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In Google maps, the top result for a locksmith in my city is a company that doesn't actually exist. The company has no website, just a toll-free number. The bu
by bityard 4y ago
In Google maps, the top result for a locksmith in my city is a company that doesn't actually exist.
The company has no website, just a toll-free number. The business name doesn't match anything in the state records. If you zoom in, the address given is literally in some kind of alley. The business has 4.5 stars and all of the reviews are in vague, broken English that never contain any details about the service or why they needed it.
My guess is that when you call them, they take your info and then call a real locksmith in the area and pocket the difference.
- acatton 4y agoCBC's Marketplace did an investigation about this years ago. https://youtu.be/bvlzZnhZhrc?t=858 https://youtu.be/bvlzZnhZhrc?t=858 TL;DW: this is widespread in most cities in Canada. Scammers just setup fake businesses on google to have your nearest locksmith be some generic chain. I would expect this to be the same for the US.
- Cenk 4y agoThe “Reply All” podcast had an episode about this: https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all/o2ho87 https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all/o2ho87
- segmondy 4y agoAlmost all Google search for businesses are "scam". If you search for locksmith, plumber, heating and cooling, lawn, mechanic. It's all fronts often in eastern europe masking like local business and taking a hefty cut.