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Tullahoma Lock & Security Service |
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Quality Service Since 1979 |
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Protect Yourself! The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), suggest that you seek out a professional Locksmith before you need one. The general public are being scammed by "locksmith companies" who are not legitimate. Beware of the ole bait and switch, if the price up front sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Be suspicious of any company with several addresses and phone numbers. This is a fraudulent Marketing technique to appear large and local. In fact there are very few large locksmith shops in Tennessee other then those very few in the larger metropolitan areas, most are one or two person shops that cover a 50 to 100 mile radius of their base. Do some research, beware of advertising that sounds exaggerated. Claiming to be an "Expert" does not make them one. Can they back up what they claim? Are they even certified? If they make statements claiming they are the areas "leading security hardware provider", with a "Large Mobil fleet", or " we bring professional security, right to your door" and their "primary focus and philosophy Honesty, Integrity, and Accountability". A trustworthy professional will not need to make this kind of statement in an advertisement, it will be obvious. If they are misleading in their advertising you can’t trust them. Ask the service provider for supporting documentation to their claims of expertise. Everyone should make sure that their locksmith is both state licensed and has some level of certification. The professionals at Tullahoma Lock & Security are both. The only real way to get recognized certification is through the Associated locksmiths of America (ALOA) Proficiency Registering Program (PRP). So before you select you security professional, Look them up! Are they Certified? State of Tennessee Locksmith Licensing Web Site.
If You’re a victim file a Complaint! There isn’t much the State can do about the phony locksmiths until complaints are filed with the State either by consumers or other locksmith companies. However, there has to be documented proof for the State to be able to calculate how big this problem is. If complaints aren’t filed, the State doesn’t see a problem and no action can be taken to resolve the issue. Therefore, the customers that have been scammed need to file complaints if they will. If not, we can file on their behalf as the company going behind the phony locksmith and making repairs. [Remember to get proof: copy of the invoice, photo of the damage, vehicle tag numbers, names if possible, etc.] Complaints can also be filed on any written advertising that can be documented in the phone books or on-line (by printing a copy of the on-line listing). There are several places we can file complaints but we need to start at the Commerce Department “File a Complaint” tab located on their website: http://tn.gov/commerce/boards/llp/index.shtml . If we want the State to recognize this as a real problem, we need to FILE COMPLAINTS - so lets get started.
Other sites that complaints can be filed at are: Federal Trade Commission https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ ; Tennessee Consumer Fraud http://tn.gov/consumer/complaint.shtml ; Better Business Bureau https://odr.bbb.org/odrweb/public/getstarted.aspx?siteID=62 |
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To contact us: |
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Phone: 931-455-0202 Fax: 931-393-2022 Email: ccyree@tullahomalock.com |
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Scams in The News! |
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© 2011 Tullahoma Lock & Key / Tullahoma Lock & Security Tullahoma, Tennessee |
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Many consumers are unaware that despite the local number and ad in the phone book or online listings, a locksmith might not be local. Customers are rerouted to an out-of-state call center, which promises a low price and quick service. Often, they deliver on neither. Some states do not require locksmiths to be licensed, making it difficult to separate the good from the bad. But people in a lockout situation have ways to make sure they find a reputable local company. If your locksmith gives you a P.O. Box or a vague answer, walk away. Using a local company offers customers a better chance at recourse, should issues arise. Tennessee does require licensing ask to see their license or ask for proof of affiliation with an industry organization, such as the Associated Locksmiths of America, as well as proof that he or she is bonded and insured. Credible companies send personnel in marked company cars or trucks and wearing clothing that carries the company logo. At a minimum, the locksmith should have some sort of company identification. |