Nationwide Locksmith Scam Alert

This month, federal investigators busted a nationwide locksmith scam.  Based in Clearwater, Fla., Dependable Locks Inc.  operated a national network of over 100 locksmiths. Dependable Locks representatives allegedly offered low prices for emergency lock services on phone calls while onsite locksmiths ultimately charged up to twice the original quote. Dependable Locksmiths also posted locksmith services ads with fake local addresses and phone numbers nationwide, and its employees have been accused of  using “coercive and intimidating techniques to ensure” payments from customers. Dependable Locksmith managers Eliyahu Barhanun, 29, of Creve Coeur, Mo.; David Peer, 31; and Moshe Aharoni, 28, both of Clearwater, Fla. face federal charges for  felony violation of structuring financial transactions to avoid federal reporting requirements and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. Each of the violations carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and fines up to $250,000.