# Talking Points — HireLocksmiths

Pre-cleared lines for HARO responses, journalist quotes, and interview prep. All eight may be used in print, broadcast, or web without further sign-off.

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## On the structure of locksmith fraud

> Locksmith fraud is a logistics scam, not a small-business problem — a handful of dispatch call centers route to unlicensed contractors paid on commission for the bait-and-switch.

## On the scale (2025 data)

> 14% of U.S. locksmith calls in 2025 ended in a 2x+ markup vs. the phone quote — about one in seven.

## On the right policy fix

> The fix is verification at the doorstep, not more enforcement. Customers should be able to check a locksmith's license + insurance in under 30 seconds.

## On the regulatory pattern

> Regional regulation works. New Jersey and New York licensing regimes correlate with the lowest fraud rates; permissive states see double the rate.

## On the worst ZIP code

> The Las Vegas Strip ZIP (89109) is the single worst-offending ZIP in the country — 30% of mystery-shopped calls flagged for bait-and-switch.

## On the geographic clustering

> Tourist density and fraud cluster together. Hotel-heavy ZIPs in Miami Beach, Hollywood, and Las Vegas dominate the worst-offender list.

## On legitimate pricing

> A legitimate residential lockout costs $75–$200 all-in. Anything below that range advertised as a "$15 special" is bait pricing.

## On HireLocksmiths' approach

> HireLocksmiths is built around an editorial verification network: every locksmith on the directory is licensed, insured, background-checked, and publishes a fixed service-call fee + price ranges before being added to the roster.

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**Editorial contact:** press@hirelocksmiths.com  •  Average response: 6 business hours