This morning, I managed to lock myself and my wife out of our house.

I did a quick Google search and found a Google Ad titles "$5 Locksmith, Durham".  The page says: 

$15 Locksmith Services in Durham, NC

24/7 Locksmith Services in Durham, NC — 10-15 Minute Arrival Time 

Quick & Local, We'll Beat Any Price!

it later says $15 for the service call and Starting at $35* for the service.  The * notes that there could be additional charges.

My original call was at 7:47 am.  It took several calls and it was nearly 3 hours before someone arrived.

He looked at the lock, just a knob lock - no deadbolt, and said he could do it.

He went to his car and came back with tools and what looked to be a pouch.  It was actually an air-wedge.  He told me he was going to try that, but if that didn't work, he'd have to drill the lock.  That would $170.  I asked why he couldn't pick it.  He said he couldn't.  He made it sound like that lock couldn't be picked.  I talked to my wife who had had to have a locksmith let her in once before.  He picked the lock.  So, it was not an issue of whether it could be pick, but whether he could.

When he finally wedged the door open, he filled out the invoice.

Call Servise    15$
House Lockout 170$
Trip Charge     35$

He was then incensed that I didn't have cash.  He had to call in the charge to the office.  At which point I was offered $20 off if I paid cash.

I complained and saied when my wife did it through another locksmith last tmei, he charged $60.  The guy said that wasn't true.  He essentialloy called me a liar and I asked if that was what he was doing.  He said no, he was not calling me a liar, but then proceeded to say I must be mistaken.

I called to find out the cfompany from my vcredit card company and was told the charge was by 247 Loyal Service.

BEWARE!!!