Re: The locksmith rip off I posted about yesterday. The police officer I filed the report with called back this morning and stated that it was a legit business. I...
Gary F. replied:
I've been using Post Office Lock on Appleton St in Lowell for decades. Great people, fair prices, very honest. House call services are not cheap. My plumber and HVAC guy charge $135 just for the first hour (or any part thereof), plus milage both ways. As for Chelmsford Lock......my family used to own it (Phil Belanger, then it went to his nephew Richard Purtell), but its been sold a few times since then so I can't speak to whether it is still a local company or part of a nationwide group.
Sven S. replied:
It's clearly a national franchise -- like 1-800-FLOWERS.COM -- who make local agreements with various regional locksmiths. (e.g., when you order flowers from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, they're not coming from there, they're actually coming from Feeney's Florist of Chelmsford, or some similar local florist in Lowell/Westford.) Notice how the website is a broader national website, with a subdirectory of "ChelmsfordMA." The problem is with the local (possibly-crooked) guy, and, to a lesser degree, with the broad national organization not tightly controlling (or perhaps not caring about) how their local partners do business.
Philip M. replied:
For the record, I just Googled Chelmsford locksmith and still see Sky Locksmith listed. As Sven said, they likely contract out to local parties.
Shantel R. replied:
So I just called https://www.facebook.com/102007039834979 Lowell Lock & Key Inc and spoke with the lovely Joy (Mike's wife). I asked her for a quote for a Saturday lockout call to come pick a twist lock. She said there would be a $75 service call. I then asked what the charge for picking the lock would be and she said that would be included in the service call. GUYS! And then I asked if it was a super complicated twist lock what would a high price be? She said maaaaybe $100. She then guessed spot on what happened to my Mom - spot on. She said we were scammed by a locksmith scam company that doesn't even operate here locally - they send "whoever" out, a person probably not even licensed - that it is a big problem and the AG's office has been working with the locksmith's association to try and get a handle on it. So...there you have it, ripped off. I hope people will not settle for being charged too much - my gut told me it was a rip off and it is. The fact that they ripped of an 80 year old woman...even worse. No moral compass.
Theresa S. replied:
Shantel is completely correct in stating this is a scam company. If you google locksmith scam you will see articles on this subject. It is the fastest growing scam in the U.S. They are covering all service industry companies,Including mine, Chelmsford Garage Door. They are phony companies that set up phony websites that give erroneous addresses that don't exist. We have been battling this problem for two years with countless customers losing hundreds to thousands of dollars. John Rourke of the CPD is completely aware of these types of scams and maybe he can help you. The techs they send out do not usually have any experience in the business and do not do the job correctly. There goal is to get the most money fast out of the customer. Please do your research before calling for service. Read some articles on it.
Tom C. replied:
Thank you for the info Theresa Shore. I find that outrageous that these scam artists rip off hard working business people like yourself and your family, and they get away with it without being arrested. Do we need to find a way for the search engines to stop taking the ads from these scammers? I have written down your phone number, for Chelmsford Garage door, and I think we posted it here for other people as well, so if people call your number (978) 256-7039 they will be OK, is that right? :)
Hi, I am a locksmith at Post Office Lock in Lowell. This is unfortunately is a very common problem that we see a lot. If you go to our website postofficelock.com we have some videos and tips on how to avoid these scammers.
Hello,
I'm going to be moving to Chelmsford next month and am looking for a recommendation for a good locksmith in the area. Thanks in advance for your help!
Diane H. replied:
Post Office Lock and Key (they are in Lowell)
Cheryl B. replied:
Glad you chose a wonderful place to live. Post Office Locksmith
Pamela A. replied:
Lowell Lock and Key, Mike 978-459-7020
Justin K. replied:
We had Chelmsford Lock & Key do our locks for the gym.
Pete H. replied:
http://www.ddlockshop.com. They were reasonable and thorough. Highly recommend.
Peter M. replied:
Post Office Locksmith Services Chelmsfordhttp://www.postofficelock.com/
I just had a terrific experience at Lowell Lock & Key! Brought in my car keys with integrated remote and immobilizer chip along with the replacements I bought online. ...