United Locksmith Services MISLEADING company with OUTRAGEOUS prices Lorton Virginia

I did a google search for a local locksmith and found a 24/hour service available since it was after hours and I was locked out of my apartment. When I called the number listed on the website, 571-226-5920, I stated I wanted inquire about using their services. I could have driven 35 miles to retrieve my keys but it was late so I figured this would be the next best option. I gave my contact information and location to the representative on the phone and she informed me of a 15-20 minutes wait time, which I was fine with. Next, I asked how much the service would be but she told me the guy would let me know once he arrived. I was reluctant but agreed. She didn't ask anything about the type of lock which now I know would at least helped to give me an estimate.

The guy arrived 20 minutes later, which was fine. After seeing my deadbolt lock, he informed me of all the technical requirements to unlock my door which included drilling and potentially replacing the entire lock if I agreed. He quoted me $140 to drill a hole in the lock and another approximately $140 to replace the lock. I was shocked and let him know that prices I felt the prices were extremely expensive. I was tempted to even drive almost 35 miles to get my keys. I asked if there were any alternatives to drilling before he began and he pulled out two utensils that looked like long silver pins (like tooth picks). I asked this question to avoid the expensive $140 charge associated with drilling.

He wiggled the two utensils for approximately one minute and my door open to both his and my surprise. He stated that normally he is not able to use those tools to open deadbolts. I was relieved that it was so easy and ready to pay until he told me the job would still cost $140. That price was crazy to me given the effort he had to put into unlocking which was almost no effort. The website stated starting at $35, so I assumed I may have to pay $50 at the most for service, although minimal and his commute. But $140 was outrageous and given I asked what could be done before the extensive work, my goal was a "cheaper alternative" which are the exact words I used. He stated it was still going to be $140 without any reasonable explanations other than the door was unlock and it would cost the same amount whether 1 minute or 1 hour.

I could not believe that he wanted to charge $140 for 1 minute of almost no effort. I have given in before but this one was worth the battle. I told him to call his manager who also stated $140. Then I called the company (who they claim to be) myself and was transferred to a supervisor who was very rude. I explained the situation and she also stated $140 even though he didn't do 5% of what he thought he was going to do. The reason he didn't have to drill a hole is because I asked for an alternative to the $140 drill in the lock that he said he would have to do. Then she dropped it down to $120 and called it a favor. I still disagreed with the price. She told me I should be grateful because she took time from a conference to take my call which was extremely offensive because customer service is part her job, period!

I repeated myself several times, also mentioning the lack of information I was provided from the beginning and how there was no way his job was worth $140 or $120. I asked to speak with her manager and she stated if I didn't pay she would call the police. I was not rude to her, but I was stern with my opinion. She threatened to call the police on me twice and I suggested that she do so because the situation was so ridiculous. I don't mind paying for services rendered, but not when they don't make sense and are completely outrageous such as this situation. The whole time, I realized that the company was very unorganized, fraudulent, and a scam. Personally I may have been dealing with 3-4 different companies/parties because their communication was not aligned. The man kept calling someone and talking in Spanish, which I found extremely rude.

No one in their right mind would think his effort was worth $140. I did not sign first and at no point in time did he mention a flat rate. The supervisor couldn't even give me a breakdown for the price and it was not listed on the website as she claimed. $20 for the call, $35 for labor, and $85 for nothing! She couldn't explain that gap. To avoid a police call, I paid $100 with the promise to escalate my situation/experience. Although the supervisor kept telling me $100 and the locksmith kept saying $140 due to their lack of communication again. Finally they got it together. Had I known my request for a cheaper alternative was still going to be $100 I would have just loss two hours of sleep and got my keys instead. That $25-$35 worth of gas (even more effort) would have been worth it but I was misled and ripped off.

By the way, my receipt is as generic as it can be. It reads 24/7 Locksmith Services (toll free 855-530-1847), Washington DC,Maryland,Virginia. Ultimately, I asked for a "cheaper alternative" to avoid the drill in my lock and $140 fee associated. I don't even know if there is a corporate number to contact and I'm afraid there may not be, but it is worth every effort to do my best to get in contact with someone and let it be known that this company is a rip-off.