When you're feeling the most vulnerable, someone is waiting in the wings to take advantage of you!  "Local" locksmiths are ready to do just that. Check out our story by clicking here.

It was very difficult getting answers from 24 Hour Locksmith. Every time I started asking questions about who they were or where they were based they would hang up.  They're not in our area that's for sure. They told me the company is run out of Brooklyn by a guy named "Moshe" who's already ever comes in the office. I left a message for him but he never called back. I'm not surprised given the reception we got from the people who are working for him.

Illinois and Missouri have taken action against similar operations. In fact a recent legal filing in Missouri names a company called Dependable Locksmiths that does business under several variations of the name 24 Hour Locksmith which is the company we we investigated. I

What we uncovered is difficult for consumers to detect but here are some warning signs. 

1. When you call a locksmith you think is local and they won't give you their local address.

2. If they tell you they are a mobile service that could be an indication it's one of the questionable locksmith companies that have been investigated. 

3. If they give you a price over the phone then try to charge more at the door. 

4. They want to drill before even trying to pick the lock. 

5. A lockout on your house or car should cost around $100.00. Drilling a locks should be the same amount. Drilling should only be done on a lock that can't be picked. 

Associated Locksmiths of America is trying to stop it and has more information on their website and links to local state law enforcement agencies to file complaints.