BBB and BC Crime Prevention unveils Top 10 scams “Fraudulent and Unlicensed Locksmiths in Vancouver”

On 01.05.12 • In Locksmith License, Security Warning, Theft Prevention • by MasterLocksmith

BBB, BC Consumer Protection and the BC Crime Prevention Association.

The top ten list identifying the Fraudulent and Unlicensed Locksmiths was developed jointly by the BBB, BC Consumer Protection and the BC Crime Prevention Association.

BBB “Consumers reported “local locksmiths” advertising online using a local telephone number and local address, but when contacted, consumers are connected to a call centre in another city.

Consumers who have hired these companies allege they have been overcharged for products and services, received bad advice or poor workmanship, or have had difficulty contacting the business to correct problems.

BBB stated “Fraudulent locksmiths: Florida-based locksmiths posing as local firms have been overcharging for poor workmanship and bad advice and have left consumers with no avenue for redress. Locksmith Master and Locksmith Pros are two operating locally.”

AVOID FRAUD, DON’T BE A VICTIM: Don’t just pick the first “local” company you find online. Most of the Google “Paid Ads” are unlicensed locksmiths. Confirm the company address and ask for the legal name of the business. When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, a business card and their BC Security Employee license. All reputable companies will take Visa or MasterCard if they insist on cash only beware.

I was contacted by a lady yesterday who said she was a victim of a Unlicensed Locksmith company she found on Google Ad Words in Downtown Vancouver who wanted to charge her over $300 to replace a mailbox lock she had lost the keys to. She paid the two “scuffy looking men” $160 cash and still has no keys to her mailbox.

Note: Mr. Locksmith charges only $95 + HST to pick open and replace the mailbox lock and we supply 2-3 keys.

Mr. Locksmith is a BC Licensed Locksmith Company (B4227) and is a 24 Hr. Emergency Mobile locksmith specializing in lock rekeys, lock outs, high security deadbolt installation and are experts in picking locks (except UL Listed Pick Resistant Locks eg Schlage Primus, Medeco, ASSA). Mr. Locksmith has a locksmith store at SFU Harbour Centre at 555 W Hastings. (Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm).