Play it Safe! Hire a California-Licensed Locksmith.

In much of the country, anyone – even convicted criminals – can go into business as a locksmith.

In many parts of the United States, you are taking your life into your hands whenever you open your home  or business to a locksmith. Only 12 states, including California, currently require that all locksmiths submit to a rigorous licensing process before hanging out their shingle. This ensures that all would-be locksmiths in these states undergo a criminal history background check through the Department Of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

This kind of consumer protection seems like a “no brainer.” Yet, in over 75% of the country, virtually anyone off the street can go into business as a locksmith. With such lax regulation, it’s unsettling to think who you are inviting into your home or business under the guise of a locksmith. Police departments across the nation report that it’s not uncommon for unlicensed locksmith companies to operate as fronts for criminals who use service calls to identify potential victims.

Despite California law, a growing number of shady locksmiths in Los Angeles and Orange County are working without proper licenses. This problem is compounded by the fact that these unscrupulous locksmiths also lack proper bonding and mandatory business insurance. Unlicensed locksmiths typically operate out of mobile units with only a cell phone and no traceable permanent address. They are often tied-in with “virtual” locksmith companies that may appear to be local but are actually national call centers with a contract locksmith in each metropolitan area. It is almost impossible to track down these locksmith if there’s a customer-service problem or worse.

It’s easy to protect yourself from falling victim to an unlicensed locksmith. Simply ask to see their license. All legally licensed locksmiths, even those operating out of mobile vans, must have their license and current renewal certificate conspicuously displayed at all times at their store and in each service vehicle. If you still have questions, you can always verify a locksmith’s license by visiting the California Department of Consumer Affairs website at CA.gov.

Your best bet is to always work with a reliable state-licensed, locally-owned company like Los Angeles-based Fidelity Locksmith Services. Since 1975, our company has been a trusted leader in residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services. You always get extra peace of mind when you work with Fidelity. Our certified locksmiths are licensed, bonded and insured. Everything we do comes with a 100% customer satisfaction guaranty. Call Fidelity Locksmith today for a FREE estimate on a complete security upgrade.