Below the page break is the complete text of the latest Locksmith Fraud alert sent by ALOA to all members - a link to the USDOJ website has been added to the "Fraud News & Resources" menu on the right.
The locksmith scammer plague has only worsened with the rise of the Internet. Many scammers seek to look legitimate by hijacking the web site or diverting e-mail or telephones inquiries of legitimate locksmiths. Scammers have diverted e-mail inquires directed at legitimate locksmiths to their own mailboxes. Also, it has become easier for scammers to divert telephone calls as more businesses move to VOIP telephone service. (Internet phone service). These scams are a form of identity theft. The scammer responds to the call with the consumer thinking that the legitimate locksmith is the one providing service. When the consumer realizes that they they have been overcharged or are the victim of inferior service, the blame falls on the legitimate locksmith who is not even aware that its calls and inquiries are being stolen by a scammer. ALOA advises its members to be on the lookout for locksmith fraud via the Internet. Periodically check your web site and telephone numbers to make sure that calls and e-mails are not being diverted. If you are the victim or Internet fraud or if you are aware of another locksmith who has been victimized, ALOA recommends that you contact the United States Department of Justice which has set up an Internet and Intellectual Property Crime unit. Information is available on the Department of Justice web site:
While the Department of Justice may not take immediate action in each individual case, it is important to alert them to the scope of the problem.
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