Rogue Locksmiths Are Taking Advantage of Senior Citizens

How Fortis Locksmith Scammed a 90-Year-Old Out of $4,000

At JT’s Keys and Locks, we pride ourselves on being a cornerstone of our community. Unfortunately, not everyone in our industry operates with the same integrity. A disturbing trend is sweeping across the country—and hitting close to home right here in the Western U.S.—where fraudulent “locksmiths” are preying on the vulnerability of senior citizens.
JT’s Keys & Locks has been at the front of the line warning residents of Arizona about predator locksmiths for nearly 15-years. However, with the rise of the internet and now AI, it seems that the scams have only gotten more expensive.

Looking for a local and reliable locksmith? Save 50-80% on Locksmith Services such as Auto Lockout, Auto Remote Key Duplication, Mailbox Locksmith, Rekey, Home Lockout, and Commercial Locksmith. Call 602-369-1553 or 520-303-1022, or schedule an appointment online.

What You Will Learn in This Article:

– Predator locksmiths target senior citizens, especially in the Western U.S., using deceptive tactics to overcharge. Fraudulent locksmiths manipulate Google search results with generic names and impersonate legitimate companies to attract customers.

– An example case involves a 90-year-old Colorado woman who was charged nearly $4,000 for a lock replacement she only requested to be inspected.

– The locksmith installed a new lock without consent and charged an exorbitant price; after disputes, only a partial refund was issued and the company dissolved shortly after.

– Seniors are targeted because they tend to be polite, trusting, and vulnerable to high-pressure sales tactics that claim urgent security threats.

90-Year Old Senior Citizen Charged Thousands for a Lock Replacement

Stacy Sdanowich cares for her 90-year-old mother, Florence, in Colorado, helping with groceries, appointments, and bills. Florence suspected someone tampered with her door lock and called Fortis Locksmith after finding their number online, wanting only an inspection without purchasing a new lock.

The locksmith company arrived, and Stacy stepped away for 10 to 15 minutes. When she returned, the technicians had installed a new lock. She was told the job cost $160 and that she would receive a receipt, but her credit card was charged nearly $4,000.

“What do you think of that bill? $3,800? I’m telling you, giving them $90, I think I might have a heart attack. I’m so upset,” she said.

“A reputable locksmith should know you don’t change locks in a senior living facility because security needs a master key for emergencies,” Stacy said.

The costly replacement lock now sits in a box on the counter. Management removed it and reinstalled the original lock. Similar locks online cost only a few hundred dollars.

Florence immediately called the company back.

“I talked to the manager, and he said, ‘Well, we’ll give you $1,000 back.’ I said, ‘No indeed.’ I said, ‘I’m not rich. I can’t afford all this extra money,'” she said.

They refunded her $1,200. Florence and Stacy disputed $2,600, but the bank said the vendor must be contacted. Florence said the manager hung up and later blocked calls. The company was formed in December and had no website or direct phone number, only an address.

However, an investigation found no locksmith at that address, despite neighbors seeing many locksmith vans in the neighborhood. When contacted, the Fortis Locksmith owner initially denied involvement, then admitted using an unknown subcontractor and issued a refund by cashier’s check. The company dissolved shortly after the investigation.

Why Seniors are Targeted by Rogue Locksmiths

The scam typically begins with a simple Google search. Fraudulent companies use search engine optimization (SEO) to dominate local results, often using generic names like “24/7 Local Locksmith” or “Pro Locksmith Services.” These fraudulent locksmiths will even impersonate a legitimate company to fool the consumer.

Fraudulent operators count on seniors being polite and trusting. They use high-pressure tactics, claiming that if the work isn’t done immediately, the home isn’t safe. They may also demand payment via cash or untraceable apps to ensure you can’t dispute the charge later.

How to Stay Secure

The best way to avoid a scam is to have a plan before the emergency happens:

1. Research Now: JT’s Keys and Locks has a physical shop and a track record of positive reviews.

2. Save the Number: Put JT’s Keys and Locks in your contacts today so you aren’t scrambling on Google during a lockout.

3. Ask for a Total: JT’s Keys and Locks is not a call center and we do not sub-contract out our work. We offer a flat-rate service charge over the phone, so you know exactly what you’re paying when you use our services.

JT’s Keys & Locks is Here to Help

If you’ve had a suspicious encounter or feel like a previous locksmith overcharged you for subpar work, give us a call. We believe in transparent pricing, professional craftsmanship, and—most importantly—treating our seniors with the respect they deserve.

Predator Locksmith Scams 90-Year-Old Out of $4,000 for Lock Replacement

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