Consumerist
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locksmiths
That'll Be $176 For The "Special" Air Jet To Unlock Your Car
In this iteration of the locksmith ripoff, the shyster told the customer that he has to use a $400 "air jet" device to unlock her car, jacking up the cost to $176. The "special" balloon instrument is actually only $25 and is no rarity, most locksmiths have them. These guys take out big ads in the Yellow Pages and then prey on people's urgency and ignorance when they show up. KCTV5 reports, "Industry experts recommend that consumers make contact with an actual local locksmith before you need one. Then, you'll know who to call in an emergency."
Beware Locksmith Listings [KCTV5] (Thanks to denali!) (Photo: leunix)
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scams
"I Fell For The Locksmith Scam"
There are lots of honest locksmiths out there — but there are dishonest ones too — and they're notorious for bullying helpless consumers out of a lot of money. Here's the scenario: You're locked out of your car, so you call a locksmith. You're quoted a price that seems reasonable, but when the "locksmith" shows up, he bullies you into paying more money — a lot more. More » -
hey, where are the keys?
Dishonest Locksmiths Lurk Everywhere
Greedy national locksmith companies masquerade as local businesses to prey on consumers who think they are in no position to haggle. Dependable Locksmith, Basad Inc, and Liberty Locksmith are just a few of the national chains that rip-off distressed consumers, charging up to $500 for simple jobs. From the LA Times: More » -
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