Time and again, we at Busy Bees Locksmith recommend people to keep contact numbers of reputed local locksmiths handy. Here’s one of the cautionary tales for our customers.
Almost all of us lose car or house keys at some point and need emergency help. Without having access to a reliable locksmith, you make yourself an easy prey for fake and/or rogue locksmiths advertising on the Internet. It happens across the US, and not just in San Diego CA.
Thankfully, California has one hurdle to help consumers avoid fake locksmiths: mandatory license from the state. No locksmith can operate in the state of California without a valid locksmith license. If you need a locksmith in San Diego or anywhere in California, you must insist on checking their license. You can verify the license on the state government website.
Recently, I came across an investigative TV story in Charlotte NC. Action 9 did an investigation into locksmith fraud and cheap locksmiths operating in the area.
According to the Action 9 news channel, one Jamie Smith lost her car keys and had to run quickly to pick her daughter from school. She looked on the Internet and reached a fake locksmith. She was quoted just about $50. After the job was done, she ended up being charged almost six times that: $279. The key worked, but only for a while. She tried to get a replacement for the faulty key, but the locksmith refused.
A TV reporter tagged along with the private investigators working for the NC licensing board. The investigators locked a set of keys in a car on purpose, and went hiring locksmiths to come and unlock the car. Most of the locksmiths the investigators called did not have a license, which is mandatory in North Carolina too. Some of the locksmiths were habitual offenders, known to the investigators.
These tales are just too common. People need locksmiths in emergencies, and barely think about the dangers that lurk on the Internet. Many people pretend to be licensed locksmiths on the Internet.
Getting ripped off is just a small risk of hiring such random locksmiths. Your keys and locks are meant to protect and secure your family and property. If you hire a criminal for a locksmith job, you never know what dangers lie ahead.
We want you to be safe. Don’t wait for a locksmith emergency to arise before you go out looking for a reliable locksmith. Make yourself aware of the top local locksmith companies beforehand. Keep their phone and address saved in your phone or your physical contact book (if you still maintain one). This way you don’t end up dealing with fraudulent locksmiths.
If you are in San Diego, we invite you to come over to our locksmith shop located at 1747, Kettner Blvd, San Diego CA 92101, and phone +1-619-733-0172. We also have our shops in Santee & Chula Vista. Visit any of our shops and let’s be your locksmith for life!