We're not really locked out of this Weymouth condo. It's a test. The guy with the bag is from a company listed as a local locksmith in Weymouth, and our 7News producers have called him to get us inside.
While we wait, we ask the president of the Massachusetts Locksmiths Association to have his technician open the deadbolt.
In less than two minutes, the door opens.
Hank Phillippi Ryan, 7News"That was quick."
Since he picked the lock, there's no damage and no need to pay for expensive lock replacement. The cost?
Lonnie Piper, Massachusetts Locksmiths Association"$85 to $90."
Now, the test. This guy with the bag tried to open the deadbolt, but soon gives up and says he'll have to use a drill.
That wrecks the lock! He says he'll replace it, but it'll cost more. We say no, but the total bill is still $175.
Lonnie Piper, Massachusetts Locksmiths Association"No other way to put it. They're getting ripped off."
Divya was in trouble for real, locked out of his Back Bay condo. He checked the web for the closest locksmith and called for help. His lock was drilled and destroyed. His bill: $180.
Divya"I knew I had gotten screwed."
Bob was locked out in Southie. He called information for the closest locksmith. His lock was drilled and destroyed. His bill for the "service call" and lock replacement cost $720.
Bob"They came, and I was at their mercy."
Our investigation found that it's fraud at your front door. "Local" calls are actually forwarded to a central dispatch center for just two out of state companies. In fact, we found they answered the phone for dozens and dozens of "local" listings.
Divya"I mean it’s definitely a scam."
What's more, the "local" addresses they show are fake. The Weymouth locksmith we called lists a Weymouth address: 550 Washington Street. We found that's actually a restaurant. Checking other locksmith listings, we found pizza places, an ice cream store, an empty lot, a sandwich shop and dozens more, all being used without permission.
The Federal Trade Commission says using a fake address to mislead consumers is deceptive and illegal.
We tested more "locksmiths" from those fake addresses, and though each time a member of the Massachusetts Locksmiths Association showed our locks could be easily picked, every dispatched "locksmith" who showed up pulled out a drill, then handed us a bill.
And these so-called local locksmiths who may damage your doors aren't local at all. Here in Woburn, we called a one with a Woburn address. Who shows up? The very same guy, who appeared as our local locksmith from Weymouth!
And when we tested the other company, same thing. The supposed local locksmith from Woburn was the same person, who also showed up in Weymouth!
What's more, this same guy was also dispatched to our test lockouts in Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill and Dracut.
John Casey, Massachusetts Locksmiths Association "I believe people are getting taken advantage of, and something has to be done about it."
Right now, there are no state regulations or licensing for locksmiths. And we found so many fraudulent listings, it's impossible to name them all. Check our Web site for tips from the Massachusetts Locksmiths Association on how to make sure you're calling a reputable business.
For more information and tips on how to find a reputable locksmith:MA Locksmith AssociationThe Associated Locksmiths of America
(Copyright (c) 2006 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)