CONSUMER ALERT

Locksmith Swindle on the Rise

· Untrustworthy locksmith companies are ripping off consumers in Memphis

· A local phone number doesn’t always mean a local locksmith

· TN enacted a locksmith licensing program in July 2008

April 9, 2009 – The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be wary of untrustworthy locksmiths operating in the Mid-South. Some “local” locksmith companies are not physically located in the area, but are simply distant call centers that farm the jobs out to unlicensed and unprofessional locksmiths who may end up doing more harm than good.

According to Kara Peifer, West TN Locksmith Association Secretary/Treasurer, a consumer who searches for a locksmith in a yellow pages directory or online may not end up with the local business they think they are contacting. “The local yellow pages directories list over 150 locksmiths in each book,” said Peifer, “and if you search online, you may end up with as many as 850 names of reputed locksmiths in the Memphis area. Many have no physical location here.”

Peifer says that the proliferation of unlicensed locksmiths is one reason that states are beginning to enact locksmith licensing laws. “Nine states have already passed these laws,” Peifer stated. “The TN Locksmith Licensing Program was enacted in July 2008.”

“Unlicensed locksmiths tend to move from state to state, leaving when the heat gets turned up in one location,” said Peifer. Pam Smith, Administrative Assistant with the TN Locksmith Licensing Program agreed.  “We’re seeing this problem all over the state,” Smith said. “It’s everywhere.”

The State of TN requires individual locksmiths to be licensed and locksmith companies to be registered with the state. Additionally, either the license or registration number must be printed on all business cards and advertising. The State of TN has both education and experience requirements for each level of licensing. And persons convicted of fraud or theft are not eligible.

“Because locksmiths are able to access secure areas and data, they could potentially be a Homeland Security threat,” Peifer said. She hopes that public awareness of the locksmith licensing requirements will help protect both consumers and her profession.

The Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South offers the following tips for hiring a reputable locksmith:

· Check out the company with the BBB, preferably before you need a locksmith’s services.

· Ask the locksmith who shows up for identification and his TN license or registration number.

· Find out if the locksmith is insured to cover any damage incurred during a repair.

· Expect the locksmith to ask you for identification. A legitimate locksmith will confirm your identity and make sure you are the property owner before doing any work.

· Be wary of locksmiths who answer the phone with generic sounding names like “locksmith services”. Always ask for the legal name of the business and its physical location.

· Be wary of locksmiths who arrive in unmarked vehicles. Most legitimate locksmith companies will have vehicles that are clearly marked with the company’s name.

· In case of a lock-out, be cautious if you are told up front that the lock has to be drilled and replaced. An experienced, legitimate locksmith has invested in the tools and education to be able to unlock almost any door.

· If you are a victim of an unscrupulous locksmith, file a complaint with the BBB at bbb.org. Complaints should also be filed with the State of TN Locksmith Licensing Program by calling Pam Smith at 615.532.9170 or online at www.tn.gov/commerce/boards.

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BBB ALERT warns you about scams that may cost your business or employees money. As soon as we learn about a scam, you’ll know about it. We may also send you other important information regarding your BBB Accreditation. We will not share your email address with third parties. If you would prefer not to receive these alerts, please reply to this email with the word “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.

Nancy Crawford | Director of Marketing & Communications

Tel: 901-757-8627

Cell: 901-827-6128

Fax: 901-757-2997

Email: ncrawford@bbbmidsouth.org

www.bbb.org | Start with Trust

BBB of the Mid-South

3693 Tyndale Drive

Memphis, TN 38125

I received this the other day, and wanted to pass on this very valuable info!

Watch out & be safe!

Sincerely,

Thomas “Trapper” Sherwood
Sherwood Locksmithing

http://www.personalsafetyebook.com

Tags: locksmith, personal security, personals safety, Sherwood Locksmithing

Greetings,

This is a repost of a press release I received recently.

SecurityTechnicalInstitute.com (STI) has been approved for online training for locksmiths in Tennessee to meet continuing education and general education requirements administered by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

STI provides locksmiths an option for distance learning as they obtain and maintain occupational education requirements and continuing educational credits required by Tennessee’s locksmith regulations.

STI is equipped to provide a home-based training program combined with robust Internet technology to provide the locksmith accelerated training opportunities from the comfort of their home.

SecurityTechnicalInstitute.com is the original and leading provider of “blended learning” and online proficiency testing at a fraction of the cost of other programs. “We can provide repeatable content and online testing with instant results to clients worldwide,” Tom Lynch, director of operations, said.
STI’s program eliminates the need for locksmiths to travel long distances for training. “We believe the locksmith deserves an alternative that meets their needs,” Lynch said.

STI has approval from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for more than 40 course topics with 12 specific “core knowledge” topics designed to satisfy state locksmith requirements.

Locksmiths may challenge a course test under supervision and be awarded full credit if a passing score is achieved.  STI offers regional hands-on peer certification and works with local associations to support their educational goals.

Security Technical Institute.com is committed to helping the locksmiths succeed while providing a quality education and skills to survive.
“We offer an opportunity at an education that will last a lifetime, we don’t sell credit hours,” Lynch said.  “Locksmiths needed a solution, and STI provides it.”

Sincerely,

Thomas “Trapper” Sherwood
615 355-5886
www.sherwoodlocksmithing.com
TNLP # 0067

PS…Remember, if a locksmith is doing work in the state of Tennessee, he/she must be licensed. Ask to see a locksmith’s license before he/she performs any work for you.

Tags: education, locksmith, personal safety, personal security

Greetings,

Today’s great post comes from my friend Jessica, and I want to thank her for allowing me to use it to help keep others safe. Thanks Jess!

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Doctor’s Office, the checkout girl at the market, everyone you run across. Please feel free to pass this blog post to them. However you can do it, please do. Keep them informed with this very simple tip.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get into your house, just press the panic button for your car, providing your car does have an alarm system and you do have the alarm remote.

The alarm will be set off and the horn will continue to sound either until you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator.  Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: it’s a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it.  It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the remote unit.  It works if you park in your driveway or garage.

If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are that the burglar/rapist won’t stick around….after a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there, and sure enough the criminal won’t want that!

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.

This is something that should really be shared with everyone.  Maybe it could save a life or prevent a sexual assault.

My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn’t hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she’ll know there’s a problem.

P.S…it would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can’t reach a phone.

Tags: automobiles, keys, personal safety, personal security

What is pepper spray and/or defensive spray?

The defensive sprays that Personal Safety eBook recommends are humane and effective. These self
defensive sprays contain OC Pepper, Tear Gas, Ultraviolet Dye, or any combination of the three.
They are an effective means of non-lethal self defense for people concerned with safety and
security. Used by police departments, security agencies, and individuals concerned with security
and self defense. Recommended by the American Security Institute.

2. What are the effects of pepper spray and/or defensive spray?
To achieve the desired effects, a defensive spray must be aimed towards the face of the aggressor.
The general effects of most defensive sprays are disorientation, eyes slamming shut, restricted
breathing, uncontrollable coughing, blindness, and intense burning sensation. Effects generally last
20 to 30 minutes. As the different formulations work differently depending upon what chemical
compounds are used, please see “How do some of the different formulations work?” as well to see
what effects your specific formulation will induce.

3. Can I use my pepper spray after the expiration date?
Like any pressurized aerosol device, over time the unit may not
spray as far as expected, if at all. Mace Brand defensive sprays
(and some other brands as well) have an easy to find expiration
date on the unit. We recommend replacing your spray after the
expiration date to ensure that the spray is ready to save your life
should you ever need it. If you have a spray that does not have
an expiration date, please be sure to see “What if my pepper
spray doesn’t have an expiration date?” as well.

4. What if my pepper spray doesn’t have an expiration date?
If you are using a spray that does not have an expiration date, the manufacturer has probably
included directions to test the unit every three months to ensure that it is ready if you should ever
need it. As these sprays do have a limited capacity that may be exhausted through repeated testing,
we highly recommend that in addition to testing that you replace your spray once a year. This is the
surest way to have the protection you need when you need it.

5. At what temperature should I store my pepper spray?
Do not leave your defensive spray in any area that may exceed 125 degrees F or drop below -15
degrees F. Excessive heat or cold may cause the can to leak or burst.

6. Can I bring pepper spray on an airplane?
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows one defensive spray per traveler in your checked
luggage only. Sprays are not allowed in carry-on luggage or at any time in the passenger area.

If you are looking for self-defense products such as stun guns, pepper sprays, Air Tasers, Mace, hidden cameras and a lot more, check out one of our favorite sites, Safety Technology.

Be safe,

Trapper

Tags: defensive sprays, mace, pepper spray, personal safety, personal security, self-defense, self-defense products

When do you make the decision to use pepper spray?

Don’t wait until you are being assaulted to think about whether or not you are going to use your defensive spray. After you receive your defensive spray familiarize yourself with this information and the specific directions that come with your product.

Arrange a quiet time where you think about some of the possible assault scenarios whereby
you’d be a victim. You should also make a couple of practice ‘taps’ of you defensive spray (in an open
area with no one around) to ensure that you know how it works.

This is the time to make the conscious decision to spray an attacker and move to a safer location, when
and if you are attacked.

This may seem silly, but it is vitally important to be prepared for bad experiences. Too many times,
I’ve heard of victims who ‘couldn’t think’ or were ‘to confused’ during an assault to make a decision.
Comments like, “I didn’t know if I should use it” or “It happened so fast I didn’t know what to do”
imply that the victims were in a problem solving mode when they should have been in an action mode.

Make the decision now to act.

Where does one purchase Pepper Spray?

I have know this company for years, solid, reliable and they get my
recommendation. Click Here

PS…Pepper Spray Info provided by Mace Brand Defensive Sprays

Tags: pepper spray, personal safety, Personal Safety Products, personal security, self-defense

Greetings,

For the past week or so, we have been writing and
discussing ID Theft, how it happens, how to prevent it etc.

Today I bring you the immediate steps one should take
should you fall victim to identity theft,
and I hope it never happens to you

If you are a victim of identity theft, take the
following four steps as soon as possible, and
keep records of your conversations and copies
of all correspondence.

You also should get a copy of the FTC publication,
Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft,
a comprehensive guide that describes what to do,
your legal rights, how to handle specific problems you
may encounter on the way to clearing your
name, and what to watch for in the future.

The guide also includes the ID Theft Affidavit
to help you report information to many
companies. For more information, see
www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports,
and review your credit reports.
Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief
from opening any more accounts in your name.
Contact the toll-free fraud number of any
of the three consumer reporting companies
below to place a fraud alert on your credit
report. You need to contact only one of the
three companies to place an alert. The
company you call is required to contact the
other two, which will place an alert on their
versions of your report, too.

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285;
www.equifax.com;
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

• Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742);
www.experian.com;
P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

• TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289;
www.transunion.com;
Fraud Victim Assistance Division,
P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Once you place the fraud alert in your file,
you’re entitled to order free copies of your
credit reports, and, if you ask, only the last
four digits of your SSN will appear on your
credit reports.

Once you get your credit
reports, review them carefully. Look for
inquiries from companies you haven’t
contacted, accounts you didn’t open, and
debts on your accounts that you can’t explain.

Check that information like your SSN,
address(es), name or initials, and employers
are correct. I

f you find fraudulent or inaccurate
information, contact the consumer reporting
companies to get it removed. Continue to check
your credit reports periodically, especially for
the first year after you discover the identity
theft, to make sure no new fraudulent activity
has occurred.

Tags: Credit Card safety, credit report, ID theft, Identity Theft, personal security, personals safety, stolen credit cards

Skilled identity thieves use a variety of ways to gain access to your personal information.
For example, they may get information from businesses or other institutions by stealing
it while they’re on the job; bribing an employee who has access to these records; hacking these
records; and conning information out of employees.

Or:

• they may steal your wallet or purse.
• they may steal your personal information through email or the phone by saying
they’re from a legitimate company and claiming that you have a problem with your
account. This practice is known as “phishing” online, or “pretexting” by phone.
• they may steal your credit or debit card numbers by capturing the information in
a data storage device in a practice known as “skimming.” They may swipe your card
for an actual purchase, or attach a device to an ATM machine where they may enter
or swipe your card.
• they may get your credit reports by abusing the authorized access that was granted to
their employer, or by posing as a landlord, employer, or someone else who may have
a legal right to your report.
• they may rummage through your trash, the trash of businesses, or public trash dumps in
a practice known as “dumpster diving.”
• they may steal personal information they find in your home.
• they may steal your mail, including bank and credit card statements,
credit card offers, new checks, and tax information.
• they may complete a “change of address form” to divert your
mail to another location.

Once identity thieves have your personal information, they may use it to commit fraud
or theft.

For example:

• they may call your credit card issuer to change the billing address on your account.
The impostor then runs up charges on your account. Because the bills are being sent
to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there’s a problem.
• they may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the credit cards
and don’t pay the bills, the delinquent accounts are reported on your credit report.
• they may establish phone or wireless service in your name.
• they may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on the account.
• they may counterfeit checks or credit or debit cards, or authorize electronic transfers
in your name, and drain your bank account.
• they may file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they’ve incurred
under your name, or to avoid eviction.
• they may buy a car by taking out an auto loan in your name.
• they may get identification such as a driver’s license issued with their picture, in your name.
• they may get a job or file fraudulent tax returns in your name.
• they may give your name to the police during an arrest. If they don’t show up
for the court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name.

Please use common sense with your credit cards, credit card bills, and other personal
identity information.

As you can see from the above article, Identity Theft is something to take into serious consideration.

Tags: Credit Card safety, credit cards, ID theft, Identity Theft, personal security, stolen credit cards

What’s the best way to pick a reputable locksmith? Consider researching locksmiths before you need one, the same way you would a plumber, electrician, or other professional. That works well if you’re looking to have some security work done at your home, like installing deadbolts on the exterior doors of your house, or a safe in your bedroom.

But if you’re dealing with an emergency, like being locked out of your car, you really don’t have much time for thorough research.

Regardless of whether you are locked out of your car or home, you need new locks installed, or you require other security work, the FTC offers these tips to help you hire a legitimate, local locksmith.

In emergency situations:

• If you’re locked out of your car and have a roadside assistance service, call them first. These services sometimes are included with the purchase of a car, or as an add-on through your insurance company. You also can buy this service separately. Roadside assistance plans often have a list of pre-approved companies to perform services like unlocking cars, jump-starting batteries, changing flat tires, delivering gasoline, and towing.
• Call family or friends for recommendations.
• If you find a locksmith in the phone book, on the Internet, or through directory assistance, and a business address is given, confirm that the address belongs to that locksmith. Some disreputable companies list street addresses to give the impression that they’re local. But the addresses may belong to other businesses or vacant lots, if they exist at all. You can verify addresses through websites that allow you to match phone numbers with street addresses. Some legitimate locksmith companies may not include a street address in their listing either because they operate a “mobile” business or they operate their business out of their home and may be reluctant to list that address. If you call a locksmith who doesn’t list an address, ask why. If the answer is that it’s a “mobile” business, you will understand they have no storefront.
• Write down the names of several businesses, their phone numbers, and addresses for future reference, in case you don’t want to go with the first locksmith you call.
• If a company answers the phone with a generic phrase like “locksmith services,” rather than a company-specific name, be wary. Ask for the legal name of the business. If the person refuses, call another locksmith.
• Get an estimate for all work and replacement parts from the locksmith before work begins. In cases of “lock-outs” (being locked out of your car or home), most legitimate locksmiths will give you an estimate on the phone for the total cost of the work.
  • Ask about additional fees before you agree to have the locksmith perform the work. Companies may charge extra for responding to a call in the middle of the night. Ask if there is a charge for mileage, or a minimum fee for a service call.
  • If the price the locksmith provides when he arrives doesn’t jibe with the estimate you got on the telephone, do not allow the work to be done.
  • Never sign a blank form authorizing work.
• Find out if the locksmith is insured. If your property is damaged during a repair, or if faulty work leads to loss or damage, it’s important for the locksmith to have insurance to cover your losses.
• When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, including a business card and, where applicable, a locksmith license. Nine states require locksmiths to be licensed: Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. In addition to a business card, check to see if the invoice includes the company’s name, and whether the locksmith’s vehicle has a name that matches the business card, invoice, and/or bill.
• Expect the locksmith to ask you for identification, as well. A legitimate locksmith should confirm your identity and make sure you’re the property owner before doing any work.
• Some locksmiths will work out of a car for quick or emergency jobs, but most will arrive in a service vehicle that is clearly marked with their company’s name.
• In the case of a lock-out, be cautious if you’re told up front that the lock has to be drilled and replaced. An experienced legitimate locksmith has invested in the tools and education to provide quality service, and can unlock almost any door.
• After the work is completed, get an itemized invoice that covers parts, labor, mileage, and the price of the service call.
  In situations where you have more time, check out locksmiths with your state Attorney General (www.naag.org), local consumer protection agency (www.consumeraction.gov), and the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) to make sure there are no unresolved complaints on file. (You can get the phone numbers for these organizations in your phone book, through directory assistance, or through Web directories.) This is true whether you need a locksmith for a one-time job, or you want to hire someone to work for you on a continuing basis.

  You must be able to trust your locksmith. You don’t want to give access to the locks for your home, car, or place of business to just anyone.

  Any question? Feel free to call me.

  Sincerely,

  Thomas “Trapper” Sherwood
  TN LP # 0067
  615 355-5886
  Sherwood Locksmithing

Tags: deadbolts, lock outs, locksmith, personal safety, personal security, Sherwood Locksmithing

If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help you out of your situation. If a family member or friend can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call might be to a local locksmith. But before you make that call, consider this: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, some locksmiths advertising in your local telephone book may not be local at all. They may not have professional training. What’s more, some of them may use intimidating tactics and overcharge you.

When “Local” Is Really Long-Distance.

Consider this scenario: A company far away from your town chooses a name for its business that is very similar to the name used by a local locksmith. The company advertises in the phone book or on the Web using a local telephone number and local address. When you call the number, you’re actually connected to a call center in another city. What’s more, there’s no locksmith shop at the address listed.

You may be quoted a price on the phone, but when the locksmith arrives, often in an unmarked vehicle, he may want significantly more money. The locksmith also may accept only cash.

Bottom line, know your local locksmith! Ask when you are on the phone with him/her what specific city are they located in and most important, ask if they are a state licensed locksmith, (you will want to see their ID when they arrive) if your state does require a locksmith. Tennessee does.

Next post we will continue to cover tips to hiring a reputable locksmith.

Thomas “”Trapper” Sherwood
Sherwood Locksmithing TN LP #0067

Tags: automobiles, Home and House Security, lock outs, locksmith, personal safety, personal security