Edmonton - They rush to the rescue when you're locked out of your house or business. Still, could hiring the wrong locksmith put you in harm’s way?
Those in the locksmith industry say scams are common. Everything from over-charging, to improper installation of a lock (which could leave your home vulnerable), even keeping an extra key to come back later, have been known to take place.
The risks are there, yet consumers often just hire the first locksmith who’s available.
In his 16 years as a locksmith Dennis Roufosse has unlocked many doors for embarrassed Albertans. He has re-keyed them for businesses recovering from break-ins and women escaping domestic violence.
He says hiring the wrong locksmith can make you a victim all over again.
“Before you hand over the key to your home or your business, know who you are giving it to," warns Rufus.
Consumers often hire the first locksmith they call, without doing any research on the company.
The Professional Locksmiths Association of Alberta is worried about the growing number of schemes in the industry which result in consumers paying much more than they should.
"They usually look at the lock and say, for one reason or another, we can't pick this lock, we are going to have to destroy it and replace it, and that's when the bill starts to escalate,” Roufosse explains.
Some locksmiths may not be qualified, which could leave your home vulnerable.
"People end up getting locked out later on because it wasn't put in properly in the first place."
Sadly, even worse things can to happen.
"Things have happened over the years where people have retained a key and gone back later,” says Roufoose.
In Alberta, locksmiths must be licensed by the province and undergo a police information check every two years.
"It’s a crime prevention tool we want to keep the citizens of Edmonton safe,” explains Heather Bettke, with the Edmonton Police Information Check Unit.
"Education is the key,” she adds. “If you need a locksmith you should ask for his license."
They must carry that license at all times, but consumers need to know to ask for it.
"You're looking for service, you grab the first one that's there, and hope for the best,” says Roufoose, “sometimes you don't get it; you don't get the best, you’ve got to do a little bit of research."
When people find themselves locked out, experts suggest being cautious of who may be let into the home or business in question.
"If they don't have their license, I wouldn't be letting them in my door and I certainly wouldn't be giving them my key,” says Roufoose.
When hiring a locksmith, check their complaint record with the Better Business Bureau, verify their address and always ask to see their provincial license. To verify they have one, contact Alberta Justice or to report a locksmith who may not be licensed, click here.
For more information on scams and public security, follow the links.
Those in the locksmith industry say scams are common. Everything from over-charging, to improper installation of a lock (which could leave your home vulnerable), even keeping an extra key to come back later, have been known to take place.
The risks are there, yet consumers often just hire the first locksmith who’s available.
In his 16 years as a locksmith Dennis Roufosse has unlocked many doors for embarrassed Albertans. He has re-keyed them for businesses recovering from break-ins and women escaping domestic violence.
He says hiring the wrong locksmith can make you a victim all over again.
“Before you hand over the key to your home or your business, know who you are giving it to," warns Rufus.
Consumers often hire the first locksmith they call, without doing any research on the company.
The Professional Locksmiths Association of Alberta is worried about the growing number of schemes in the industry which result in consumers paying much more than they should.
"They usually look at the lock and say, for one reason or another, we can't pick this lock, we are going to have to destroy it and replace it, and that's when the bill starts to escalate,” Roufosse explains.
Some locksmiths may not be qualified, which could leave your home vulnerable.
"People end up getting locked out later on because it wasn't put in properly in the first place."
Sadly, even worse things can to happen.
"Things have happened over the years where people have retained a key and gone back later,” says Roufoose.
In Alberta, locksmiths must be licensed by the province and undergo a police information check every two years.
"It’s a crime prevention tool we want to keep the citizens of Edmonton safe,” explains Heather Bettke, with the Edmonton Police Information Check Unit.
"Education is the key,” she adds. “If you need a locksmith you should ask for his license."
They must carry that license at all times, but consumers need to know to ask for it.
"You're looking for service, you grab the first one that's there, and hope for the best,” says Roufoose, “sometimes you don't get it; you don't get the best, you’ve got to do a little bit of research."
When people find themselves locked out, experts suggest being cautious of who may be let into the home or business in question.
"If they don't have their license, I wouldn't be letting them in my door and I certainly wouldn't be giving them my key,” says Roufoose.
When hiring a locksmith, check their complaint record with the Better Business Bureau, verify their address and always ask to see their provincial license. To verify they have one, contact Alberta Justice or to report a locksmith who may not be licensed, click here.
For more information on scams and public security, follow the links.
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