Day-in and day-out, we hear horror stories from our customers who almost got scammed by a scammer locksmith. Unfortunately, many times, people fall for the scams of these criminals.

Today, a very smart Calgary accountant did what we suggest everyone to do, think and refuse to pay. Mariya Savchyshyn owns a condo in Calgary and rents it out. She said her tenants asked her to replace their lock, and a Google search listed Locksmith Calgary at the top, so she called them without doing her searches to see that they are a scammer locksmith.

Finding out if a locksmith company is a scam is quite easy, here are a few simple steps from Terry Whin-Yates to catch them.

Tips from Terry Whin-Yates on spotting a locksmith scammer

1. Do they provide unbelievably cheap pricing? The $29, $19, $39 dollar locksmith ads are a scam.
2. Do they operate under different business names? Scammer locksmiths often run under different business names to shield their identity.
3. Is their Google Maps location legitimate? Many locksmith scammers have their Google Maps locations out of gas stations, Starbucks locations, restaurants, or even a middle of a forest (we’ve seen it all). Pull up their location on Google street view and see where their address is, if it’s another business, it’s a fake. If it’s a house, it’s a scam. For example, the Locksmith Calgary scammer presents their address as 724 80 Ave SW, Calgary AB.  This is a fake location.
   

   Locksmith Calgary Scammer at 724 80 Ave SW

4. Are they licensed? In British Columbia for example, you can check if a locksmith company is licensed or not by inputting their security license number into the following page – Security Licence Status Verification.
5. Check their phone number! Copy their phone number into Google, does it appear in locations like Toronto and other provinces or states where the locksmith shouldn’t be? It’s a fake.
6. Ask for the name of the business owner and a link to his or her biography, if the company is hesitant to provide the information of the owner of the company, stay away.
7. Ask for ID and documentation. Do not let them start work without the company showing their security license, drivers license, insurance, and city business license. If they say “I don’t have it” or “I can send it to you later” or if it looks fake, refuse them doing the work, refuse to pay and send them away.
8. If the locksmith gets aggressive or pushy with their tactics or if at any time you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, dial 911 immediately.
9. Do they have a reputation? If you can’t find anything about them online such as a social media following or a clean track record, do not let them work on your property as they are most likely a locksmith scammer. Reputable locksmiths and locksmith business owners like Terry Whin-Yates, the owner of Mr. Locksmith and Mr. ProLock have a clean track record.
10. Do they show up in an unmarked vehicle, or does their vehicle simply say “locksmith service” ? They are most likely a scam, do not allow them entry or to do any work on your property.
11. Do they refuse to provide an invoice on the spot? Are there inflated or hidden charges? Refuse to pay and if they get aggressive, dial 911.
12. Do they have a GST number on the invoice? Check if it’s legitimate here.
13. Do they list their locksmiths on their website like on a team page with their name and pictures like we do with locksmith Vancouver? If not, you have to wonder why and what they’re hiding.

There are many more warning signs to catch a scammer locksmith. Just use your head and if you can’t determine if they’re fake or not, don’t use them!

One big warning sign which Mariya Savchyshyn should have caught onto was the fact that the scammer locksmith, Locksmith Calgary used the tenant’s phone to phone her. Why wouldn’t they use their own cell number? Because these scammer locksmith’s do not want repeat customers.

Scammer locksmiths such as locksmith Calgary operate on a one-hit basis. They scam you, and then they request an extreme amount of money and force you to pay. Because of the bad experience they provide, they don’t expect you to call back which is why they provide an illegitimate invoice with a fraudulent tax ID, a fake address and at often times as well, a fake phone number.

Thankfully, when the scammer locksmith called Mariya Savchyshyn to say that he’s done, she caught on. Locksmith Calgary refused to provide an itemized invoice for the inflated invoice which was triple the cost, $773.85 as per CBC.

“And I’m like, that’s weird, because usually the customer has to receive an invoice, look at it and then pay, right?” said Savchyshyn.

“I’m an accountant myself, and I know that no one is going to send me money until they see the invoice.”

When Savchyshyn refused to pay without knowing exactly what she was paying for — she says the company threatened to send the bill to a collection agency.

Terry Whin-Yates states that threats are common with scammer locksmiths. We’ve heard from people that the scammer locksmiths have gotten violent with violent threats, verbal threats, death threats and unfortunately much more.

“I just want to warn people because someone … might be scared because that company is scaring people by saying they’ll send them to collections,” she said.

“They might be scared and just pay $800 for a lock, it’s ridiculous.”

A scammer locksmith will have a hard time sending you to a legitimate collections agency. Collection agencies are not stupid, they will ask for supporting documentation which the scammer locksmiths will not have. Do not be fooled by the collection agency trick. If they do send you to collections, you can fight it by signing up to a low-cost service called LegalShield.

Company says invoices issued after payment

“Locksmith Calgary told CBC Calgary they don’t provide a billing service, even for larger companies, and require all payments be made before an invoice is issued.”

This should be an immediate red flag. No legitimate company issues an invoice after payment. We, for example always issue an itemized invoice before the customer pays, because that’s the correct way of doing business. If a customer has a question, we’re always there to answer that question.

It is ok to ask the locksmith who their credit card processor is for collecting payments. Credit card processors are the companies that collect your payment on behalf of the merchant and then provide the merchant with the funds. Names of some credit card processors are: Moneris, Square, Payfirma, Helcim, Stripe. If the locksmith doesn’t know or refuses to answer the question, refuse to pay. If they demand cash, refuse to pay.

“On their website, Locksmith Calgary lists their service call fee as $15 plus labour and hardware costs. A lock change is listed as $35 dollars and a lock re-key as $19.”

For further information go to Mr. Locksmith

Unboxing Lock Tech GM Ignition Removal Tools

So we have a new “toy”, from LockTech. Instead of an unboxing, we will call it an “unbagging”. It’s a full set from AccuReader LockTech. And this is the ignition removal tools. A onewhole set, is all four of them. Rather than buy one at a time, just buy the whole thing. It would save you some money. And again, this is an unbagging, not unboxing. It has never been opened, and it will be the first time of us “playing” with it. We’ve been using AccuReader LockTech’s tools for years, so it is the first time getting like the whole little set here.

So get that there. It is a total unbagging. They’re easy to tell apart which is kinda cool. So we’ve got a blue side, a yellow side, a green one with a toy. So we got the whole set here of four. Most of their products,  by the way are extremely well made. So it does the trick. And we’ll show this in action, this is just an unbagging today, we’ll show it in action down the road.

These four different tools, they call it the V1, V2, V3, V4. And this’ll take out the ignitions on a whole lot of cars like the Chevrolet Cruzes, Chevrolet Colorado, Silverado, the Alero. It is an interesting tool for me. It’s removing the ignition cylinders from GM vehicles without drilling or damaging which is very cool. We’ve had their other products even before. Some of these are earlier ones, but they’re as fantastic. Instructions comes with the bag.

All four (4) of GM Ignition Removal Tools Set

We’ll post some videos of us playing with this. So I hope that helps a little bit. We will play with some ignitions later, but right now this is just an unbagging of a brand new “toy” from AccuReader LockTech for us. I hope you enjoyed watching this video. Subscribe to my channel. Also, visit my website and you can see what online locksmith training I have for beginners, intermediate, and advanced, as well as my covert methods of entry and my nondestructive methods of entry.

Mr. Locksmith Vancouver

Vancouver Locksmith Main: (604) 239-0882

Downtown Vancouver Locksmith: (604) 262-1907

Downtown Vancouver Keystore: (604) 669-8008

Mr. Locksmith Automotive Locksmith: (604) 259-7617

For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training http://mrlocksmithtraining.com/

For Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to http://mrlocksmith.com/locksmithfranchise-opportunities

Kaba Simplex 5000 Series Cylindrical Mechanical Pushbutton Lock and is good for access control.

This Kaba fully mechanical lock eliminates the material and labor expense of battery replacements has a single access-code and is programmed via the keypad without removing the lock from the door. Very sturdy and simple lock, however, only has one code with key over-ride. Lock cylinders from all major locks and high-security locks can be added to the lock fits into your Master key system/

Rekey Mechanical Pushbutton Lock | Mr. Locksmith New Westminster

Rekey Mechanical Pushbutton Lock | Mr. Locksmith New Westminster

Electronic door locks are typically battery powered with a battery life of around 2 years depending on use. If the batteries run out you can always a mechanical key to allow access. Some models have an exterior 9 Volt battery hookup to allow emergency power. Most models give an audible beep before the batteries go dead allowing approximately 80 openings depending on use. Note: only use quality brand name alkaline batteries. Mr. Locksmith highly recommends Duracell batteries.

One of the most versatile Electronic Commercial grade Lever Access Control Lock is the NDE wireless locks. The NDE locks can be stand-alone or integrated into popular electronic access control systems. This is my go-to lock for most customers who need an access control system. Many customers start with one lock and can expand to hundreds of doors. Customers include restaurants, retail, small and large business, hospitals, schools, Airbnb, apartment buildings, the list is endless. The NDE locks are very affordable, cost-effective, expandable and durable.

A more robust and great Electronic locks for growing or larger facilities is the Schlage CO 200 Access Control Lock.

One of my favorite residential Electronic Locks is the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt makes daily life easier and more convenient. Enter an access code on the touchscreen to unlock the door instead of searching your pockets for keys. Pairing the lock with your smartphone over Bluetooth® is as easy as pairing your phone with your car, and the free Schlage Sense app makes setting up and using the lock as simple as checking email. Share access with trusted friends and family with just a few taps – no more keeping track of spare keys

Mr. Locksmith Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Lock

Call Mr. Locksmith for further information http://www.mrlocksmith.com/

or email: info@mrlocksmith.com

Mr. Locksmith Vancouver

Vancouver Locksmith Main: (604) 239-0882

Downtown Vancouver Locksmith: (604) 262-1907

Downtown Vancouver Keystore: (604) 669-8008

Mr. Locksmith Automotive: (604) 259-7617

For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you by Terry Whin-Yates for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training

For Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to http://mrlocksmith.com/locksmithfranchise-opportunities/

For further information go to http://mrlocksmith.com/

A huge market right now for locksmiths is Emergency school lockdown procedures or “Active Shooter” as well as other institutions and even some commercial applications. However, for schools, there are so many security products on the market and a lot of it is just useless. Schlage has a great system. They call this the “classroom security function.” Basically, when you think about it, it is an Institutional lock so you have keys on both sides and it’s a classroom function. So again, you have keys on both sides. It’s a classroom function, but it can be locked down from the inside if there is an emergency. The Classroom teacher would have an “Emergency key” and if the alarm system or the speaker system sounds for “Lock Down Procedures” the teacher would from the inside of the door lock the door. From the inside, even though it’s got a lock on the inside, you can always open the door from the inside and it shows you which way if you can put the key in. From the outside, it’s a classroom function. When I put the key in, from the outside it becomes a storeroom function! So it’s always locked, you can’t get out, but the inside you can still come and go as you please. So, for during the day, when the school, the janitor, or the teacher, whoever unlocks the door, they do classic classroom function. Let’s unlock it. The kids can come and go as they please, it’s not a problem. If there’s a problem and you have to go to emergency lockdown procedures, all the teacher has to do is put their key in on the inside, turn it, that way, to the lock position. Now, it’s a class, it’s turned it into a storeroom function now. They can’t get in from the outside, just the teacher just simply just turn it and from the inside, you can still get out. So no matter what happens, you could always open the door from the inside and get out. From the outside, you just lock down the door. Quick, fast, efficient, easy upgrade for the school. When the “All Clear” is sounded and after the situation is over, the teacher can just turn it back into the classroom function, it’s just regular, again back to where it was. For a quick easy upgrade to your school, for emergency lockdown procedures, I highly recommend this is the Schlage, Schlage ND-Series and it’s called the “Classroom Security Function.”

In conclusion, the lock is an Institutional lock and it’s called the Classroom security. Love it, it’s absolutely fantastic for the schools. Quick, easy upgrade. Yes, there are more secure products we can install but again, for quickly getting your school retrofitted into complying with the emergency lockdown procedures, this is a fantastic product.

Mr. Locksmith Schlage ND Classroom Security Lock

Mr. Locksmith Schlage ND Classroom Security Lock

Call Mr. Locksmith for further information http://www.mrlocksmith.com/

or email: info@mrlocksmith.com

Mr. Locksmith Vancouver

Vancouver Locksmith Main: (604) 239-0882

Downtown Vancouver Locksmith: (604) 262-1907

Downtown Vancouver Keystore: (604) 669-8008

Mr. Locksmith Automotive: (604) 259-7617

For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you by Terry Whin-Yates for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training

For Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to http://mrlocksmith.com/locksmithfranchise-opportunities/

School or Education Lockdown / Active Shooter Locks: Schlage ND Classroom lock

For further info go to www.mrlocksmith.com

The Yale Nextouch is an interesting product. I haven’t been a fan in the past of the Yale electronic locks. However, a customer required several locks for public/customer washrooms and the Yale Lock meet the requirements and price point. The customer-specific reason is they want a restroom lock so that the junkies do not get into the washroom and shoot up. Welcome to the West coast and one of our biggest problems in public washrooms is junkies overdosing in washrooms.  Mostly we install deadbolts with the displayed privacy function. However, we have a lot of clients and customers who want a form of access control with key over-ride.

At the end of the day, customer needs some kind of accountability of who goes into the bathroom, but it’s just not left open. The customer can just enter a number to unlock it to let them. But because it’s a restroom, the only way you’re going to lock a door with something like this would be to put a barrel bolt on the door or another deadbolt.

The Yale Nextouch has a “Privacy mode.” The customer closes the door and holds the “Privacy mode” button a voice from the locks states “Privacy Mode Enabled.” So now anybody from outside has no access,  no matter what pin number is being used from the outside, it will not let you in because here you’re inside it will always tell you that somebody’s trying to get in, but it won’t allow them to pin their way in. Now the only time this is disengaged, it’s not because you pull the handle to open the door, but when the door swings open. The lock resets back to a storeroom function.

The lock is a heavy-duty design and ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification. Good lock for, Office doors, Restrooms, storage closets, or a scalable solution for a multi-family, retail or corporate property. The lock is upgradable access control to wireless ZigBee / Z-Wave or Data-on-Card technologies as system requirements change and grow.

Again, this is very simple. It’s a pin with a code with a key override. You have to install the door sensor to enable the “Privacy Mode.” Presently, no master pin code over-ride, to open if someone is inside would require the key to over-ride the pin code function to open the door.

In conclusion, the price point is very, very good. The lock appears to be quite a heavy-duty unit. Normally, I would probably recommend the NDE but it does not have the pin code function. One problem is the user has to hold that button down for three seconds to enable the “Privacy Mode Function.”  The unit does come with a sticker you can put on the door or lock on how to use it.

Mr. Locksmith Yale Nextouch KeyPad Lock

Call Mr. Locksmith for further information http://www.mrlocksmith.com/

or email: info@mrlocksmith.com

Mr. Locksmith Vancouver

Vancouver Locksmith Main: (604) 239-0882

Downtown Vancouver Locksmith: (604) 262-1907

Downtown Vancouver Keystore: (604) 669-8008

Mr. Locksmith Automotive: (604) 259-7617

For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you by Terry Whin-Yates for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training

For Mr. Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to http://mrlocksmith.com/locksmithfranchise-opportunities/

Mr. Locksmith Yale Nextouch Lock

For further information go to Mr. Locksmith.

One of the most versatile Commercial grade Lever Electronic Access Control Lock is the NDE wireless locks. The NDE locks can be stand-alone or integrated into popular electronic access control systems. This is my go-to lock for most customers who need an access control system. Many customers start with one lock and can expand to hundreds of doors. Customers include restaurants, retail, small and large business, hospitals, schools, Airbnb, apartment buildings, the list is endless. The NDE locks are very affordable, cost-effective, expandable and durable.

The NDE design packages the cylindrical lock, credential reader, and access control sensors together into a small footprint that is both easy to install and affordable. NDE enables the use of both proximity (125 kHz) and/or smart (13.56 MHz) credentials which feature a much higher level of security and versatility. The app is free and is available for Apple and Android devices.

Security

• Electronics bring more visibility and control to the opening
• Reads high-security smart (13.56 MHz) as well as proximity (125 kHz) credentials
• Built on proven Schlage ND-Series, Grade 1 mechanical lock

Efficiency

• Updates can be made immediately, from anywhere, depending on access control system
• Flexible connectivity options to fit building infrastructure
• Suites with Schlage mechanical and electrified ND-Series locks with many common parts

Convenience

• Works with the same credentials used on the building perimeter
• Smart credentials can be used for vending and other applications

NDE wireless locks feature a variety of network connectivity options and can work together with other Schlage wireless locks as follows:

• Wi-Fi Direct (offline) – can be used with LE wireless locks
• RS-485 via PIM400 – can be used with AD-300, AD-400, LE, and wireless accessories
• IP POE via ENGAGE Gateway – can be used with Schlage Control and LE

Certifications

• ANSI/BHMA A156.25-2013 (Indoor/Outdoor)
• ANSI/BHMA A156.2-2011, Series 4000, Grade 1
• UL 294
• UL 10C
• CSA C22.2 No. 205-M1983
• FCC Part 15
• IC RSS-210
• ADA
• RoHS
• ICC ANSI A117.1

Compatibility

NDE wireless locks read industry-leading Smart credentials as well as proximity credentials. When installed as part of a proximity credential based system, the multi-technology reader will enable you to step up over time to more secure and versatile Smart technology.

Credential types

• 13.56 MHz Smart
• 125 kHz proximity

Styles

• Cards
• Key fobs
• PVC disks
• Wearable wristbands
• Mobile phone (compatible with NFC-enabled phones)

Mr. Locksmith Schlage NDE Series Electronic Access Control Smart Card

Reader options

• Multi-technology reader compatible with proximity (125 kHz) and Smart (13.56 MHz) card use

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi access point (automatic daily updates)
• ENGAGE Gateway allows real-time communication; RS-485 to alliance access control panel or IP to host software

Communication standards

• 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g)
• WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1x
• Bluetooth low energy (version 4.0)
• Transport Layer Security (TLS) version 1.0
• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), 256-bit

Additional

• Communication range – up to 100 ft.
• Data rate – up to 54 Mbps via Wi-Fi
• Battery life – up to 2 years with 4 AA batteries
• Exterior Temp: -31° to 151°F (-35° to 66°C)
• Interior Temp: 32° to 120°F (0° to 49°C) (battery)
• Humidity: 0 – 100% non-condensing

Cylinder and keys

• Can be updated to include all major keyways (Schlage, Weiser, Kwikset, Corbin, Sargent, etc.)
• Can be updated to all major High-Security cylinders (Primus, Medeco, Abloy, etc.)
• Master keying and grand master keying options
• competitive key-in-lever, FSIC and SFIC options

NDE wireless locks feature a variety of network connectivity options and can work together with other Schlage wireless locks as follows:

• Wi-Fi Direct (offline) – can be used with LE wireless locks
• RS-485 via PIM400 – can be used with AD-300, AD-400, LE, and wireless accessories
• IP POE via ENGAGE Gateway – can be used with Schlage Control and LE

Call Mr. Locksmith for further information http://www.mrlocksmith.com/

or email: info@mrlocksmith.com

For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you by Terry Whin-Yates for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training

For Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to http://mrlocksmith.com/locksmithfranchise-opportunities/

Mr. Locksmith Schlage NDE Series Electronic Access Control Door

Mr. Locksmith Schlage NDE Series Electronic Access Control Lock