Apr 6, 2026
It was supposed to be a simple service call for Colorado senior Florence Sdanowich. Instead, it turned into a costly lesson about a widespread consumer scam.
As reported by CBS News, Sdanowich believed the lock on the door of her apartment had been tampered with, so she did what many people would do: She searched online for a locksmith and called the first 800 number she saw (1).
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The company she reached, Fortis Locksmith, told her they could come check the lock.
Sdanowich said she specifically asked if she would have to buy a replacement if they came to inspect it. “They said no,” Florence told CBS.
She stepped away from the apartment for just 10 to 15 minutes. When she got back, the technicians had already replaced the lock and removed the old one.
Florence said she was told the work would cost $160 and that a receipt would arrive by email the next morning. Instead, her bank called and let her know that her credit card had been charged nearly $4,000.
‘I feel like I failed’
Sdanowich called the company right away to complain. She claimed a manager initially offered to refund $1,000, which she refused.
Eventually, the company returned $1,200 — still $2,600 short of the remaining amount that was owed to her.
Her daughter, Stacy Sdanowich, tried to dispute the charge with the bank, but they denied the claim.
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“The bank said a service had been rendered and the only recourse was to work with the vendor,” Stacy told CBS. "I felt guilty for going on vacation for Christ sake, because had I not gone, this wouldn't have happened.”
"That was what my father asked me to do — take care of her — and I feel like I failed."
The company, as you might expect, simply stopped responding. State records later showed the locksmith business had only been formed months earlier and had no website and no direct phone number.
After the family contacted CBS News, investigative reporter Karen Morfitt visited the address listed in state filings. A woman at the home denied any locksmith business operated there. Soon afterward, a man claiming to be the owner of Fortis Locksmith called the reporter. Over several phone calls, he reportedly changed his explanation multiple times, eventually saying a subcontractor had performed the job. He then delivered a cashier’s check for the remaining amount, which the news station delivered to Florence Sdanowich.
The same day, state business records show the company voluntarily dissolved in Colorado.
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Why locksmith scams are so common
Consumer protection agencies like the Better Business Bureau warn that Sdanowich’s experience follows a familiar pattern used in “fake locksmith” scams across North America (2).
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Here are some of the red flags to watch out for:
- Fake “local” listings appear in search results. Scammers buy online ads or listings that appear local but route calls to national call centers using 800 numbers.
- A very low quote is given upfront. Low prices are common to lure customers.
- Technicians start work immediately. By beginning the job before approval or a written estimate, scammers create pressure to pay once the work is done.
- The final bill skyrockets. Customers may be charged hundreds or thousands for a simple lock replacement that typically costs a few hundred dollars.
- The company disappears. Shell companies often shut down or change names before regulators can act.
Older adults are often targeted because they may be dealing with urgent situations like a lock problem or being locked out and feel pressured to fix it quickly.
In Sdanowich’s case, the replacement lock created another safety issue. Her daughter said a reputable locksmith would know not to replace locks in a senior living facility without coordinating with building management, since staff often require master keys for emergency access. The building later removed the new lock and reinstalled the original one.
How to avoid locksmith scams
Before calling a locksmith, consumer advocates like the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau recommend taking a few steps (3):
- Verify the business first. Look up the company name independently and check reviews across multiple platforms.
- Avoid generic 800 numbers in search ads. Local locksmiths usually have local phone numbers and physical addresses.
- Get a written estimate before work begins. If the technician refuses or pressures you to proceed immediately, walk away.
- Confirm identification when they arrive. Legitimate locksmiths should arrive in a marked vehicle and provide business credentials.
- Call building management first in apartments or senior facilities. Many buildings have preferred vendors or strict policies about lock replacements.
Read More: Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
What to do if you’ve already been overcharged
If you suspect locksmith fraud:
- Keep all your paperwork, like receipts, photos of the lock and any messages.
- Dispute the charge with your credit card company (credit cards offer stronger protections than debit cards).
- File complaints with your state consumer protection office and the Federal Trade Commission.
- Report the incident to local media or consumer watchdog groups if the company disappears.
Ultimately, Sdanowich did get her money back, but only after a television investigation forced the company to respond. Her story is a warning for others who may be in a similar situation to watch out for red flags and learn how to protect themselves.
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
CBS News (1); Better Business Bureau (2); Federal Trade Commission (3)
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Jessica is a freelance writer with a professional background in economic development and small business consulting. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology and is completing her Publishing Certificate.
