News

Angie's List Super Service Award

Kathy Zaniolo — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 20:28:25 +0000

PHS Locksmiths has again won the Angie's List Super Service Award. In 2011 we received superior scores from our customers. Thank you for rating our service and our locksmiths. Good referrals from our customers is what keeps us in business. We are glad to find we are still meeting or exceeding expectations. In 2012 we will celebrate 30 years of serving the Oak Park, Berwyn, River Forest, Forest Park, Cicero and surrounding area. Thank you.

New Illinois Law Requires Most Cook County Landlords to Change Locks

Kathy Zaniolo — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 21:23:50 +0000

Effective January 1 2012, most landlords in Cook County will be required to change or rekey the locks on rental property when new tenants move in. This does not apply to owner occupied buildings with four or fewer units.

http://depositlaw.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-law-requires-most-cook-county.html

NPR story The Great Locksmith Swindle

Kathy Zaniolo — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:01:19 +0000

Locksmith internet scams continue. It's easy and cheap to create websites that look legitimate and local.

NPR radio story explains the problem in The Great Locksmith Swindle.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18573130

Consumer reports magazine tests dead-bolt locks.

Kathy Zaniolo — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 23:21:58 +0000

Medeco high security dead-bolts took everything they could dish out and received a grade of excellent.

Dead-bolts in general were found lacking in kick in attempts or opened easily with a battery drill. They also tested the electronic locks which did not pass mustard.

Consumer Reports rates dead-bolt locks http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/june/home-garden/best-door-locks/overview/index.htm

Burglaries are up in Oak Park, Berwyn, and surrounding towns

Kathy Zaniolo — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:42:02 +0000

Summer has finally arrived in the Chicago area. Open the windows and doors to let in the fresh warm air. But wait, have you just provided an opportunity for a home invasion?

Local police departments have security tips on their websites to help you protect your home and loved ones. However, if you leave your windows or door open none of these tips will help.

Keep your door locked, even if you are just working in the yard.

Install window locks so they open no more than 4". Never leave them open when you leave home.

Be wary of anyone approaching your door or ringing your bell. Keep a locked door between you and the stranger.

If you are approached outside your home, keep your cell phone handy and visible. Don't be afraid to call for help.

Gardening and yard work should be done when neighbors are out too. There is safety in numbers.

Oak Park, Berwyn, River Forest, Cicero and other near west Chicago suburbs offer information on their websites or have police officers who can speak to groups about fighting crime in the community.

Cramming on your phone bill

Kathy Zaniolo — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:57:34 +0000

Unauthorized charges are being added to phone bills. This is cramming. Both wireless and land line phone companies are adding charges submitted by outside companies to the phone bill. Customers are not notified. It is up to customers to spot and question the charges.

If requested, the phone company can put a carrier block on your account.

We had 2 charges on our bill from different companies for discounted 411 service. We never call 411 and never authorized these charges.

Read the article and check your phone bill.

Steps to avoid 'Cramming' by scamsters (BBB.org)

Wisconsin takes locksmith to court

Kathy Zaniolo — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:48:39 +0000

Wisconsin files felony charges against locksmith for identity theft and consumer fraud marketing tactics.

http://bit.ly/hjdFQw

Locksmith Service Indicted

Kathy Zaniolo — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:20:50 +0000

Florida based locksmith service, who provided service in the Chicago area, indicted in scam using illegal aliens. http://bit.ly/eguLxN

Angie's List warns consumers about scams by locksmiths

Kathy Zaniolo — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 04:35:00 +0000

Angie's List joins the BBB, Attorney Generals of many states and the FTC in warning consumers about the nationwide locksmith scam. Tips to find a reputable and local locksmith.

Federal Charges against locksmith scammers

Kathy Zaniolo — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:32:00 +0000

The story states charges beyond consumer complaints. Money laundering, conspiracy to commit mail fraud,and more.