Blog of Sunshine Locksmith Team

Fake Reviews Being Posted by Competitors

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:23:00 -0400

Gilles Deacur

Recently, it was discovered that fake reviews were being posted about our company, Sunshine Locksmith Team, LLC.

The few negative reviews that have showed up on a few online sites were posted on August 3rd. We are certain that these were posted by Largo Locksmith but I don't have a way to prove this.

Yelp Review

YellowBook Review

Another YellowBook Review

YellowPages Review

CitySearch Review

The fake review is given a 1-star rating, and a comment:

Bad service, bad business practice. Seems like these guys try to steal customers from other businesses by presenting themselves as Largo Locksmith, a local company, that I've used for 25 years.

If you click on the username that the reviewer posts under, you will see that the reviewer will give other competing locksmith companies a similar review (although they DO appear to be scammer companies), but then they give Largo Locksmith a 5-star review.

Here's my response to the accusation about bad service, bad business practice, stealing customers, and presenting ourselves as Largo Locksmith:

We don't "steal" customers. We have had many, many previous customers of Largo Locksmith come to us and say that the locksmith they had the experience with at Largo Locksmith was difficult to deal with, was difficult to understand, or was just an all-around jerk. Further, we have customers that say that they had Largo Locksmith come out to fix their locks several times but they finally got sick of calling them over and over and resorted to using us so we could fix the problem properly, the first time. So, stealing customers isn't really our way of doing things. It seems to me like Largo Locksmith's customers have a habit of coming to us.

As for presenting ourselves as Largo Locksmith, that's preposterous! We have different business images. We have different vehicles, different logos, and different uniforms. Even our name and telephone numbers! How can you confuse "Sunshine Locksmith Team, LLC" with "Largo Locksmith"? It's not confusing at all, really.

Now, bad service and bad business practice? Really? Our service is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. Our customers constantly comment how we arrive on time like we say we will. We are members of both the BBB and ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America). And we offer a 1 year warranty on most parts and labor. We also rekey most locks with spool pins and upgrade to 6-pin keys whenever physically possible with the existing locks. I don't think that ANY locksmith the the Tampa Bay area does any of that. So how is that bad business practice? To me, it's great business practice, because we are now in a higher category than any of the "competition".

To me, posting fake reviews on other locksmith companies is deceptive and fraudulent, and puts you in the "Scammer Locksmith" category. So, congratulations to whoever posted those fake reviews, because now I have a new perspective on Largo Locksmith and how they operate.

Sunshine Locksmith Team

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 09:40:12 -0400

Gilles Deacur

Sunshine Locksmith Team, LLC has obtained the phone numbers of a local locksmith company that has gone out of business.

Pro-Lock of Pinellas recently closed and we bought their phone numbers 727-545-0997 and 727-461-7788.

Current customers of Pro-Lock can expect a fast response and reliable service from Sunshine Locksmith Team, LLC when calling the phone numbers previously held by Pro-Lock of Pinellas.

Pro-Lock of Pinellas was a mobile-based locksmith company without a store location. Now current clients of Pro-Lock of Pinellas have a convenient store location at 8440 Ulmerton Road, Unit 506 in Largo to get keys copied or to bring in locks needing to be rekeyed, repaired, or serviced. Sunshine Locksmith Team, LLC is a company that does a large portion of mobile locksmith work, so door-to-door service can still be expected.

In addition to the phone numbers, we have obtained inventory and machinery, as well as the master key records from current customers of Pro-Lock.

This will enable us to maintain keying records for those customers.

We look forward to addressing your locksmith and security-related needs.

Grand Opening of Our Showroom!

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:49:26 -0400

Gilles Deacur

That's right! Our showroom is open. We are having the Grand Opening Week from June 14th to the 18th.

We will have snacks and give-aways.

Print this blog article out and receive 2 free keys during Grand Opening Week (maximum value $5 each)*.

It has been a few months since we started work on the showroom and it has finally come together. We have a few little things to touch up, and inventory to stock still, but all-in-all, we are ready for you.

The showroom is at 8440 Ulmerton Road, Unit 506 in Largo, FL 33771. That's between Belcher Road and Starkey Road on the south side in the American Business Center.

*Maximum of 2 free keys per customer, regardless of number of coupons printed.

Regardless of Size, Nothing Can Outfly the Fly

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:50:00 -0400

Gilles Deacur

Regardless of size, nothing can outfly the fly

When it comes to speed and agility, nothing can rival the average housefly. Only the fly is able to fly backwards and upside-down, an ability yet to be engineered in even billion dollar military aircraft. And when it comes to braking and manoeuvering, the fly can outperform anything, this side of a George Lucas film.

We are also quick and agile. Quick to respond to emergencies, agile enough to anticipate and react strategically to your problems.

And while only the fly can successfully land upside-down, we are willing to try almost anything to service your security needs. Call Sunshine Locksmith Team at 727-216-7912 when you need a quick response to a lock emergency.

Progress on Our Showroom

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:48:42 -0400

Gilles Deacur

Well, we've been very busy on the showroom.

We took out 5000 lbs of old construction materials and hauled that to the dump.

We had to cover part of the ceiling and popcorn it to blend in with the old ceiling. Then we did some drywalling, put up slatwall, and started to build the counters. Lots of painting.

Here are some pictures of the progress we are making.

We have to still get the trim, more painting and staining, counter tops, counter doors and shelves, and flooring before it starts to feel finished.

http://www.sunshinelocksmith.com/image-gallery/v/showroom/

Our New Retail Showroom

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:06:15 -0400

Gilles Deacur

We have signed a lease on Tuesday for a retail showroom. This is our first showroom. We are a mobile-based business, and have decided it was time to expand into a facility that could accommodate a showroom and provide a location that our customers could have keys made or drop off locks for repair.

The new location is at the American Business Center, at 8440 Ulmerton Road, Unit 506, in Largo, Florida, 33771.

Right now we are in the process of gutting the unit and preparing it for a showroom. We don't have a definite timeline for this, but it may be a month or so before it's open and we are ready for walk-in business.

In the meantime, we will be updating you on the status and posting pictures of the progress.

Thank you for your support in the past, and we look forward to serving you in the future.

Grasshoppers Jump 20 Times the Length of Their Bodies

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:33:00 -0400

Gilles Deacur

Grasshoppers jump 20 times the length of their bodies

The average grasshopper can jump about 20 times as far as the length of its body and they don’t even know they are making such an extraordinary effort. They do this by combining the strength of their legs with the use of their small wings. And unlike most extreme efforts, the grasshopper performs this as part of its daily routine.

We Would Like to Jump For You

Our team has been trained and are prepared to make extraordinary efforts to help you accomplish your security objectives. We have combined our individual talents to make it possible to achieve amazing results. In fact, our team performs extraordinarily every day — as part of their normal routine. If you have a loss prevention need that requires an extraordinary effort, please feel free to call Sunshine Locksmith Team at 727-216-7912, and ask us to jump.

Thank You to All Parade Participants

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:28:00 -0400

Gilles Deacur

The Crew at the Seminole Pow Wow Parade 2010.

We want to thank all the participants and their pets that were able to join us in our parade team. We combined forces with Critter Pal Pet Sitting and handed out favors to observers along the parade route.

Here is a link to the gallery of photographs that we took this year:

Seminole Pow Wow Parade 2010

Dependable Locks Inc. One of Angie's List's Worst Contractors of 2009

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:26:00 -0400

Gilles Deacur

Dependable Locks, Inc., based out of Clearwater, Florida has earned a spot on the Angie's List "Worst Contractors of 2009".

Here's the official article from Angie's List: Worst Contractors of 2009 | Angie's List

Here's a word-for-word copy-and-paste of the article:

Dependable Locks Inc. | Clearwater, Fla.

In November, U.S. Postal Inspection agents arrested Dependable Locks Inc. owners Moshe Aharoni and David Peer on federal fraud and conspiracy charges. Earlier in 2009, the Missouri and Massachusetts attorneys general filed civil suits against the company, alleging it deceives consumers by purchasing multiple phone book listings to appear as different businesses with local addresses. But all calls are routed to call centers, first in New York and later Florida, where the operator offers  a low estimate, usually less than $100.

When dispatched, a locksmith claims other work is necessary, performs the work — often shoddily — and bills the consumer hundreds of dollars, demanding cash, according  to the AG complaints.

An Angie’s List survey of attorneys general, the BBB and our own records nationwide found more than 500 complaints against Dependable Locks  or its alias companies in at least a dozen cities. The federal charges allege that Dependable used a network of at least 100 locksmiths, many Israeli aliens not authorized to work as locksmiths, to perpetrate the scheme across the country.

Laura Gold of West Newton, Mass., hired the company to replace  a dead bolt based on a $70 estimate. But when the locksmith was done, the bill was nearly $600. “It was a red flag, but I felt stuck,” Gold says.  “I don’t know how they can live with themselves.”

The company has an overall D on Angie’s List based on nine reports  in seven cities. At press time, Peer and Aharoni were free on bond and scheduled for an upcoming court hearing. Calls to Dependable Locks  and the men’s attorneys were not returned.

Along with the article, they published this warning:

Be on the lookout for locksmith scams

Dependable Locks Inc., which made our National Worst list this year, allegedly used a variety of aliases to appear as local companies in business directories across the country.

Using information provided by consumer complaints received by Angie’s List, state attorneys general and local BBB chapters, we compiled a list of their aliases to help you steer clear of the company’s deceptive practices.

Legitimate locksmith companies may also use similar names to improve their position in business directories, so use the following tips to help avoid a locksmith scam.

And another helpful article published by Angie's List:

7 tips on how to avoid locksmith scams | Be wary of these aliases

7 tips on how to avoid locksmith scams

Published on January 1, 2010

Legitimate locksmith companies may also use similar names to improve their position in business directories, so use the following tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help avoid a scam:

Be wary of locksmith companies that answer calls with generic phrases like “locksmith services,” rather than a specific name. If a locksmith cannot or will not provide the business’ legal name, find another locksmith.

When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, including a locksmith license where applicable. Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas all require locksmiths to be licensed.

Get an estimate before any work begins, including emergency service.

Ask about extra charges for things like emergency hours, mileage or service call minimums before you agree to have the work performed.

If the locksmith’s on-site price doesn’t match the phone estimate, don’t allow the work to be performed.

Most legitimate locksmiths will arrive in a clearly marked vehicle.

If you’re locked out, be cautious of companies that recommend or insist on drilling or replacing the lock up front. Most experienced locksmiths have the skills and tools to unlock almost any door.

Be wary of these aliases

Dependable Locks Inc., which made our National Worst list this year, allegedly used a variety of aliases to appear as local companies in business directories across the country.

Using information provided by consumer complaints received by Angie’s List, state attorneys general and local BBB chapters, we compiled this list to help you steer clear of the company’s deceptive practices.

A Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith

A Emergency A Locksmith

A Locksmith Service 24 Hour

A-1 Locksmiths

AAA 24 & 7 Day Locksmith

Always Available Locksmith

Emergency & Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith

Locksmith Service

24 Hour Emergency Locksmith

24 Hour Locksmith

24/7 Locksmith

24hour a Locksmith

A # 1 24 Hour Locksmith

A 24 Hour Locksmith

A Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith

A Emergency A Locksmith

A Emergency Locksmith

A Kansas City # 1 Emergency Locksmith

A Locksmith

A Locksmith 00 24 Hour

A Locksmith 24 Hour Emergency

A Locksmith a 1-24 Hour

A Locksmith Always 24 Hour

A Locksmith Service 24 Hour

A Thirty Five Dollar Locksmith

A1 Locksmith Inc-Superb Solutions

A-1 Locksmiths

A24 Hour a Locksmith

AAA 24 & 7 Day Locksmith

All Around Locks, A United Locksmith

Alocksmith

Always Available Locksmith

Always Locksmith 24 Hr

Always Ready Locksmith

Brooklyn Locksmith

Columbus One Locksmith

Emergency & Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith

Emergencya Locksmith

Express Locks

Dependable Locks Inc.

Dependable Locksmith

Five Star Locksmith

Gold Locksmith

Liberty Locksmith

Locksmith

Locksmith 24 Hour, Inc.

Locksmith Service

Mega Locksmith

Millenium Locksmith

Price Line

Priceline Locksmith, Inc.

Quick Locksmith

S.O.S Locksmith

Speedway Locksmith

Superb Solutions Inc.

Superb Solutions Locksmith

Top Guard Locksmith

USA Silver Locksmith

USA Total Security

Of course, this just represents a small fraction of business names that this company uses. They will saturate the yellow pages and internet listings with hundreds of names in a city. The intent is to increase the probability that you will call them when picking a name at random from the phone book.

I took a look at my local phone book and the vast majority of listings were from locksmith companies that practice similar business practices as Dependable Locks. The listings were of names that were not registered with the state, and there were fake addresses attached to the listings.

Exercise caution when picking a locksmith from the phone book or the internet. The best advise I can give you is to pick one today and put the number in your speed dial before you need a locksmith.

Locksmith Frees Child From Vending Machine

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:06:00 -0400

Gilles Deacur

I came across this article recently:

Two-year-old gets trapped inside lolly machine!

It tells the story of a child in Australia that got trapped inside a "lolly machine". I wasn't sure what a lolly machine was, so I searched and it looks like it's a big machine with prizes, similar to "the claw" that is popular here in North America.

The child couldn't get back out of the machine, so a locksmith needed to be called in to open the machine and free the child.

I can't imagine any kid would do that, but apparently it happens.

A Creative Idea on Stealing Cars

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:57:00 -0400

Gilles Deacur

I came across this article recently:

Cops: Man copies key on test drive, steals truck

It's about a person who took a new vehicle for a test drive and copied the key before returning the car to the dealership. Later on he went back with his key copy and stole the car.

Most vehicles these days have transponders that are designed to prevent automotive theft. A transponder is a tiny device embedded within the head of the key that contains a unique code. There are billions of possible combinations. When the vehicle ignition is turned on, an antenna requests the code from the key. The key responds with the code. If the code matches the code value stored in the vehicle's computer it allows the vehicle to start. If not, it shuts down critical electrical components that allow the vehicle to start.

Vehicle theft has dropped drastically since the inception of transponders. But it just won't prevent a theft where the key is used.

If the vehicle was equipped with a transponder, it may have cost anywhere from $25 to $200 (just a ballpark -some are more, some less) for the spare key to be made and programmed into the vehicle.

Be careful who you lend your keys to. Even if you get them back you can't be certain they weren't copied.

Florida Locksmith Law Still Trying To Build Momentum

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:29:00 -0500

Gilles Deacur

The Florida Locksmith Services Act has still not been passed, despite the backing of locksmiths from all around Florida and nationwide.

The Florida Locksmith Services Act is designed to regulate the locksmith industry. Currently, Florida is one of 36 states that does not regulate locksmiths.

It is hoped that this act will keep the unfair "locksmiths" out of the trade and also cut down on the false advertising.

What are these unfair locksmiths?

There are many, many phone numbers listed in the Yellow Pages and online that forward to a call center. These call centers will dispatch a locksmith after quoting a price such as "$29 plus labor". That's pretty open-ended, and the person phoning only hears the $29 part. After the locksmith arrives and opens the lock, the price could quickly jump to $159 or more. It all depends on how much the "locksmith" thinks they can get from you. If you appear desperate and vulnerable, I'm sure they'll get as much as they can from you.

What is this false advertising?

The Yellow Pages this year (particularly the YellowBook... what an offensive and distasteful trash listing) has hundreds of listings in the Locks & Locksmiths section. These listings also have fake addresses that don't have a locksmith store or dispatch location, so you get the impression that you are calling a local locksmith.

I did a study of the YellowBook this year and found this pattern:

Listings that don't start with area code 727 or 813 are listings that forward to one of these call centers. Area codes in this year's book include 425, 480, 503, 602, 612, 772, 786 and some 352, 800, 866, and 888. These aren't local numbers, people! Sure, the toll-free numbers may or may not be legit. We have a toll-free number. But the other area codes are not local to St Petersburg, Clearwater, or even Tampa Bay.

Most of the telephone numbers (not all) starting with 727-213-xxxx, 727-232-xxxx, 727-302-xxxx, 727-322-xxxx, 727-368-xxxx, 727-392-xxxx, 727-397-xxxx, 727-433-xxxx, 727-437-xxxx, 727-446-xxxx, 727-451-xxxx, 727-493-xxxx, 727-548-xxxx, 727-564-xxxx, 727-803-xxxx, 727-821-xxxx, 727-842-xxxx, 727-844-xxxx, 727-940-xxxx, and 813-514-xxxx have an address beside the telephone numbers that are not a store or dispatch office. These listings are in the book to make you think they are local to your area. Visit the addresses listed. You're not going to find a locksmith. You'll notice hundreds of 727-451-xxxx and a lot of 727-322-xxxx listings with addresses listed next to them. Hold on a minute... do you really think that there are this many locksmith stores in Pinellas County? There's probably only about 3 dozen locksmiths with actual stores, listed mailing addresses, or with home addresses they are willing to have you come to. The rest are there to deceive you into thinking that they are local.

Out of the 8 pages of listings in the Locks & Locksmiths section, this could easily be reduced to 3 pages of legitimate listings. The odds are against you when you choose a locksmith at random out of the YellowBook.

Here's a story that ran on Tampa Bay's 10 Connects:

Florida locksmith law proposed to help find, eliminate bad locksmiths

They found the same pattern. The only phone number they specifically targeted was the 727-451-xxxx exchange. Nice start, but it's bigger than that.

I found this comment on their article interesting:

A Yellowbook spokesperson issued the following statement:

"Like many publishers, policing each and every business listing that is placed into its books is incredibly difficult. As a result, Yellowbook has elected to publish only paid advertiser listings in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater moving forward. This new policy, which will help ensure the validity of the Locksmiths listed in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater directory, is effective immediately and will be reflected in the 2010/2011 directory."

Excuse me?! I could have had my listing published for FREE?

Shame on YellowBook. I don't think we'll be supporting YellowBook from here on. What a trash directory! Absolute garbage! We will not stand for what they have contributed to the locksmith industry one bit! Done! Prove yourself to us that you have eliminated the fake listings first, before we renew a listing with you. YellowBook can take their book and... well... you know what they can do.

So, back to the topic, the Florida Locksmith Services Act. I hope this gets passed and actually is a force that contributes to the good of the industry, rather than just taxes the locksmiths and sits back. I've heard from locksmiths in other states that complain that their state just collects the fees and doesn't enforce the laws. I have a bad feeling Florida is going to be one of those states that sits back and watches the money roll in from law-abiding locksmiths while the scammers keep defrauding unsuspecting victims.

A Locksmith Scammer Bites the Dust... But I Doubt It!

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:12:00 -0500

Gilles Deacur

Well, I was checking BBB ratings of locksmiths in the Tampa Bay area and came across this:

BBB review of Dependable Locks, Inc

It seems that Dependable Locks, Inc of Clearwater has finally had their phones shut down. This is a big victory for all who have had a bad experience with them.

Here are snippets of the rating that BBB has written:

BBB Reliability Report for
Dependable Locks, Inc
BBB Rating No Rating

Note:
It appears that this business is no longer in business.

BBB Accreditation

This business is not a BBB Accredited Business.

BBB Rating for Dependable Locks, Inc

Based on BBB files, Dependable Locks, Inc has a BBB Rating of NR .

Reasons for this rating include:

This business has no rating because BBB has information indicating it is out of business.

Complaints received by the BBB indicate that Dependable Locksmith employs deceptive and misleading advertising and sales practices. In several markets throughout the U.S., the company places several similar ads with false or nonexistent local addresses, most often in yellow page directories, to give the impression that each ad represents a different entity. However, calls to the local and toll-free numbers provided in these ads are in fact routed to the company's call center.

Consumers who find themselves locked out of their vehicles or homes state that they identify the company through yellow page listings or by searching online. When they call, they are given an initial price quote usually under $100. However, when the locksmith arrives, the price is inflated with numerous additional charges that were previously not disclosed to the consumer, and in many cases the final bill can be in excess of several hundred dollars.

Complaints also state that the locksmiths, their techniques and the equipment used are sub-par, and replacement locks provided by the company can be purchased at a hardware store for significantly less than the company's charge for the same equipment. Consumers have also complained that wait times are often several hours, despite being told that a technician would arrive within 15-30 minutes of the call. Consumers state that locksmiths arrive in unmarked vehicles, and have indicated that technicians do not appear to be qualified, licensed locksmiths.

Consumers who later complained about the price to the company expressed that the company's manager promised a discount or refund, but none was provided. Complaints further allege that employees of the company would hang up or respond unprofessionally when consumers attempted to reach a representative.

Business Contact and Profile for Dependable Locks, Inc

Name:
Dependable Locks, Inc

Phone:
(866) 429-9485

Fax:
(727) 464-9012

Address:
407 S Arcturas Ave
Clearwater, FL 33765-3514

Website:
www.safeandfastlocksmith.com
www.locksmith-baltimore.com
www.usatotalsecurity.com

Principal:
Mr. David Peer, President

Customer Contact:
Ms. Mellissa Liburd, General Manager - (866) 429-9485 or dependablecustomercare@mail.com

Entity:
Corporation

Incorporated:
January 2006, NY

File Open Date:
February 2007

Type of Business:
Lock Companies

BBB Accreditation:
Dependable Locks, Inc is not a BBB Accredited business.

Additional DBA Names:
Neighborhood Locksmith
Mr. Locksmith Inc.
Dependable Locksmith
Always Available Locksmith
A1 Locksmith Inc-Superb Solutions
A Thirty Five Dollar Locksmith
Emergency & Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith
Priceline Locksmith, Inc.
A-1 Locksmiths
24 Hour Locksmith
A #1 24 Hour Locksmith
A 24 Hour Locksmith
AAA 24 & 7 Day Locksmith
A Always Available 24 Hour Locksmith
A Emergency A Locksmith
A Locksmith Always 24 Hour
A Locksmith A 1-24 Hour
A Locksmith 00 24 Hour
A Locksmith O Always 24 Hour
A Locksmith Service 24 Hour
A Locksmith 24 Hour Emergency
A Locksmith
A Kansas City #1 Emergency Locksmith
24 Hour A Locksmith at St. Louis
24 Hour A Locksmith
Locksmith
0 24 Hour Locksmith
Quick Locksmith
A1 24 Hour Lock Service
24 7 A Locksmith
1-2-3 24 Hour Locksmith
Brooklyn Lock
A Locksmith Emergency
Locksmith 24 Hour
24 Hour Emergency
Locksmith 2
123 24 Hour Locksmith
Pasadena Office Locksmith
24 Hours Locksmith
America's Total Security

Prior to doing business in Florida, the company operated at 295 W 231 St, Bronx, New York 10463. The BBB has a separate report on that location, whixh can be accessed at http://search.newyork.bbb.org/reports.aspx?pid=44&page=1&id=84849.

Business Management

Additional company management personnel include:
Yuval Ohana
Genadi Glik
Ms. Ashley Prestileo
Bahaa Dawoud
Kylie
Robert
Yosef Ishaki
Cheryl
Wilbert
Jacob
Eli
Brian Levy
Bill
Ofor Yoefut
Billy
Oryan
Omar Yosef
Kenny - Supervisor
Chelsea
Jude
Mr. Moshe Aharoni

Additional Locations and Phone Numbers

Additional Addresses
2643 Gulf to Bay Blvd Suite 1560-420
Clearwater, FL 33759

108 W Brandon Blvd
Brandon, FL 33511-5102

Additional Phone Numbers
- 313 (1)
Tel: (313) 279-0326
- 314 (2)
Tel: (314) 255-2256
Tel: (314) 960-3179
- 402 (1)
Tel: (402) 292-0401
- 404 (2)
Tel: (404) 683-2005
Tel: (404) 422-9043
- 414 (1)
Tel: (414) 837-8162
- 416 (1)
Tel: (416) 854-6787
- 425 (1)
Tel: (425) 303-8064
- 501 (1)
Tel: (501) 778-4368
- 604 (1)
Tel: (604) 275-2612
- 617 (1)
Tel: (617) 262-6584
- 619 (2)
Tel: (619) 465-8000
Tel: (619) 366-1706
- 636 (1)
Tel: (636) 287-9833
- 704 (1)
Tel: (704) 464-3190
- 718 (1)
Tel: (718) 581-5000
- 727 (5)
Tel: (727) 464-9005
Tel: (727) 464-9005
Tel: (727) 943-0479
Tel: (727) 847-4699
Tel: (727) 464-9025
- 734 (1)
Tel: (734) 629-1064
- 800 (1)
Tel: (800) 477-4320
- 813 (3)
Tel: (813) 600-2972
Tel: (813) 963-6541
Tel: (813) 684-1640
- 816 (1)
Tel: (816) 353-1120
- 866 (3)
Tel: (866) 775-4833
Tel: (866) 445-3763
Tel: (866) 355-5193
- 888 (4)
Tel: (888) 766-3634
Tel: (888) 762-1052
Tel: (888) 766-3634
Tel: (888) 452-4955
- 905 (1)
Tel: (905) 886-6794
- 925 (2)
Tel: (925) 202-5006
Tel: (925) 948-0546
- 952 (1)
Tel: (952) 807-0048
- 954 (1)
Tel: (954) 457-0401

Additional Fax Numbers

Fax: (866) 388-2687
Fax: (180) 032-4041 ext. 1
Fax: (727) 572-6962

Additional Web Addresses

www.locksmith-baltimore.com
www.usatotalsecurity.com

Customer Complaint History for Dependable Locks, Inc

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB processed a total of 202 complaints about Dependable Locks, Inc in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 202 complaints closed in 36 months, 107 were closed in the last year.

Advertising Issues
Resolved
3 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
1 - Company failed to arbitrate the complaint in accordance with their BBB agreement.
Administratively Closed
1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.

Contract Issues
Administratively Closed
1 - The parties could not provide sufficient information to support their positions nor were they agreeable to make reasonable efforts toward resolving the issues of the dispute.

Billing or Collection Issues
Resolved
8 - Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
20 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
6 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
8 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
13 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
No Response
4 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Sales Practice Issues
Resolved
7 - Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
27 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
3 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
8 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
9 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
No Response
2 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.
1 - Company indicated it will not resolve consumer issues through BBB process.

Delivery Issues
Administratively Closed
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.

Repair Issues
Resolved
7 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
1 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
No Response
2 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Service Issues
Resolved
2 - Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
26 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
4 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
6 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
4 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
No Response
3 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Customer Service Issues
Resolved
1 - Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
7 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
1 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
3 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
2 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.
No Response
1 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Guarantee or Warranty Issues
Resolved
1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.

Product Issues
Resolved
1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed
1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.

Refund or Exchange Issues
Resolved
2 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
No Response
1 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Government Actions

On April 2, 2009, the Missouri Attorney General filed a Petition against the company seeking restitution and injunctive relief to stop the company from deceiving and overcharging customers in Kansas City.

According to the Attorney General, Dependable Locks, Inc. violated Missouri law by fraudulently advertising itself by at least 16 different names that all led consumers to one company. In addition, company workers charged consumers 2-3 times more than the price quoted them to unlock their cars.

The Attorney General alleged that addresses listed for the different business names were bogus, and led to vacant lots and even homes of individuals not associated with the company. In addition, this locksmith company operated under business names that were not registered with the Missouri Secretary of State as required to conduct business in Missouri.

This matter is pending. For more information, please contact the Missouri Attorney General at (573) 751-3321 or ago.mo.gov.

Advertising Review

BBB has no information regarding advertising review at this time.

Out of Business

According to information in the BBB files, it appears that the company is no longer in business. The phone numbers the BBB had for this company are disconnected, and directory assistance does not have a listing for this company. The BBB's mail to this company has been returned as undeliverable. If you have an unresolved dispute with this company you may wish to seek legal advice.

BBB Copyright and Reporting Policy

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.

BBB Reliability Reports are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information in this BBB Reliability Report is believed reliable, but not guaranteed as to accuracy.

BBB Reliability Reports generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Reliability Reports are subject to change at any time.

If you choose to do business with Dependable Locks, Inc, please let them know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Reliability Report.

ID: 90028394
Report as of March 3, 2010 07:22
Copyright© 2010 Better Business Bureau

And there you have it. Wow! I cannot believe these guys survived for so long.

And you know what? I know that they are going to pop up in the next Yellow Pages under a new name and with new phone numbers, playing exactly the same game as before... deception and deceit.

And it will be up to us honest locksmiths to spread the word about these phonies so as to keep the locksmith industry from getting a bad name.

The fact is, they probably are still around, just waiting for the new wave of phone books to hit the street.

I went to the web addresses referenced by the report and they are all up and running, with new phone numbers listed. These phone numbers include:
410-864-8172
619-313-2865
760-697-9159
858-812-0265
866-870-2079 (temporarily disconnected)
877-231-6319
888-452-4955 (same as one listed above)

Whether or not they are practicing deceptively under the new phone numbers, I don't know. These phone numbers could be operated by more legitimate companies, but again, I don't know.

An Ant Can Lift 10 Times Its Own Weight

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:49:00 -0500

Gilles Deacur

An ant can lift 10 times its own weight

But even more astonishing is what ants can accomplish as an organized team. They cultivate farms, build elaborate bridges and they even build boats.

In fact, experts agree that by tapping into the individual strengths of each member, ants have developed one of the most productive and efficient social systems on earth.

We Would Like to Put Our Team to Work For You

We’ve designed our company much the same way. We have the right people, the right talents, and the right attitude which leads to one thing. Efficiency. It’s what you want. It’s what you expect. More importantly, it’s what we deliver. If you have a security need please give Sunshine Locksmith Team a call at 727-216-7912. We’d like to put our team to work for you.

See Us at the Seminole Pow Wow Parade

nospam@example.com (Gilles Deacur) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:43:00 -0500

Gilles Deacur

Our parade team at the 2009 Seminole Pow Wow Parade

We are going to be in the Seminole Pow Wow Parade on Saturday, March 13th, 2010.

Last year was fun. We teamed up with Critter Pal Pet Sitting and had people bring their pets for a walk-along up 113th Street in Seminole.

This year the parade is taking place between 10:00 am and noon, and it's on 113th Street, starting from just north of Park Blvd and ends at the Post Office / Library.

Mark it on your calendars. Hope to see you there!