LOCKSMITH FRAUD

Sadly today we cannot even trust our locksmiths as we once did, the ones who we always thought were meant to represent professional security for our homes, offices and vehicles.

Locksmith fraud is a growing problem in the Phoenix metro area, as well as a nationwide issue. It continues to be a problem due to the fact that at this time, the State of Arizona doesn't require locksmiths to be licensed professionally which would mean holding an actual occupational license such as Certified Registered Locksmith, or to be bonded or insured. So really there is no way to regulate who is qualified, trained, passed security checks, and such. Unfortunately, many states still are only in the process of making it a requirement. So because of this you never know who is actually doing the work on your home or business since they haven't had to pass any security clearance, fingerprinting, or even any official training for the profession they are doing business in. Yes, shocking - but in Arizona none of these things are required to be a locksmith.

Remember that the cheapest price is not always ensuring you get a qualified trained, bonded, insured locksmith that knows what they are doing and that passed security background checks. These things cost extra money, that is why many locksmiths do not do it. And know that not always the cheapest price you are initially quoted over the phone is what you will actually be asked to pay when a 'shoddy locksmith' arrives.

But there is something you can do to protect yourself:

To prevent yourself from being a victim of being ridiculously overcharged, having untrained, uninsured 'locksmiths' that come to your home or business and provide substandard work, you need to always do your homework and verify the qualifications of any locksmith you hire. Remember that in the case of locksmiths the cheapest price is not always ensuring you get a qualified trained, bonded, insured locksmith. These things cost extra money, that is why many locksmiths do not do it. And know that not always the cheapest price you are initially quoted is what you will actually be asked to pay when the locksmith arrives.

The best way to find a reputable locksmith is to go to the Better Business Bureaus website at www.bbb.org and search for a BBB Accredited Locksmith in your area. Or you can always verify with them if any reports were filed about a specific locksmith company.

Another good way to find a bonded, insured, and even an actual Certified Registered Locksmith( and unfortunately, there aren't many in Arizona since it isn't required, like some states such as Illinois and Texas) is to go to Associated Locksmiths of Americas website at www.aloa.org. There you will find a link to search their database for reputable bonded locksmith companies in your area ( or you can go directly to the link at www.findalocksmith.com). To look for A Certified Registered Locksmith(CRL) that has been professionally trained and passed the necessary certification exams, and requirements make sure you include in your search CRL.

Don't just rely on the fact that maybe the Associated Locksmiths of Americas red, white and black membership seal is on the company's website, sometimes the seals are there fraudulently and they are not actually members at all. Likewise with the Better Business Bureau.

If you do unfortunately come across a problem dealing with this type of locksmith in Arizona, the best thing to do is to file a complaint with the Arizona State Attorney General. It is the only way we may eventually get some type of locksmith regulation in this state. You can find information on how to file a complaint at Associated Locksmiths of Americas website www.aloa.org

There are hardworking, honest, qualified locksmiths out there - just do your homework beforehand so you aren't a victim of those who are not.

Lockaid USA LLC, assuring your trust – is locked with us!