The local Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about fraudulent and disreputable locksmiths known for doing inadequate work and overcharging.
Complaints concerning locksmiths and locksmith companies have risen 75 percent nationwide over the last year, the BBB of Southern Arizona said.
The locksmiths generating complaints in many cases are national companies that pose as local small businesses, according to the report. Consumers have complained that the firms quoted a price and charged more than the agreed amount after doing the work.
Some of the problem companies run large ads in phone books with local numbers and a bogus address or none at all, said Kim States, public affairs director for the local BBB.
"Just because there's a nice, fancy ad in the yellow pages does not mean that you'll get the service that you should," she said.
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Even so, many reputable local locksmiths advertise in local phone directories, sometimes without addresses.
A local woman and her son filed a complaint with the BBB in August against New York-based Dependable Locksmith.
The complaint alleges that she was given a quote of $80. After repairing the lock, the locksmith gave her a bill for $186.
Her son called the local number to dispute the amount, was transferred several times, then put on hold.
"His complaint is right in line with what the BBB is seeing," States said.
The company, also operating using the names Superb Solutions, Locksmith 24 Hour Inc., USA Total Security and others, has an "unsatisfactory" record with the BBB based on complaints and its failure to address them.
Another locksmith company that has generated complaints to the BBB is Basad Inc., which operates with more than 50 other names nationwide. A phone number listed by the BBB for three locations in Phoenix has been disconnected.
Joe Wainwright, owner and co-president of Wainwright's Inc., 2045 E 15th St., said he has heard of similar locksmith complaints before.
"It's hard to quote on the phone because you don't know what you're getting into," he said. "If I get out there and it's going to cost me a little more to do it, I'll charge them the same price."
Ray Nevarez, owner of Lockbusters, 4401 E Speedway, follows the same protocol and also has heard from customers about phony companies.
"One of my customers called me after they did a job for her," he said. "The guy couldn't open the lock. It was an easy job, I would have done it for $40 but he charged her $250 to replace it."
A representative of Dependable Locksmith did not return several phone calls. A customer-service representative said the company offers mobile service.
Choosing a locksmith
• Check or ask for a local address. Using a local may make it easier to resolve any disputes.
• Find a dependable locksmith before you actually need one. A dependable service won't leave you stranded and is fairly priced.
• Use a credit or debit card to pay. Disputes can be handled through the card company.
• Check a locksmith's training or certifications. Associated Locksmiths of America offers several levels of certification.
• Get estimates from at least three companies for non-emergency service.
• Research the cost of hardware. Bogus locksmiths are known to charge 300 percent more than retail for locks and parts.
• Always check the company's record with the Better Business Bureau at www.tucson.bbb.org
Source: Better Business Bureau, staff research