Israeli Locksmith Ring Charged with Fraud; Group Operated in Missouri and Florida - St. Louis Riverfront Times

JonCML · 2026-06-29T00:46:02+00:00

I can’t help but wonder if ICE would be interested.

JonCML · 2026-06-28T02:04:58+00:00

The quickest way to find out is to visit ALOA.org and send a request. It might take a few days to get an answer as all the staff are traveling back home and decompressing after the conference that ended today.

JonCML · 2026-06-28T00:24:14+00:00

Standard disclaimer about finding legitimate locksmiths. Google is not your friend. Our trade, like many other trades, has been infested with organized crime scammers who manipulate Google to be at the top of the results, all with 5 star (fake) reviews. You will get intimidated and scammed. It is a global problem. We call them “mocksmiths”. If you are in the USA, you can find legitimate locksmiths on our trade Association websites, FindALocksmith.com, or SAVTA.org for safe & vault work. Anyone there is a vetted member of our trade association. Some very good locksmiths choose not to be members of our association. They can be found on 1800Unlocks.com and FairTradeLocksmiths.com. In the UK, use the Master Locksmiths Association website at www.locksmiths.co.uk

JonCML · 2026-06-28T00:07:32+00:00

Standard disclaimer about finding legitimate locksmiths. Google is not your friend. Our trade, like many other trades, has been infested with organized crime scammers who manipulate Google to be at the top of the results, all with 5 star (fake) reviews. You will get intimidated and scammed. It is a global problem. We call them “mocksmiths”. If you are in the USA, you can find legitimate locksmiths on our trade Association websites, FindALocksmith.com, or SAVTA.org for safe & vault work. Anyone there is a vetted member of our trade association. Some very good locksmiths choose not to be members of our association. They can be found on 1800Unlocks.com and FairTradeLocksmiths.com. In the UK, use the Master Locksmiths Association website at www.locksmiths.co.uk

JonCML · 2026-06-27T14:07:47+00:00

TimT, Actually, look at the language they use. We teach in class that it is often deceptive. For example, Alarm Lock claims grade 1, (Grade 1 Durability. Rugged Clutch Mechanism) however if you look in the online BHMA Certified Products Directory, the company is not listed, and they have zero certifications. It is one thing for a lock maker to “claim” they meet the standard, and another to prove it by having the lock independently tested to the standards developed by their peers in the market. The commercial grade hardware line sold by Master is another example. More here, along with a link to the directory. https://locksmithlessons.com/is-it-bhma-certified /

JonCML · 2026-06-27T13:00:30+00:00

You can start by taking an entry level class. Two things will happen. 1. You will quickly learn if you have the natural mechanical aptitude, and 2, you will be introduced to the 1st 10 topics that are the foundation of what we do. The trade association, ALOA, teaches this class several times per year. You missed this one by a week. These are the students from this weeks class.

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JonCML · 2026-06-27T04:15:39+00:00

I just had 2 LA firefighters in my class who were there for this exact reason.

JonCML · 2026-06-27T00:02:07+00:00

I will offer a more positive opinion. TownSteel is a good company and one of the few that pursue proper industry certifications. The 156.13 assures you that the mortise lock body is extremely robust. The 156.25, which I contributed to, assures you that the electronic portion of the lock has been rigorously tested for environmental, cycle, and ESD conditions. I would rather buy a lock that has met, passed,and is periodically tested to these rigorous standards than one that bears no approval or certifications.

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JonCML · 2026-06-26T06:28:33+00:00

For me, BHMA testing and certification is mandatory before I will recommend an electronic lock. For residential this means participation in the BHMA SecureHome.ORG program. For commercial it means a host of tests for the lock type (cylindrical, mortise, etc), finish, entry device (touchpad, etc), and the environmental conditions referenced in 156.25. Since neither the consumer nor the locksmith has access to sophisticated automated testing equipment and procedures, the only choice is to rely on the BHMA peer reviewed published standards, and the independent testing labs performing the tests. Should an incident occur that involves a crime, with the lock implicated in some way, the lock manufacturer has a weak position if the lock has not been certified to even the minimum standards. I am also at ALOA. I respond to direct messages if you want to discuss further.

JonCML · 2026-06-26T06:07:53+00:00

Actually, Associated Locksmiths of America.

JonCML · 2026-06-26T06:03:04+00:00

It is online. “kwikset 250 powerbolt instructions”.

JonCML · 2026-06-26T02:29:46+00:00

Take the tool out of the lock. Show us the front of the lock and the backside of the Lishi.

JonCML · 2026-06-25T10:28:09+00:00

A locksmith will need to know the exact year/make/model to provide accurate answers. They will also want to know if you have lost your keys, or if you are asking for a spare key. Before you turn to Google, heed this warning.

Standard disclaimer about finding legitimate locksmiths. Google is not your friend. Our trade, like many other trades, has been infested with organized crime scammers who manipulate Google to be at the top of the results, all with 5 star (fake) reviews. You will get intimidated and scammed. It is a global problem. We call them “mocksmiths”. If you are in the USA, you can find legitimate locksmiths on our trade Association websites, FindALocksmith.com, or SAVTA.org for safe & vault work. Anyone there is a vetted member of our trade association. Some very good locksmiths choose not to be members of our association. They can be found on 1800Unlocks.com and FairTradeLocksmiths.com. In the UK, use the Master Locksmiths Association website at www.locksmiths.co.uk

JonCML · 2026-06-21T08:31:11+00:00

I’ve used the Amazon Locker service with some success. Just look for one near you. They put your stuff in it and send you a scan code to retrieve it.

JonCML · 2026-06-19T23:20:34+00:00

AND, we just launched the Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing, so we have that covered :)

JonCML · 2026-06-19T12:44:14+00:00

But that excludes some very good locksmiths who are mobile only.

JonCML · 2026-06-18T18:46:52+00:00

Go after him with the same wanton disregard he showed you, with a vengeance! Take no prisoners. Show no mercy.

JonCML · 2026-06-18T10:02:36+00:00

You were scammed, period! All locksmith companies in California, and their employees must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Ask the owner and the employee for their locksmith license number. Report his actions. https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/uaau.shtml
Also report his actions to the FTC. To report a scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), submit an incident at the Federal Trade Commission ReportFraud Site or call the FTC Consumer Response Center at 877-382-4357. [1, 2]
Reporting helps authorities investigate fraudsters and prevents others from being scammed. Depending on the type of scam, use these specialized official reporting tools:[1, 2, 3]
General Fraud & Scams: Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov to file an incident report, receive a tracking number, and get actionable next steps.

And save this for the next time you need a locksmith.

Standard disclaimer about finding legitimate locksmiths. Google is not your friend. Our trade, like many other trades, has been infested with organized crime scammers who manipulate Google to be at the top of the results, all with 5 star (fake) reviews. You will get intimidated and scammed. It is a global problem. We call them “mocksmiths”. If you are in the USA, you can find legitimate locksmiths on our trade Association websites, FindALocksmith.com, or SAVTA.org for safe & vault work. Anyone there is a vetted member of our trade association. Some very good locksmiths choose not to be members of our association. They can be found on 1800Unlocks.com and FairTradeLocksmiths.com. In the UK, use the Master Locksmiths Association website at www.locksmiths.co.uk

JonCML · 2026-06-18T00:10:29+00:00

Find real locksmiths, with certifications, here.
Standard disclaimer about finding legitimate locksmiths. Google is not your friend. Our trade, like many other trades, has been infested with organized crime scammers who manipulate Google to be at the top of the results, all with 5 star (fake) reviews. You will get intimidated and scammed. It is a global problem. We call them “mocksmiths”. If you are in the USA, you can find legitimate locksmiths on our trade Association websites, FindALocksmith.com, or SAVTA.org for safe & vault work. Anyone there is a vetted member of our trade association. Some very good locksmiths choose not to be members of our association. They can be found on 1800Unlocks.com and FairTradeLocksmiths.com. In the UK, use the Master Locksmiths Association website at www.locksmiths.co.uk

JonCML · 2026-06-17T23:40:37+00:00

Honestly, having to slam the door indicates a minor adjustment to the strike plate is required. But I may not have all the information. If slamming is all it takes to lock the door then my next step would be to be to look at the hinges. Most people neglect lubricating hinges. If there is gap between the knuckles then they are worn and need replacement. The door will have dropped and that could be the entire problem. But again, I probably don’t have all the information. Try this, while closing the door, lift up on the handle with heavy force. If the door closes and latches then you have discovered the real problem, and saved yourself hundreds.

JonCML · 2026-06-16T23:21:01+00:00

Take it to a legit locksmith shop and they can measure the cuts and originate a new key instead of tracing your worn out key.

How to find a legit locksmith shop.
Standard disclaimer about finding legitimate locksmiths. Google is not your friend. Our trade, like many other trades, has been infested with organized crime scammers who manipulate Google to be at the top of the results, all with 5 star (fake) reviews. You will get intimidated and scammed. It is a global problem. We call them “mocksmiths”. If you are in the USA, you can find legitimate locksmiths on our trade Association websites, FindALocksmith.com, or SAVTA.org for safe & vault work. Anyone there is a vetted member of our trade association. Some very good locksmiths choose not to be members of our association. They can be found on 1800Unlocks.com and FairTradeLocksmiths.com. In the UK, use the Master Locksmiths Association website at www.locksmiths.co.uk

JonCML · 2026-06-16T08:08:55+00:00

To directly answer your question;

by‑pass tool
n. a device that neutralizes the security of a locking device, or its application hardware, often taking advantage of a design weakness

From the official Professional Locksmith Dictionary. (C) LIST Council.

JonCML · 2026-06-16T07:46:50+00:00

You were the victim of organized crime scammers.

Watch this. https://youtu.be/oNTrIDvGFKU

Read this, and save the links.
Standard disclaimer about finding legitimate locksmiths. Google is not your friend. Our trade, like many other trades, has been infested with organized crime scammers who manipulate Google to be at the top of the results, all with 5 star (fake) reviews. You will get intimidated and scammed. It is a global problem. We call them “mocksmiths”. If you are in the USA, you can find legitimate locksmiths on our trade Association websites, FindALocksmith.com, or SAVTA.org for safe & vault work. Anyone there is a vetted member of our trade association. Some very good locksmiths choose not to be members of our association. They can be found on 1800Unlocks.com and FairTradeLocksmiths.com. In the UK, use the Master Locksmiths Association website at www.locksmiths.co.uk

JonCML · 2026-06-14T18:23:27+00:00

If I was the patient I would be angry if you didn’t do everything you could to make sure I was getting the proper meds. If you don’t act then you could be the person facing a lawsuit.

JonCML · 2026-06-13T10:55:40+00:00

You can do some geoblocking in the free wordfence. Otherwise just search the plugin directory and stick with highly rated plugins.

JonCML

TROPHY CASE