Preventing Locksmith Scams: Pop-A-Lock Launches Real-Time GPS App To Ensure Customer Security

In an effort to provide greater service to customers and prevent the growing threat of locksmith scams, Pop-A-Lock has announced the launch of the Pop-A-Lock Customer Connect app. This app is designed with the customer in mind and enhances the Pop-A-Lock experience for clients, ensuring their safety by identifying their technician and providing peace of mind.

Due to the national epidemic of security and locksmith scammers, Pop-A-Lock addressed the issue by creating this free application available on Google Play for Androids and the Apple Store for iPhone users. More information about the application can be found at: http://www.popalocktracking.com.

 

Features and Benefits of the App

  1. Real Time GPS reporting of the Tech who is coming to service you.
  2. Electronic Estimated Arrival Time Countdown.
  3. Picture of the Vehicle they will be arriving in.
  4. Picture of the Technician who will be performing the service.
  5. Quality assurance survey to give feedback on your service.
  6. Social Media connector so you can tell people how great the service was.

“This new technology will help provide our customers with the piece of mind that the person pulling up to service their security needs is indeed a Pop-A-Lock technician that has been background checked, is in uniform and expertly trained,” said Don Marks, CEO of Pop-A-Lock and SystemsForward America. “Unfortunately, many customers in need of locksmith services call a company from the Yellow Pages only to find that when the ‘supposed’ technician arrives on the scene, the customer is scammed or –even worse- robbed.”

“By utilizing this new technology from Pop-A-Lock, customers will never have to question where their technician is or when he or she will be there,” said Robert Reynolds, Chief Operating Officer of Pop-A-Lock.  “By providing a picture of the technician and the fleet vehicle they are operating the customer can be sure who is servicing them.  Safety and security for our customers is Pop-A-Lock’s number one goal.”

Pop-A-Lock is the country’s largest group of locksmiths providing 24–hour locksmith service across the country. If you need a trustworthy locksmith here in Jacksonville, Florida, please don’t hesitate to call us at 904-246-4590!

5 Warning Signs of Untrustworthy Locksmiths

 Warning-Signs-Pop-A-Lock-LocksmithIn an ideal world, you’d research local locksmith companies and program a reputable one into your phone in case of future emergencies. The side of the road just isn’t the best place for checking out different companies, reading up on customer reviews, and verifying ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) membership. However, if you’re locked out and have no choice but to resort to the yellow pages or internet listings, watch out for these 5 warning signs that you’re about to fall for a locksmith scam. Locksmith scams are common all over the country, including in Jacksonville.

Warning Sign #1: The locksmith company answers the phone without saying the company name. Disreputable locksmiths use many false business names, addresses, and phone numbers that all feed into one remote call center. Because there are so many different company names, the person answering your call may only say, “Locksmith.” In contrast, if you call Pop-A-Lock of Jacksonville, our name will be the first thing you hear.

Warning Sign #2: Conspicuously low quotes over the phone or in an ad. It’s a classic bait and switch: a dishonest locksmith company offers you what seems like a great quote so you agree to the service. When the locksmith actually comes out, the initial quote turns out to cover the service call only. The actual labor adds on another $50-$100 (or even more if the locksmith sells you on unnecessary services). If you sense any evasiveness when you ask about pricing on the phone, trust your instincts and try another Jacksonville locksmith that offers firm quotes. Written quotes are even better.

Warning Sign #3: Locksmiths who show up in unmarked cars. An unmarked car is a major red flag that you could be dealing with an untrustworthy locksmith. Shady locksmith companies use out of state call centers but hire local contractors who are often poorly trained, unequipped, and uninsured. An inexperienced technician can cause serious damage to your locks, doors, and windows. A local locksmith company in Jacksonville that provides its technicians with tools, uniforms, and marked cars is a much better bet, not only because you’re likely to enjoy better service, but also because you can hold them accountable if anything goes wrong.

Warning Sign #4: Locksmiths who talk up the price before even starting to work on your lock. Ask about pricing before a locksmith begins to work on your lock. If he’s already tacking on additional fees, you know you’re going to be paying a lot more than you bargained for. Although you might be tempted to just go along with it, keep in mind that bad locksmiths can damage your locks and end up costing you even more money and time. Pop-A-Lock is often called to repair damage done by less trained locksmiths. It’s not too late to dismiss this locksmith and call another.

Warning Sign #5: Locksmiths who want to drill your lock. It’s true that there are cases in which your lock cannot be picked and must be drilled. However, they are relatively rare, and legitimate locksmiths view drilling as a last resort. If a locksmith works on your lock for only a few minutes before declaring that it has to be drilled, don’t let him. Drilling a lock means you’ll have to pay for installing a brand new lock. Get a second opinion instead —  it could save you hundreds of dollars.

Prefer to do things the easy way? Pop-A-Lock of Jacksonville is a locally owned and operated, ALOA certified locksmith in Jacksonville, FL. We’re proud of our transparent pricing and effective locksmith services.

Check out what our customers have to say about our services and give us a call at 904-246-4590 if you need help!

Pop-A-Lock – your trusted Jacksonville locksmith.