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Scott.Noll@wreg.com
( Memphis 3/05/2009) Locksmiths have the tools and the knowledge to break into your car and your home.
If they're licensed to work in Tennessee, locksmiths are supposed to have criminal background checks, and insurance to protect you.
But News Channel 3 Investigators have learned a number of unlicensed, out-of-state companies could be striking Mid South customers at that most vulnerable.
They pose as companies operating here in the Mid South, right down to their local phone numbers and addresses.
But, in reality, trusting that advertisement can cost you.
It's the predicament, that will have you double-checking the next time you close your car door.
"I'm locked out of my van and I'm on Riverside Drive at Tom Lee Park," said the woman on her cell phone. "Can someone come help me?" she asked the operator on the other end.
What the call-taker didn't know was that voice, was really our decoy.
The call was to show you how easy it is to find an unlicensed locksmith working here.
She called a company advertised in the phone book as Triple A Locksmith of All Memphis.
The dispatcher says someone will be out in half an hour.
She also quotes a price of $35, plus labor.
About 70 minutes later the locksmith arrives.
He's driving an unmarked Ford Explorer.
Tennessee law requires locksmiths to have a company name and its license number listed on its vehicles.
- All locksmiths doing business in TN must be licensed with the state
- Licensed locksmiths must undergo training, be insured, and have criminal background checks
- An industry group estimates there are 100 listings in the phone book for unlicensed locksmiths in the Mid South
Scott.Noll@wreg.com
( Memphis 3/05/2009) Locksmiths have the tools and the knowledge to break into your car and your home.
If they're licensed to work in Tennessee, locksmiths are supposed to have criminal background checks, and insurance to protect you.
But News Channel 3 Investigators have learned a number of unlicensed, out-of-state companies could be striking Mid South customers at that most vulnerable.
They pose as companies operating here in the Mid South, right down to their local phone numbers and addresses.
But, in reality, trusting that advertisement can cost you.
It's the predicament, that will have you double-checking the next time you close your car door.
"I'm locked out of my van and I'm on Riverside Drive at Tom Lee Park," said the woman on her cell phone. "Can someone come help me?" she asked the operator on the other end.
What the call-taker didn't know was that voice, was really our decoy.
The call was to show you how easy it is to find an unlicensed locksmith working here.
She called a company advertised in the phone book as Triple A Locksmith of All Memphis.
The dispatcher says someone will be out in half an hour.
She also quotes a price of $35, plus labor.
About 70 minutes later the locksmith arrives.
He's driving an unmarked Ford Explorer.
Tennessee law requires locksmiths to have a company name and its license number listed on its vehicles.
