247 Oakland Locksmith

I am incredibly unhappy with this company and their services. A houseguest locked himself out of the spare bedroom in my condo on a Friday morning while I was at work an hour’s drive away. He called me in my office, and in a panic to avoid a weekend call-​in, I did a web search and this company came up prominently in the browser:
. Unfortunately, I did not do my homework, so shame on me.
The call center rep I spoke with promised to have a technician at my place in 15 – 20 minutes. The technician arrived in an hour. The locksmith technician took at look at the lock and said it was an expensive lock and that he was unable to pick/​open it. He told my guest that he had parked illegally on the street and couldn’t afford a ticket, so he needed to work quickly. So instead of addressing the lock, he pried the door open with a bar, damaging the door. Then he left after charging $ 244, $ 15 for service and $ 229. He was in my condo for less than 15 minutes.
When my friend told me what happened, I called the technician and asked him to explain why he needed to damage my door to get it open. He again said it was an expensive lock and that it would have been more expensive to drill out the lock. Also, he ensured me that there was no damage and that I had received excellent service from him.
When I got home in the afternoon, I took a look at the lock myself. Very quickly, with no locksmith experience or training, I figured that that the lock can be reset very easily by placing a coin in the slot and making a quarter turn. I cannot understand how a trained locksmith did not know that and instead chose to force the door open, damaging it.
I called the ²⁴⁄₇ Oakland Locksmith company twice to complain about the service. Each time, the call center person took my information and told me that a service manager would call me back. The second time, I warned that I would be going to Unilocal!and the Better Business Bureau if I did not receive a call. I never did. So here I am.
In summary, shame on me for trusting this company and for not looking at the lock myself before calling for help. Second of all, shame on this company for sending an incompetent locksmith into my home and for refusing to provide decent customer service. You can be sure I will never use this company again.

Embarrassed to say, but I was scammed! I contacted 24 Hour locksmith Service – Oakland to help me get into my apartment unit. When I phoned, a rep. gave me an estimate of $ 25 for the locksmith to arrive and then additional cost based on the job. The locksmith arrived and tried for about 20 mins to pick the lock and wasn’t successful. He eventually drilled a hole through the lock on my doorknob and got the door open and afterwards informed me that I would have to pay $ 268 for the service. I was really confused that it was that much for a hole to be drilled through my doorknob, but I paid so I could leave for work. I later consulted with various people at work and each and every one of my colleagues informed me that I was «hustled» or «ripped-​off.» I called the business back the same day and informed them of the fact that I paid $ 268 for someone to drill a hole through my doorknob. The representative said they would have someone call me the next day after receiving the locksmith’s invoice, however, no one contacted me. I called again on 10÷4÷15 and requested to speak with a manager and they informed me a manager would call me in 3 – 5 business days. Again, no one called me to speak to me about my concern that I was left with a hole in my doorknob and was overcharged for a service that damaged my door.

Let’s just say, I felt like I was about to get robbed. Called them after the technician told me it was going be $ 29. Took him less than 5 minutes using WD40 and key. Then said it was $ 229. Their customer service is lacking and their communication process with clients is non-​existent.

Bait and Switch. Quoted price range is not anywhere near what they charge. He spent a total of 5 minutes at our residence. It took him 20 minutes to get here. Website states that labor starts at $ 35/​hr, but even counting driving he wasn’t even here for more than ½ an hour.
He charged 10x what they quoted and didn’t show up with any tools to fix anything. He had a drill and screwdrivers. Seriously. No tools to actually fix a lock. None.
I seriously hope someone shuts them down. They prey upon people when they are stuck in situations and need emergency help. Very expensive lesson. Also, the jerk had the gall to ask for a tip! I almost had to go to jail.

Like? How are they still in business? I just wanted a key made and I read these reviews. I won’t even go there for a key now. WOW!

DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE! IT IS A RIP OFF! Called this place in an emergency because they said they could be there in 15 – 20 minutes. They arrived 50 minutes later. Also, website said they charge $ 35. I was charged almost $ 200 to have my door knob demolished. Apparently just showing up and opening your door is worth $ 200. They did not replace door knob or do anything else. That would have been an extra $ 200.

If I could give them zero stars I would. These guys quoted me $ 20 to open my car and then charged me $ 174 on site. I called again and asked for a quote and they told me $ 20 again so I proceeded to ask them why they charged $ 174 on site and they told me a manager would call me back. A manager never called back so I called them and he was a complete douche bag and told me that they never quoted anything.

I wish I’d checked Unilocal before calling these guys. The fellow that came out couldn’t fix my lock, so he drilled it out and utterly destroyed it, and charged me $ 165 for that. I asked him how much to put another lock in, and he said $ 45. So I told him to do it. He charged my credit card, slipped me the receipt and jetted off to the next sucker. It was only after he’d gone that I looked at it and saw he’d charged another $ 45 for «labor». I guess the $ 165 was just for showing up. I still can’t figure out what the $ 15 was supposed to cover — answering the phone? Avoid like the proverbial plague!

0stars… they never got back to me and were so fucking unprofessional! Stay away!!! Never got refunded either.

This company is a TOTAL SCAM! Do not call them.
Like all previous posts I have experienced the same exact scam. My ignition went out on my truck and I called them because they are the first business to pop on line. They quoted $ 15 for the tech to come out.
When Jonathan came I asked him how much the charges would be and he said it would range from $ 118 — $ 220. I questioned why it would get so high in cost and he said it depended on how much work it would entail (which basically involved changing a part on the ignition).
Jonathan was done in less than 20 minutes he then charged me $ 325. I disputed the charge because it was $ 100 over what he quoted me. He said that I misunderstood him. I reluctantly paid to be done with him and get to work.
That part change was done on 2÷7÷14 and on 2÷17÷14 the ignition went out again. I called Jonathan’s direct cell that morning and asked him to come back out on a warranty call. He told me he would be out during the day, however, he never called me back. I called to follow up around 4 p.m. and he told me he could come in the afternoon. I let him know that it was my son’s birthday and I would be leaving for dinner by 7 p.m. He texted me back at 7:10 p.m. to say he could come at 7:30 p.m. I told him again that I was at dinner for my son but I would be home by 8:30 p.m. he then said that was too late and he would already be out of the area. This is where they are putting the blame on me — it’s my fault because I was unavailable.
It’s been over two days. I have been fighting with these operators at their multiple numbers they have listed on line and they are all liars. They insist their tech has called me all day and I have not answered their calls. I asked them why then do I not have one voice mail message from him, they claim their techs won’t leave messages, because they call too many customers. One of their operators screamed at me on the phone and told me never to call back.
This is beyond infuriating, not only was I cheated $ 325 but I now have to call another locksmith to fix this same issue and I am out even more money. How can this company get away with this thievery? I am going to write to the BBB but who knows what good that will do. Hopefully by reading our posts others won’t be scammed out of their hard earned money. Good luck.
And Unilocal you need to change your settings to at least show zero stars.

i wish there was another word to describe how much i want this business closed down– they are a scam and not only will rip you off but make off like bandits. like another reviewer i am going to the better business bureau to see what can be done about these con men– what kind of people work here and sleep at night. never under any circumstances use this ridiculous excuse for a business– ever.

This place doesn’t deserve any stars, AT ALL! But I’m forced to give them one… augh
I locked myself out of my room and I called these guys up. I asked them how much it would be, the rep told me it’s a «15 dollar service charge» then was very vague about any additional cost. I asked how much it’d be to open my BEDROOM DOOR and he told me it depends on how long it takes to open it/​how difficult the lock is. (Mind you. my lock is the simplest one we have — use key on the outside, turn little knob on handle on the inside.)
Well, the guy shows up and I lead him to my bedroom door. I quickly ask him how much it would cost and he replied with the same thing as the rep — «depends on how difficult it is to open.» Well, the fricken guy opens it in literally 5 seconds then charges me a total of $ 240 DOLLARS! ARE YOU FRICKEN KIDDING ME?! RIP-​OFFFFFFFF!!! DO NOT USE THESE GUYS! FRICKEN SCAMMERS. Seriously??? WTF. I will tell every single person I know not to use this company, EVER. EVER. EVER.
After the guy unlocks it, he turns to me and ask if I’ll pay in cash or credit. F YOU. I was shocked with the price that I blurted out «well, S*** I’m never calling you guys again. Rip-​off, dude.» Then the guy says «here, lemme tell you what… the next time this happens save my number and I’ll come do it for free.» HAH! THANKS! that makes everything sooooo much better. NOT. Screw this company. Not worth it, scammers.

Their website says «free online estimate» all over it. BUT once you fill in all your personal info, it turns out that what they actually give you is a free online estimate OF HOW MUCH AN IN-​PERSON ESTIMATE WILL COST, which is $ 19! Freaking liars.

NEVER NEVER NEVER!!! NEVER use this service Is there a negative star?
I had a car-​lock out last night. When the technician arrived he told me the price (with no explanation) and when I asked why so much he said that either he completes the service or leaves the car.
The website states that charges will be explained. It also states that the service charge is $ 15. (We were charged $ 19)
We received no explanation to the $ 185 additional charge to unlock a our car when I asked and referred to the website info I was told nothing!
It was either pay or be stranded. And I was given a hard time to use a credit card when your website clearly states you can.
I called to get an explanation as soon as I got home and was told someone would call me back. No phone call.
I call this morning and get the run around again this time with inane comparisons to shoes, clothing, and food.
But with no explanation and the choice to either perform the service and be over charged or to be stranded what do you expect your customers to do?
Horrible Company. STAY AWAY

do not call these people!!! they are the worst company every created! it took 3.5 hours to get to my location and at one point the rep told me that he didnt know where the locksmith was because he didnt have a gps connected to his a*#!!! absolutely the worst mistake i have ever made in my life. doo noottt calll these incompetant losers.

DON’T EVER make the mistake of calling these guys the 15 minute arrival time took 2 ½ hours. the $ 15 service fee was $ 19 I was quoted 2 $ 265 to have a key made which is already outrageous then charged over $ 300.00. OK fine then when my wife tried to drive home from work the next day the car wouldn’t start because the key wasn’t disabling the alarm. called the tech and he decided the best thing to do was to argue with me and tell me to google how to start my car. never came to help was EXTREMELY RUDE I finally had my car towed to my house after being stranded with my wife and 3 yr old twins in a parking lot for 3 hours. complained to a supervisor once I got home to look up the original number I had called the night before who also proceeded to blame us for the problem. it took a total 7 hrs of back and forth on the phone being verbally abused before a different tech finally showed up who I will say was very polite and helpful. Too bad for him he works for such an unprofessional company.

DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE!
I locked myself out of my car while at a friend’s house. So, I looked up and called the first local locksmith. The website advertised a discount ($ 15 service fee and 15 minute arrival). I asked the operator what the cost would be and and he said 15 plus «the technician would give me a quote when they arrived».
The technician called me in about 10 minutes and arrive about 20 minutes later (meaning 30 from the time I made the call), not 15). And quoted me $ 145 for the job. I asked him how it could be that expensive and he said it’s a flat fee. I asked him how long it would take and he said «a while». I had to be somewhere, so I let him start. Of course, «a while» was literally 120 seconds and a bent stick later.
Even in Oakland, I have to believe there is a locksmith that isn’t gauging customers out there. Good lcuk.

I called these guys because I’d locked myself out of my house. The number I called got me on the phone with a gruff dispatcher who quoted me 40 dollars to have someone come out, even though the website said 19. But I was so desperate I just said okay. He had the guy who was coming out call me, and he was at my apartment in about 25 minutes.
When the «locksmith» got to my apartment, he brought up his toolbox, looked at the lock and then said he couldn’t open the door without drilling a hole and breaking the inside of the lock. I said there would be no need for that, (thinking that my landlord could just come in the morning and let me in, but it turns out she was gone for the weekend.)
The guy still charged me FORTY DOLLARS JUST FOR DRIVING TO MY APARTMENT!!! HE DIDN’T EVEN DO ANYTHING.
And what’s more, First Bay Locksmith came this morning and opened the door within 5 minutes!!! No drilling. See my next review.
All I can say is, its easy to get ripped off when its one in the morning on a Friday night, its cold and raining and you’d do anything to get back into your apartment.