Complaints of shady locksmiths on the rise
You need a plumber, electrician or locksmith, so you grab the phonebook or go online to look for one.
You see an ad for a company that promises quick, reliable service and low-low prices.
Before you make the call you'd better check them out.
"There are a lot of scams out there and a lot of frauds and there are a lot of people posing as companies that really aren't legitimate companies."
The Better Business Bureau's Niki Horace says bogus businesses often have impressive-looking ads or web sites.
"The yellow pages, they don't verify the information before they publish it, it's not their responsibility. So anybody can post anything in their ads."
Right now the BBB is getting lots of complaints about shady locksmiths. They're not licensed, they don't know what they're doing, and the final price is no bargain because the price quote is bogus.
There are plenty of legitimate locksmiths around -- you just need to take the time to find them. Get a BBB Reliability Report. Find out if they have a business license. You can do both online. Or just Goggle their name and see what pops up. A few simple checks can save you a lot of grief.
For More Information:
Department of Labor and Industries Contractor Registration line: (800) 647-0982
Hiring a Contractor
BBB Reliability Report
Is a Business is Registered?
You see an ad for a company that promises quick, reliable service and low-low prices.
Before you make the call you'd better check them out.
"There are a lot of scams out there and a lot of frauds and there are a lot of people posing as companies that really aren't legitimate companies."
The Better Business Bureau's Niki Horace says bogus businesses often have impressive-looking ads or web sites.
"The yellow pages, they don't verify the information before they publish it, it's not their responsibility. So anybody can post anything in their ads."
Right now the BBB is getting lots of complaints about shady locksmiths. They're not licensed, they don't know what they're doing, and the final price is no bargain because the price quote is bogus.
There are plenty of legitimate locksmiths around -- you just need to take the time to find them. Get a BBB Reliability Report. Find out if they have a business license. You can do both online. Or just Goggle their name and see what pops up. A few simple checks can save you a lot of grief.
For More Information:
Department of Labor and Industries Contractor Registration line: (800) 647-0982
Hiring a Contractor
BBB Reliability Report
Is a Business is Registered?