They?re called trunk slammers ? people who work out of their cars and say they are local locksmiths.
But industry leaders say some of those locksmiths are unlicensed, untrained and ripping off customers.
“Some of these guys will buy a Home Depot lock for $12, say it?s a high-security lock and charge people $200 for it,” said Tom Foxwell, regional director for the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
Locksmiths are pushing for state regulations, because customers have no way of knowing whether the person they call is really a locksmith.
The issue has gained national attention. The Illinois attorney general sued a New York locksmith company and claimed it falsely operated “local” businesses in Chicago. That company had to pay thousands in restitution and can no longer operate in that state.
“I?ve had people ask for my credentials, and all I have is my ALOA membership card,” said Robert Stephan, who has worked as a self-employed locksmith for 17 years in Maryland.
“Regulation would give people a way to know if they?re dealing with a phony locksmith.”
Stephan?s father is the vice president of the San Diego Locksmith Association and is facing similar problems in California.
To avoid fraud, ALOA officials said consumers should look for companies with good standing in the community, either by word of mouth or through locksmith organizations such as ALOA.
Some legitimate locksmiths operate out of their personal vehicles. Locksmiths suggest customers ask for an itemized bill and a business card when the locksmith arrives.
