Locksmith ripoffs: Hidden camera investigation (Marketplace)

Who do you call when you're locked out of your home? A locksmith. But industry experts tell us some of them are duping customers with the promise of a quick and cheap fix, only to end up ripping you off. CBC Marketplace uncovers a network of fake local business locations and fake five-star reviews cluttering Google Maps in the Greater Toronto Area.

We also rig up a house with hidden cameras to test locksmiths advertising their services online, and expose how some companies use low prices, fake names, fake addresses and fake reviews to lure you in. Google says it is now auditing every locksmith listing in Canada following our investigation.

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[josem]

Poor real locksmith. He was extremely disappointed and he looked like he was about to cry. Poor guy

[Nightstick]

I love how the actual locksmith isn't even mad, he's just disappointed and sad.

[seiba_lion]

damn they just wanted to expose some locksmiths, but ended up stumbling on a mf conspiracy

[whereisgeorge]

Asking for a good Google review after opening the door in 2 seconds isn’t the worst thing.

[destinyjamcookie]

“that was everything I didn’t want it to be”

This guy has a big heart for locks

[remorse]

"Thats the fourth time you've asked."

Thats also the fourth time you've lied

[Zealolicious]

Locksmith guy looks like he wants to cry the whole time

[tzuqbts]

I got locked out of my house once years ago. I looked around the street, made sure no one was watching, and kicked the door in. Was easier than I expected.

[Shrimp_Insurance]

That real locksmith seems so genuine, he looks almost on the verge of tears at some points, glad to see there are people out there with such pride in their work especially when it's a job that helps people

[schingh]

“You’ve asked me that 4 times”. Right, you had 4 opportunities to do the right thing

[overseer]

Dam that lock smith looks devastated that his art is being exploited

[sumtingwong]

This is what a real news company should be all about! Actual investigative journalism. Good job on this one CBC!!!

[EbolaSquirrel]

I feel bad for the real locksmith. He is seeing his industry's reputation get tainted.

[rebeccamozirerr]

The real locksmith looks like he’s gonna cry, poor guy 🥺

[rickhenry]

Imagine if he accidentally picked the lock while he was pretending to try

[AwokenEntertainment]

wow.. I never realized how valuable it was to have a trustworthy locksmith

[AndrewB]

The pre-lock guy is absolutely disgusted.

[davidviau]

I feel so sad for this legit locksmith.
He looks like he's hurting legit.

[willoncewas]

Imagine stealing a picture of someone, and that person being a lawyer...
How unlucky can you be...

[morgothz]

You know what you should have done instead? having the expert locksmith being the one at the place of the woman, so after the fourth time he said it was impossible, having the expert pick the lock in his face then comfront him about the "impossible" task