Among all of the professionals we count on to keep our life and business running, we put the most trust in the person or company that provides locksmith services. Our locksmith helps us secure our home, our vehicles, possibly our business. They know where the locks and other security components are and how they work; they might have installed them. It’s the locksmith who rescues us when we’re locked out of our home, or we’ve lost the key to our Chevy Malibu, or the alarm has been triggered in our family store.
The state of Colorado does not require locksmiths to be licensed; only 15 states do. Because the locksmith industry is not standardized regarding training, registrations, and other credentials, it’s easy for scammers to take advantage of would-be customers. We all need to do our homework before welcoming a locksmith into our private business. Who that locksmith works for, their training and experience, and how well they have been vetted matters.
Training
There is no set path to becoming a locksmith. Training is often a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience. Locksmith schools throughout the U.S. offer various training options, including online courses. Some programs are as short as four months. The industry’s major association, the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), lists approved programs on its website. Locksmiths can also pursue voluntary certifications. In Colorado, some locksmiths offer an apprenticeship program; others hire people that already have experience. Since no license is needed here, education and other qualifications vary from company to company.
Because scamming is so widespread, the Colorado Attorney General’s office publishes a website called StopFraudColorado.gov that offers advice on avoiding dishonest locksmiths. Complaints are taken seriously and warnings issued if a customer’s rights have been violated; you can report fraudulent business practices on the website.
To avoid being scammed:
– Research now. Ask friends, family and business associates what locksmith they use and trust.
– Find out if the company is listed with the Better Business Bureau and other reputable organizations.
– Add your trusted locksmith to your phone directory, so you already know who to call in an emergency.
– Ask for pricing up front: trip charge fees, labor costs; whether they accept credit cards. A reputable company will be happy to provide this information.
At Alexius Denver’s Locksmiths, we require our technicians to have a minimum of three years’ experience, some training from ALOA, and classes from our distributor. We run a background check on all employees, and we are an alcohol- and drug-free company. For more than 16 years, Denver residents and businesses have trusted us with their locksmith needs. Our work is guaranteed and competitively priced. We have received Better Business Bureau Gold Star certification for five years in a row. We offer emergency services 24/7, 365 days a year.
You can trust that Chevy Malibu to us, too. We’ve been working with car keys for 19 years. We can replace and reprogram keys for most cars, on the road, at your home or office, anywhere in the Denver Metro area. Call us any time: 303.974.0215, or visit our website: denverslocksmiths.com.
