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Getting Ripped Off by Shady Locksmiths?

By Joetta Fort

Real Estate Agent with The DiGiorgio Group

March 13, 2011 03:18 PM

How ‘Bout Them Locksmiths?

I’ve been hearing stories about people getting ripped off when they need a locksmith at their home or car, and it happened to me. So, I wanted to compile a list of honest local locksmiths, so you can keep their numbers handy. It’s a safety issue, as the time to try to find assistance is NOT when you’re helpless, standing by your car in bad weather, or outside your locked door late at night.

I only had one locksmith on my 'list' when I wrote my February newsletter, so I put out a call to my readers, to share their reliable, honest locksmiths with me. So far, I've only gotten one more! Hopefully, people will keep sending them to me, and I will keep adding to this list.

I did add one that doesn't do autos, noted below.

I sure do wish I had the contact info for these folks programmed into my phone when I locked myself out of my car. That's one expensive lesson! If you live in the Denver area, put these numbers in your phone. Whatever they tell you on the phone they will charge you, if it's different when they get to you please let me know so I can tar and feather them take them off my short, but hopefully growing, list.

And let me know if you have a name to add to this list. Thanks!

Robert Ayers, Front Range Lock and Key Service 303-466-1841

Mike Wilmot at Front Range Roadside 303-404-3181

Mr. Rekey - they don't do autos, but have a great price to re-key homes. 303-534-5700 www.rekey.com

Good luck to you all, and stay safe!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the 'flavor' of our community, in case they're new or moving to the Denver area.

I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver.

*Arvada, Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Westminster; also Thornton, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Northglen, Lakewood

Find Homes for Sale, no Matter Who Listed Them, at Dream House Hunting.

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Irina Riley

American Dream Colorado - Woodland Park, CO

GRI, SFR, CNE, e-PRO, SRES

Thank you, Joetta for sharing this information. It's never hurt to be careful.

Mar 13, 2011 03:21 PM

Ron Marshall

Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN

Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

I know a couple of realtors who use locksmiths to rekey their bank-owneds so I have a couple of reliable ones, too, here in the northwest Metro if anyone needs one.

Good to have on hand. Thanks for a nice post. This is important information.

Mar 13, 2011 03:23 PM

Joetta Fort

The DiGiorgio Group - Arvada, CO

Independent Broker, Homes Denver to Boulder

I didn't realize how vulnerable I would feel in the grip of a shady locksmith until it happened to me. After waiting 2 hours when they said it'd be 30 minutes, they wanted $150 more than they quoted me on the phone!! But what could I do, call someone else and maybe have the same thing happen? Hopefully I won't lock the keys in my car again, but if I do, I'll be ready!

Mar 13, 2011 03:29 PM

Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate

Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL

Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Hi, Joetta

May I highly recommend AAA (the Premier Membership). Some time ago, I shut the driver-side door while the engine was running... I heard a very troubling "Click" as the Auto Door-Locks engaged. I was Locked out of a running car parked in front of Costco!

I called AAA; the Locksmith was there in about 20 or 30 minutes. He had the door open in about 1 minute. No charge, and I was on my way.

Mar 13, 2011 03:45 PM

GOOD IDEA, Fred! I used to always belong to AAA, but quit when I decided long driving trips weren't that much fun anytmore. But I've been thinking about all those other benefits lately. I think I'll call them!

Mar 13, 2011 04:05 PM

Wes Pentecost

Amerifirst Financial, Inc.- FHA, VA, Conv Jumbo loans - Phoenix, AZ

602-410-4357, Arizona Mortgage - FHA, VA, Conventional

Good post, I agree with the comment above AAA really is the best way to go.

Mar 13, 2011 04:08 PM

Belinda Spillman

Aurora, CO

Colorado Living!

Very good information. It is always a challenge to keep a referral list of trustworthy, reliable and affordable folks to share with our clients.

Mar 14, 2011 04:10 AM

Wes - It would have been worth having a AAA membership just for the one time I've locked my keys in my car.

Belinda - Like Realtors, locksmiths aren't something we think about until we need one, right?

Mar 14, 2011 05:50 AM

Christina ONeal

At Home Real Estate Group - Ripon, CA

Realtor - Ripon California

Great blog Joetta!!! I love this :) so inspiring!!!

Mar 14, 2011 09:57 AM

Thanks Christina - your enthusiasm is inspiring too!

Mar 15, 2011 07:18 PM

Getting Ripped Off by Shady Locksmiths?

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