Okay I'm not as smart as I think! (Phoenix: foreclosure, credit)

[SeaG]

As hard as it is to admit this, I was duped by a questionable locksmith company.

Thought it was a local company (had a local number and address listed) - quoted price to do rekeying ended up getting inflated because "our locks are more sophisticated and complicated" and I agreed to pay - thought I was supporting a local company.

Invoice had a different company name and number, so I started looking closer at the company. Turns out the address is a farmers field, no idea where the 'local' number actually went.

Called them back, asking who they really were - got no answers to my questions - just an unlikely promise to call me back.

Luckily (maybe) I insisted on using VISA so I have an email into my bank on options. If I'm stuck with paying call it my punishment for being so stupid.

Knowing I was taken made me concerned about whether this 'locksmith' also has copies of the keys now.

So I did track down a reputable locksmith, member of BBB and the ALOA - plus is well written up in the press so the locks are being rekeyed again at about 45% less than I paid the other 'locksmith'. He had heard my story many times before, he said at least I didn't get taken as badly as others here in the Phoenix area and I didn't pay cash or by check.

So my lesson for the day is don't trust my instincts all the time and do more than cursory research when dealing with home security.

Does one incidence like this change how much I love Phoenix - not at all. All that really happened, despite the slightly deflated ego, is that I realized I've still got a lot to learn even at my age!

SeaG

[Captain Bill]

One way others can prevent that from happening is to select a locksmith that has a physical shop; one that you can walk into. They have usually been in business for a long time and are reputable.

[khuntrevor]

I've heard the people that do car lock outs are worse than a pirate ship, also.

[Zippyman]

FWIW, when I bought my house (foreclosure) I had everything re-keyed (the bank had changed the keys to the doorknobs, but not the deadbolts) - It was pretty pricey, and most of the locks were mismatched and tired looking.

After we remodeled the house, we decided on lever-locks & we wanted to get rid of all of the polished brass. We found ones we liked at Lowes, and I ran the part#'s on ebay, just to see if we could find a cheaper solution - I was able to buy 10-packs on ebay of the same lock, for 1/3rd of the price - and these can be re-keyed in just a few minutes yourself if you want to give a contractor a key for a day, then change it back (yourself) ...

I sold the extras on Craigslist & did pretty well...

Here's a link:
Kwikset : Smart Security : Re-Key Technology

I wouldn't worry myself about a locksmith keeping your keys - they can defeat even commercial locks without a key quickly. They don't need a key.

[MAtheBanker]

Being a banker, and totally changing the subject, you should try to dispute the charge with your bank. VISA is zero liability!

[SeaG]

Originally Posted by Zippyman

FWIW, when I bought my house (foreclosure) I had everything re-keyed (the bank had changed the keys to the doorknobs, but not the deadbolts) - It was pretty pricey, and most of the locks were mismatched and tired looking.

After we remodeled the house, we decided on lever-locks & we wanted to get rid of all of the polished brass. We found ones we liked at Lowes, and I ran the part#'s on ebay, just to see if we could find a cheaper solution - I was able to buy 10-packs on ebay of the same lock, for 1/3rd of the price - and these can be re-keyed in just a few minutes yourself if you want to give a contractor a key for a day, then change it back (yourself) ...

I sold the extras on Craigslist & did pretty well...

Here's a link:
Kwikset : Smart Security : Re-Key Technology

I wouldn't worry myself about a locksmith keeping your keys - they can defeat even commercial locks without a key quickly. They don't need a key.

I had thought about this route, and will do it in future - but for the time being...

I went with the second rekeying only because we also have a fairly sophisticated monitored alarm system and little of value in the home. Plus I wanted to confirm what the first 'locksmith' hadn't messed up the locks - turns out he did install two of the deadbolts backwards (screws outside). The new locksmith also told me about how easy it is to defeat these locks.

The previous owner added locks, so each entrance door has a passage lock, deadbolt and a security door with deadbolt - for three doors there are 9 keyed locks altogether.

Our oldest son is a contractor and is coming down to stay in our place for awhile as he looks for investment properties - so I've asked him to look at replacing the locks so I will pass on our suggestions.

Thanks,

SeaG

[SeaG]

Originally Posted by MAtheBanker

Being a banker, and totally changing the subject, you should try to dispute the charge with your bank. VISA is zero liability!

Yes, I did contact my bank yesterday and they have provided the information on how to dispute the charge.

Thanks,

SeaG

[khuntrevor]

What does the receipt, you signed, say?

[kdog]

I don't see how you can dispute the charges. You hired them to replace the locks, and they did that.

[SeaG]

Originally Posted by khuntrevor

What does the receipt, you signed, say?

It has a hand written company name (not the same name as the website had) and a 480 number - not the same as the 'other' listing.

Then the pricing information.

So technically I agreed to the work - but since the company doesn't exist, has a field for an address, etc. plus I have the work redone I am using the angle of 'fraud' in pursuing a credit from the bank.

I successfully did this a couple of years ago with another similar charge - but like I said I don't have my hopes up and may chalk it up to 'punishment' for being so careless.

SeaG