How many phony locksmiths are operating in the U.S.?

Joanne Grimes, a retired teacher who owns rental property in Alexandria, Va., says her tenants were told a service call would cost $185, but the bill came to $586.

"You know, I can go to Home Depot and buy a lock and a door for $600," she says.

Grimes contacted the Better Business Bureau, where president Edward Johnson has been trying for five years to get something done about phony locksmiths.

"One of the larger ones that the BBB has identified is a company that poses as a local locksmith in cities across the country. And indeed, they advertise in the Yellow Pages using local phone numbers and fake local addresses," Johnson says. "A consumer might think they're dealing with a local locksmith, but the phone call is actually routed to a call center located in the Bronx of New York City."

But stopping these scammers has been difficult. In Richmond, Va., locksmith Jeff Musser, who founded a company called 1-800-UNLOCKS, says consumers rarely dispute the bill.

"They've got a kid to pick up from school. Their husband is at work. They've got to get that key made," he says. "When they give a credit card, sky's the limit with the credit card."

Locksmiths have been joining a Texas-based trade group — the Associated Locksmiths of America. Their dues help pay for a series of public service announcements — something attorneys general have also tried.

In one such spot, Macie Pridgen of the Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney's Office warns the public "to beware of untrustworthy locksmith companies who are ripping off consumers across the country."

The message urges customers to be cautious, noting that most of the locksmiths use an unmarked vehicle and only accept cash.

The locksmiths' group has also hired a lobbyist to promote stricter laws. Fifteen states now regulate locksmiths, and a few have taken con artists to court. The locksmith scam has even caught the attention of the FBI — but so far, the bureau says it's not dangerous or costly enough to warrant a national investigation.


Link:
http://www.npr.org/2011/07/20/138480822/when-you-call-a-locksmith-will-a-con-man-answer