Avoid an Online Locksmith Scam

If you have to rely on the services of a local locksmith, you should know about a locksmith scam that is taking place all over the United States. It is not a new thing for people to disguise themselves as service providers, gain your trust and then rob you blind. If you do not want this to happen to you, listen up. There are unscrupulous people who pose as locksmiths who do shoddy work to collect money from unsuspecting victims. Don’t become one of them. Here is how the scam operates.

There are hundreds of websites created that mimic authorized and legit locksmith services. The website looks just like any other service provider on the Internet. It is hard to determine whether or not they are authorized locksmith services with the qualifications to handle your lock and key needs simply by looking at their website. Once the website is listed on Google, they begin to write their own reviews that place them in a favorable position so that you will want to rely on their services and not their competitors.

These scammers go as far as opening up call centers outside of the country to answer your service request inquiries. Once they gather your information, they then route your request to a sub-contractor in the area. They do not actually have their own locksmith company. When you are given a quote, it is usually a low estimate. This is how they draw in the unsuspecting victim. When a locksmith arrives to perform the job you have for them, you may or may not have a real locksmith show up.

They might call themselves fixing the problem but in actuality what they are really doing is creating a bigger problem that will cost you more in the end. They actually damage the lock further instead of make the necessary repairs. They claim the job was more difficult than they first suspected and this is how they are able to get more money out of you. They sometimes get more than triple the amount that you were quoted. While the customer is upset, they generally will not dispute the charges. 

Lookout for Locksmith Scams

When you are in a hurry or simply need a resolution quickly, you may not consider what you need to lookout for but if you can keep only one or two of these signs in mind, you can then look elsewhere for the help you need. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• When contacting the locksmith, if you are being routed to a fake service provider, the dispatcher will not answer with the exact name of the company. If you ask them what locksmith service you have reached, they will not be able to tell you because they probably work for hundreds of fake locksmith companies.
• When they quote you a fee for the job that needs to be performed it will usually be an extremely low rate. This is alarm enough, especially if you are getting much higher quotes elsewhere. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Instead of the low cost of the service that you have been quoted, you may end up spending hundreds of dollars.
• They may promise to respond to your service requests in 15-minute or less. In actuality it may take them up to 2 hours or longer. This is because the service provider has not been contacted yet. Remember, you are not dealing directly with the actual locksmith service and therefore it may take time to find the closest one to you. The closest locksmith may be more than an hour from where you are, despite what Google Maps indicates.
• If you are being scammed, the locksmith will likely arrive in an unmarked vehicle. In some cases, they may have a magnetic sign on their car or truck that they can simply take off. Most reputable locksmith companies advertise their company with permanent advertising, clearly marked on their vehicles. They may also have out-of-state license plates if they are not legitimate.
• They will not have a uniform on and will not be able to show you and ID.
• They will claim that you have high security locks or commercial grade locks and begin drilling into the door, enabling them to destroy the lock itself. At this point, they will usually replace your good lock for a cheap one but still charge you more claiming that it took them longer to pick the lock because they had to drill a lock.
• When you need an automotive locksmith, the locksmith that shows up may claim that since the car is older, it will cost more or if it’s newer they might claim that job will cost more because its newer.
• A fake locksmith will ask for cash payment. Fake locksmiths do not want to accept credit card payments. In most instances, they are not authorized to do so. Credit cards make it possible for them to be discovered.
• They cover their tracks. It’s not possible for you to locate them once they have already scammed you. If you make contact with the actual locksmith, they will say that you have to speak to dispatch. When you contact dispatch, they direct you to another number. When you call that other number, either it doesn’t exists or the phone just rings and no one every answers. Finally, if you do make contact with someone, they will say the locksmith no longer works for them but they will not offer to give you any money back or fix the problem.

Always be aware of scammers when you are trying to find a service provider. There are plenty of decent Downtown Miami, Florida locksmiths, like Reliable Locksmith & Safe, who are eager to assist you with your lock and key needs. You don’t have to become a victim if you just stay calm and think about what it is that you are looking for and be aware of the tactics of locksmith scammers.

Aricle source here: Avoid an Online Locksmith Scam

Lock and Key Types

There are hundreds of different lock and key types. There’s a good reason for that; they work! Locks and locking mechanisms have been successfully used for thousands of years. Bronze Age civilizations used locks to keep unwanted intruders, burglars and the religious uninitiated out of temples, palaces, tombs and treasure buildings. Ancient Romans used to lock their shops at night and on holidays much like shop keepers today. Even children today know that locks are for protecting our valuables. Reading this post from our Reliable Locksmith & Safe staff won’t make you an expert but it will increase your appreciation for these needed and ever valuable tools that we use to secure our own treasures.

Auto locks and keys

We learn at from an early age that our cars, trucks, and SUVs can lock and keep out those that shouldn’t be using them. Auto locks can secure our ignitions, trunks, doors; even our glove compartments. We use the keys to gain entrance and also to make the car engine turn on and off. Older cars use the traditional car key while cars made after 1995 mainly use transponder chip keys to prevent car theft. Many cars use keyless entry locks and systems to open, lock and even drive the car.

Pin tumbler locks

Think of the work “key” and the image you most likely see in your mind is the traditional key with one end larger (for holding) while the main body of the key is the blade which has a series of grooves in it. Keys like this are used in modern day traditional locks. The grooves in the key blade engage the pins in the lock so that if they key matches, they cause the lock to open. Keys and locks like these can be used in a huge variety of ways and you literally see them everywhere. You can have duplicate keys made just about anywhere. You don’t need a locksmith in Downtown Miami, FL to have one cut; you can easily go to any mail center, home improvement store, gas station or even convenience store and have it done for a very small charge.

Tubular locks and keys 

Read our Reliable Locksmith & Safe description and you’ll instantly recognize these all over the place! They are also known as radial locks and circle pin tumbler locks. These are round locks with round keys. Inside the lock are 6 to 8 pins arranged in a circular pattern. That’s why the key that is inserted is tubular or circular in shape. You often see these unusual locks on elevators, bicycle locks, coin operated washing machines, vending machines and even on slot machines in Las Vegas!

Keyless entry systems

We briefly touched on these earlier. Just like the name says; keyless entry systems allow us to access vehicles, ignitions, buildings and other property without the use of keys, per se. The user simply enters a series of numbers into a keypad in order to open the lock. This system is perfect for cutting down on theft as no one can simply steal your key or have a copy made and then drive off with your car. Even your auto remote can be used to alarm, start and even turn off your car. A built-in mechanism shuts down the process and even sounds an alarm if someone was to enter too many number sequences in an effort to “guess” the right combination.

Master key systems

This is a very practical method of rekeying locks so that they fit one key. Using a master key, you can access several locks without having to use multiple keys. It isn’t useful in most everyday situations like at home or for your car. It IS useful in places like schools, universities, hospitals, apartment complexes, office buildings and so forth where multiple rooms, closets, storage facilities and offices all have a different key (for the users) but can be accessed by one master key that the owner or manager has access to. We’ve all seen that poor janitor that has the very ponderous key ring with dozens of jangling keys hanging from it. Master key conversions are useful in many situations and here at Reliable Locksmith & Safe we can help you decide if it’s also right for you.

Transponder keys

Post 1995 most cars use the transponder key system. These specialty keys have drastically cut down on car theft. That’s the good part. What’s the bad? They can be (usually) expensive to duplicate or program if they are lost, broken or stolen. Transponder keys have an embedded chip located in the head or handle of the key. When you insert this key into the ignition and turn it, a signal is sent from this chip to your car’s computer. If the signal matches; presto – your car starts! Car theft is cut down by not being able to copy these keys at your local convenience store.

Key cards

These handy cards are becoming more and more prevalent as they are so easy to implement and track. These key cards are made of plastic and look much like credit cards. They even have a magnetic strip down the back. This strip is encoded with numbers and characters. When the card is swiped, the internal reader in the lock either recognizes the sequence or it doesn’t. Key cards can be used in residential applications like luxury apartments as well as in commercial uses like high end hotels, office buildings, hospital rooms, retirement homes, retail stores and even institutional uses.

Find out more!

Do you need something that needs to be locked? It could be anything from a bedroom trunk to a new commercial building. Different locks do different tasks. Some are low security like the tiny lock on a diary and others can involve more advanced measures like video surveillance and or high security locks. For best results, check with your favorite Downtown Miami locksmith shop or call Reliable Locksmith & Safe for free consultations and no-cost, no-obligation additional details!

Aricle source here: Lock and Key Types

EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT LOCKSMITHS – AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AFRAID TO ASK!

We normally think of calling a locksmith only if we’ve just realized we’re locked out. The truth is, a locksmith is much more than someone who can get you back inside your place if you’re stranded. A prime locksmith is an expert you can count on, who works not only with locks and keys, but also with security systems, safes, and about anything else you can conceive of regarding your property’s security. Locksmiths install, adjust, and repair locks for automobiles, homes, and commercial properties. Here’s an overview of the numerous services a locksmith provides.

Residential locksmiths offer advice on security issues you may not have known about before, providing specialized services to augment the security of your place of residence. They evaluate the quality of your locks and doors, the safety of your entryways, your windows, your garage, and the entire perimeter. A reliable professional residential locksmith will tell you how best to safeguard your crucial documents, your jewelry and other valuables, guns, emergency cash, and anything else you want properly protected. Experienced residential locksmiths are well-versed on the usual strategies burglars use to gain access and avoid detection, which means they’ll help you take logical measures to prevent theft, break-ins, or vandalism. If you’re going to be gone for a long while, a good residential locksmith specialist can advise you on lighting, timers, and even security systems with smart-phone monitoring.

Automotive locksmithsare skilled automotive specialists able to get you back into your vehicle quickly if you’re stranded anywhere without your car keys. They can also fix or replace your ignition cylinder, replace and program your transponder key, and so on.

Commercial locksmiths carry out lock and key work for business properties. Anytime security issues arise, you’ll want to hire an accomplished professional commercial specialist who will become familiar with your building’s ins and outs ~ not just the locks, but also the high-security areas, the emergency exits, and so forth. You’ll want to know you can always rely on your hired locksmith to eliminate any trouble that may occur at your facility. Some commercial locksmiths may keep extra master key sets for you as backups, if you ask them. They can also keep full records of every type of lock you have in place, and assist you with all your building’s security measures, such as panic/fire devices, identification passwords and biometrics, video surveillance systems, and more.

24-hour lockout service. Some locksmith companies are open around the clock, in order to be available to respond to you anytime you need help. If you’re stuck any place in Downtown Miami, Florida, you’ll be glad to know that Reliable Locksmith & Safe is open 24 hours, and staffed with mobile emergency locksmith experts at the ready to assist you.

Security and access control. A top locksmith is qualified to advise you on numerous ways to control access to your home or business ~ such as magnetic locks, remote locks, keypads, gate entry, intercom systems, key cards, alarm systems. Nowadays, there are even biometric locks (that is, high-security locks, which can only be opened with a person’s fingerprint or handprint; innovative technology includes facial recognition, voice recognition, eye scan, ear scan, even DNA sampling).

When considering the safety and security of your property and possessions, there are almost endless services a locksmith can carry out for you:

• peepholes
• removing broken & stuck keys
• smart keys
• window bars
• keyless entry
• deadbolts for doors & windows
• garage, pool, & fence locks
• replace or repair damaged door & window locks, hinges, & electric-locking release mechanisms
• smart-phone controlled surveillance systems
• security systems
• install and repair electronic security hardware
• intercom systems
• video surveillance systems
• master keys for business facilities & apartment complexes
• program transponder “chip” keys
• change combination locks on all types of safes & vault doors

A topnotch locksmith is a consummate professional who works with a high degree of experience, finesse, skill, and discretion in any circumstance or location, and, ideally, any time of the day or night.

Rekeying and lock changes. If you move into a new place, you must rekey or change the locks as soon as you can. There are also other reasons, such as keeping out your ex-roommate, ex-spouse, or (if you have a business) former employee. Perhaps you require disabled access, or you just want to change the style of your locks. Or, if you’re unfortunate enough to have experienced a burglary, or even an attempted theft, it’s smart to change your locks ~ whether standard (with new keys and locks) or electronic (with new passcodes). Your building’s former occupants might still possess an old key, or still recall a password. Don’t take any chances!

Duplicating and making keys. A locksmith will cut keys for virtually any type of lock ~ keys for automobiles, residences, and businesses ~ such as deadbolts, bump-proof locks, safes, lockers, padlocks, desk locks, filing cabinet locks, transponder keys, dropboxes, mailboxes, and really anything else you can conceive of.

Window and sliding-glass doors also require locks. An excellent locksmith will help you install what’s right for your property.

Safes for home and business. If you’ve misplaced the combination to your safe, a genuine professional will be equipped and have the knowhow to be able to open it without damaging it. A premium professional locksmith will repair or install any safe ~ for your business or your residence ~ including specialized safes such as gun safes, fireproof and waterproof safes, anchored safes, and hidden safes (concealed in the floor or wall).

Do you want to be a locksmith? You’ll first need to work as an apprentice. You’ll have the advantage over other locksmiths if you possess talent and experience with construction, electronics, and/or metal fabricating. You must be a person of the utmost integrity, conduct yourself professionally, and be discreet, since you’ll be exposed routinely to confidential information. Being a locksmith requires extensive training plus a license, and you need to be a patient and solid individual. If you’re good at solving problems, and you like to work unusual hours, you’re likely well-suited to be a locksmith.

Aricle source here: EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT LOCKSMITHS – AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AFRAID TO ASK!

Top 5 Home Security Tips

by Julia Layton

Every 15 seconds, a burglar breaks into a home in the United States, steals an average $1,725 worth of property and robs the people who live there of peace of mind for years [sources: McGoey, FBI].

It happened more than 2 million times in 2005, and most if not all of those victims thought their home was pretty secure [source: FBI]. They had locks, lights, neighbors and the occasional dog, alarm system, moat and/or window bars. So how’d it happen?

The depressing fact is, it’s actually not that hard to get into most homes. The risk of being seen breaking in is more of a deterrent than a subpar lock, and since most residential robberies happen in broad daylight, that risk is apparently not an overwhelming one [source: FBI]. The problem is that most homes have weak points, and seasoned thieves are pretty good at finding them.

Some weak points are obvious: An open door, for instance, screams “I’m tired of my brand new awesome iPad.” A tree house within stepping distance from an upstairs window is probably not a great idea. A ground-floor window left open on a hot summer night is criminal catnip. Most people are more careful than that, though, yet burglary is still relatively commonplace.

The weak points that lead to most burglaries are somewhat more hidden. They’re easy enough to fix, though. Thoughtfully securing a home against break-in, while never a sure thing, can at least greatly reduce the risk of falling prey to this particular violation. And that doesn’t mean a shark-filled moat. It means making a few changes, additions and behavior modifications that create a less appealing target. In this article, we’ll check out five of those fixes and find out how to implement them effectively.

We’ll start with one of the most common (and most commonly misunderstood) security additions: the ever-popular, easily implemented, often helpful alarm system.

Read more at: Top 5 Home Security Tips
Related Article: Home Security Tips from a Master Thief