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How To Avoid A Fraudulent Locksmith In Houston?
Posted: May 31st, 2010 @ 8:53am
Imagine being locked out of your car or house in Texas. You call up your relatives but they can’t provide you with spare keys. Your first reaction will be nothing but panic, in all probability. In such a situation, your only option would be to call an emergency car locksmith. You think that they are the only ones who can help you when you are caught in such a situation. The sad part is that some of them can cheat you. Over the recent years there have been many cases of fraud by phony locksmith in Houston. This article will help you identify these undesirable elements of the society and in finding the genuine service providers.
Can They Get Me?
These fraudulent companies have many advertisements in the yellow pages, internet directories and phone help lines. A person in distress is more likely to call the first service he or she comes across. However, as the Federal Trade Commission (FCT) pointed out in a press conference recently, you should research properly before hiring any of these companies. There are many phony locksmith in Houston who will quote you really low prices over the phone, but once they get the job done they will ask you for a ridiculously high fee. Also, most of them are not trained professionals. Countless people encounter these phonies every year all over the US. If you are not aware, this could also happen to you.
What Does The Law Say?
In Texas, there are many laws that ensure that only the professionals and those with honest intentions are able to get their locksmith establishment registered. All the persons working in these companies have to be adults. They should not have any disturbing criminal history. Even an indictment in a trial with major class (A) charges, will render a person not eligible for being employed at a locksmith’s or access control companies. The law also says that they should not have any such indictments or conviction for class (B) charges at least within the last five years. A locksmith in Houston cannot operate without proper registration with the state authorities.
According to these provisions you will have to provide the locksmiths with a valid identification before they let you enter in a building or vehicle. This is to ensure that no one misuses these services for illicit purposes. However, it also says that there can be exemptions under an emergency.
What Can I Do To Prevent This?
It is important that you confirm the credibility of these companies before calling them on the spot. You should ask them on the phone if they have a valid registration from the government. Also, when they provide you with a quote, tell them in clear words that you will not settle for anything that is higher than that. You should also refer to the FCT helpline to confirm that there haven’t been any reports of misconduct by these companies from the consumers.
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