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A Google business listing for a Raleigh locksmith company is raising some safety concerns.
Marshall's Locksmith Manager Debbie Atkinson said when you Google her company, the wrong information pops up.
It said "Professional Locksmith in Raleigh". And if you click on the Google Map, there's a picture of Marshall's Locksmith listed with a different company's phone number.
Atkinson called the number and asked if it was Marshall's Locksmith, but the man on the phone said it was ABC Locksmith.
NBC17 also called the business, but after saying who we were and asking them about their business, we were put on hold and the line eventually disconnected.
When we called back we received a recorded message: "The subscriber cannot receive messages at this time, please try your call again later."
According to the North Carolina Licensing Board, there is no licensed ABC Locksmith - or a license locksmith with that phone number.
Not only is Marshall's Locksmith losing valuable business - but Atkinson is also concerned about people's safety - because, she says, these people are making keys to people's homes, offices and vehicles.
"They could steal from you, they could kill you. I mean they could do anything, but not knowing who these people are, I can't rightly say what they're going to do," said Atkinson.
A spokeswoman for Google tells NBC17 that they are seeing problems with locksmith companies across the country and are closely monitoring their business listings. They also tell companies that they can create an account and password to protect their business listings so they don't get stuck in the same situation as Atkinson and her family business did.
Marshall's Locksmith said if you do need a locksmith, ask for ID when they show up. She says all her locksmiths carry their state license on them.
Click here for more information on password protecting a business.
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Comments
By robert on 03/05 03:43 PM
This is an epidemic in New York City. Our company had this issue for months, and we couldn't sleep at night.Fly-by-night companies were able to create listings, using our address, but inserting their own phone numbers.Somehow (according to Google) these listings "merged" and were then added to our legitimate listings. You really have to stay on top of your Google adwords listing (create one if you don't have it already)and monitor the listings EVERY DAY. If you see a bogus phone number, which is almost always an 800 #, eliminate it from your Google adwords local business center and email Google immediately .It took us months and certainly hurt our revenue !
By B KOLKER on 02/26 09:42 PM
Same problem in Atlanta.Sandy Springs Locksmith owner says he has been battling this for two years.If one gets cleared up another appears.They apparently managed to work around the password situation.It seems to be more complicated.It has progressed from yellow page abuse to the internet.
By David and Melissa Hornung on 02/26 05:54 PM
This is exactly what we are all experiencing here in Madison, WI. We have the scammers here. I am presently working on possible legal actions under corporate terrorism act. It is getting so bad now and nothing seems to happen to them they just getaway with it.
By Gil on 02/25 03:58 PM
I would hope a.Marshalls contacts the state in charge of licencing and regulations. b.contacts the BBB.c.contacts the yellow page ad and gets her add password protected. Gil
By Bob on 02/25 03:41 PM
dj, Don't forget some of those wolves in sheep's clothing could be child rapists and murderers.
By dj on 02/25 11:50 AM
Crooked companies Wolves in sheep covering.. Wolf Wolf!!!!! Oooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhh!!!!
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