LIE-Locksmith advise you should not ignore

So who watched the ABC program called “Lookout” this week and the segment about scam locksmiths?

Part of the information was old news but a needed reminder of the following:

1.       When you are locked out of your home or business most locksmiths rip you off by when they drill a lock that can be easily picked adding up to hundreds of dollars.They also insist on cash payments.

2.       Don’t think because you are calling a local locksmith that they are local.Many companies are based in other states and send independent contractors all over the nation. They get millions of calls a year and send out complete strangers who are handing you your keys.

3.       We personally know one valley locksmith who employed a registered sex offender for 12 years. He does not do background checks before hiring.PRETTY SCARY STUFF! Now this individual owns his own security company.

4.       Every company charged 3 to 4 times more than they quoted these vulnerable folks who asked first.

5.       Most companies show an address on google maps but when ABC went to these address’s they were all fake( not a surprise to us)

SO LISTEN UP-HERE IS FLAM’S ADVICE:

     1.LIE, YES I SAID LIE! When Flam’s is not available for lockouts we tell our customers to say something 

       Like this; “ I have locked myself out 3 times already ( I am such a ditz) to thankfully I know my lock

       Can be picked”. If they still have to drill it it means they are either inept or you have a high security

       Lock which is designed to be pick resistant(not*even Flam’s has had to drill a common lock but is

       About 1% of the time).

     2. Find a local brick and mortar 24/7 locksmith BEFORE you need them and don’t believe the internet.

     3. As a general rule most locksmiths who run 24/7 and have the largest ads are not the companies

         You would call for your more important security needs-that would of course be Flam’s. But

        Kidding aside, they do not have the required California State Contractors license and do mostly

        Lockouts.

Protecting what you most value,

Vikki Flam