locksmith conveniently has supplies in his unmarked van.

All told, your bill comes to well over $500 instead of $50. The locksmith cites additional charges, such as the drilling out of your lock. You guessed it -- your lock never needed to be drilled out in the first place!

The next time your door breaks down, your lose your keys, your lock needs a repair, make sure the locksmith Toronto is actually based in Toronto!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Basic Definition of Lock and Key

Check out this basic definition of the words lock and key at this 24 hour locksmith Toronto Wiki article!

Locksmithing is a competitive industry requiring both technical skills and deep knowledge. Locksmith experts must also keep on top of developments in the locks, deadbolts, padlocks, safes, alarm systems and key products that manufacturers produce. 

The next time you have a lockout situation in Toronto, Canada, find a locksmith Toronto today!

Warning to Toronto Locksmith Consumers

Some Toronto locksmiths are now practicing unethical business practices to rip off Toronto residents and businesses. Find out more at http://www.24hrlocksmithtoronto.ca/

These uncertified locksmiths have been ripping off consumers across the United States but have now infiltrated Canada. They are significantly overcharging customers, making them pay for unnecessary work, intimidating them, and not responding to phone calls or complaints. 

Potential customers are given a reasonable quote for services on the phone. When the locksmith gets to the residence or the business however, he charges significantly more than the quoted price and demands that the consumer pays cash. For example, quoted jobs at $40 becomes $450. 

Locksmithing is a specialized skill. Repairing locks, bolts, doors, door frames, and safes is not an easy job. But ripping off consumers is never acceptable. Toronto residents should learn more about emergency locksmith Toronto.

Friday, July 16, 2010

A Mixture Of Locksmith Toronto


The emergency locksmith toronto offer a number of different emergency services. Before you claim their service make sure that they are licensed, insured and bonded locksmith. Also ensure that 24 hr locksmith toronto is available 24 hours a day. One of the specialties of the locksmith Toronto is that they guarantee a fast response anywhere in the city. This is the major fact that these 24 Hour locksmith Toronto have attained happy repeated customers which has paved way to become one of the fastest growing locksmiths in Toronto! You have to be very cautious when it comes to your business, you cannot take chances with your business.

Thus your security concerns and questions should be attended and responded immediately by the 24 Hour locksmith Toronto. For a variety of commercial lock products and services also 24 Hr locksmith Toronto is available 24 hours a day. Locks are mainly installed at the on the outside facade and they simply protect your house in your absence. The locksmith Toronto installs these door locks in the front entry doors. There are copious types of locks that are available in the market thus the emergency locksmiths Toronto must be aware of these locks which sustain in the market.