Don't call another locksmith. Save yourself the stress. I was locked out of my apartment yesterday. Luckily, I had my phone on me, so I frantically googled "24-hour locksmith" and called the first shady company that popped up. They quoted me at a $35 service fee + $55 to get me in my apartment and they said they'd be here within 15-20 minutes. Sounded great. As I waited in my dingy hallway, I started to do some research on yelp. But the shade smiths were already on their way and I still had faith that they would make good on their promise.
About 30 minutes later, the shady locksmith shows up, takes a quick look at my lock and says, "that's going to be $189, plus $35 for the service charge." "But I was quoted a different rate!" I exclaimed. In response to his lack of shock and utter disbelief, I took out my phone and dialed A-m o t lock & key (while the shade smith stood there glaring at me). Myron answered, said he'd be here in 20 (he was here in 10), and gave me the good quote over the phone . Another bonus-- they accept credit cards, so I didn't have to schlep to the ATM at 1 a.m.
So, I told the shady locksmith that I wouldn't be needing his services after all and his response was, "well, you still owe me a $35 service fee." When I reminded him that any money that I might have was still locked in my apartment, he told me he'd wait down the block for me, and then he said, "trust me, when these guys show up they're gonna tell you they gotta drill the lock off and charge you $180, and then you can call me and we'll do it for $130." No, buddy. That's YOUR scam.
And, oh, the most important part: Myron showed up sooner than promised, was able to get me back into my apartment in about a minute (with no drilling!), and charged me the exact price I was quoted over the phone. Imagine that! read more