Description

On 12/8/25 at 7:06 pm, I contacted FM Locksmith at (206) 584-2861 through their website fmlocksmith.net to obtain a quote for unlocking my front door and making a replacement key for my existing locks (one key previously opened both the deadbolt and doorknob). I spoke with a woman named Arooj, who said she would have a technician call me to provide the quote. She confirmed my phone number. At 7:16 pm, I received a call from the technician, “Aviv,” (253) 988-2122, who quoted me $80–$120, stating the worst-case scenario would be $170 if the lock was “specialty” or if there was a problem. I agreed, and he arrived approximately 25 minutes later. When he arrived, I again confirmed he could unlock the door and make a replacement key for both existing locks, and he replied, “yes of course, no problem.” He began by manipulating the deadbolt, then inserted small inflatable “pump pillows” in the door jamb and pushed the door open without unlocking the doorknob, saying this would “save me money.” He removed the deadbolt, said he needed to cut the key in his vehicle, and spent about ten minutes outside. He returned holding the deadbolt and two keys, reinstalled the deadbolt, and tested the new key. However, when I attempted to unlock the doorknob, the key did not work. I told him I had specifically requested a replacement key for both locks. He replied that I “should know how it works,” claiming he “had to rekey the deadbolt.” He then instructed me not to lock the doorknob, to “just use the deadbolt,” and suggested placing tape inside to prevent the knob from being turned into the locked position. I told him this was not what I asked for and insisted he correct it. He immediately said he would “have to charge again.” At that point, I asked for the total owed and requested the company’s Venmo. He stated he could only accept cash, CashApp, or credit card, but using a credit card “would cost more.” He then told me the charge was $473. When I questioned this and reminded him of his phone quote—confirmed again when he arrived—he avoided answering and repeated that he “only takes CashApp.” Feeling pressured after the work had already been done and unable to secure my home otherwise, I reluctantly set up CashApp and paid the $473. Immediately after he left, I called FM Locksmith again and reached Arooj. I explained what happened, including the severe price discrepancy. She agreed I should not have been charged that amount, stated the technician “should not have charged that much,” apologized repeatedly, and said she would file a complaint with their “complaint department,” which would contact me within 24–48 hours. I then called my bank to dispute the charge, but was told they could not assist because CashApp transactions are treated as cash, and therefore not protected under their fraud policies.