ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (WTHR) – Some Zionsville residents say they called a locksmith and somebody came out.
But who was it?
Some told us they suspect they’ve been scammed.
The key to home security is knowing your locksmith, according to contractor Jim Barber of Housewurks of Zionsville.
“Be aware,” Barber said. “These are difficult times out there for a lot of people, trying to scam everybody else.”
Barber said one of his clients needed a lock fixed and called what she thought was a Zionsville-based locksmith.
“It was a 317 area code, so I knew I had the right phone number,” the woman told us by phone Thursday.
She says a locksmith came to her house but the bill was four times what she expected. She got suspicious when the receipt she received lacked information about the company. So she called the local locksmith’s number and the person who answered said they hadn’t dispatched anyone to her.
The woman said the local company told her she’d been scammed, and that it wasn’t the first time it had happened.
“Then I start panicking, thinking this guy has been in my house,” the woman told us. “I asked the gentleman to leave.”
Barber advised the woman that she should now get all of her locks changed “in the event the person who got the numbers and changed the locks might have something going on where he could get into the house later on.”
Pop-a-Lock’s Dave Carrington said he, too, has had problems with someone doing business using his company name and phone number.
“Somehow, phone calls are getting intercepted and rerouted to scammers,” Carrington said. “Unfortunately, we end up getting complaint calls after the fact for work that has been done poorly and very highly priced.”
Last May, 13 Investigates unlocked the secrets of some scams, operations that hurt consumers and legitimate locksmiths. We learned they hijack the identities of local businesses in online ads. One local locksmith told us it has cost him three-fourths of his business.
Source Link: http://www.wthr.com/article/calls-for-locksmith-misdirected-consumers-cry-foul
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WHY HOME AUTOMATION IS PERFECT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Smart homes are becoming increasingly appealing to the younger demographic. They offer tremendous flexibility. And it’s only the beginning. Intelligent homes are off to a great start and unlimited possibilities.
With that said, however, it’s worth considering one particular question:
Why wouldn’t senior citizens enjoy the blessings of modern updated facilities and home automation as well?
After all, they are the ones who would benefit the most from the home tech industry.
1. Performing Tasks Becomes Much Easier
One of the most noticeable benefits of a smart home for the elderly is that it practically solves mobility issues.
No need for them to feel frustrated about being unable to perform simple tasks. Apps are there to control the lights or manage the blinds.
What is also great is that simplifying these common minor tasks leads to fewer domestic accidents.
Tripping over a chair in the dark will be a thing of the past. That’s because a great asset is the option for motion sensor lights, which helps with walking in the dark.
2. A Much Needed Comfort Boost
When you reach a certain age, you come to appreciate comfort in an entirely different way. It becomes an actual necessity.
For instance, the elderly may experience discomfort because of minor temperature shifts.
So, the temperature needs to be fine-tuned. App developers have thought about that too, so you are provided with climate accommodation.
The heating and air conditioning system can be easily adjusted from a mobile device.
Another great part is that, once you use it several times, the app learns your schedule and needs so that it will adjust by itself.
3. Home Automation Could Help Keep Seniors Safe from Depression
Depression is a commonly encountered occurrence within the ageing population. But what does home automation have to do with it?
Well, it just so happens that it could help in ways you haven’t thought of.
Firstly, it gives them the feeling that they are being cared for. Even if you live more than an hour’s drive away, you can still take care of your parents and relatives.
You can get alerts when sleeping or sedentary patterns change. You can also set medication or doctor appointment reminders.
Secondly, connectivity can be linked to entertainment.
For instance, voice command apps can stir their interest in staying up-to-date with:
- News
- TV shows
- Movies
- Any other platform they’re interested in
Thirdly, they will lead a more self-sufficient life.
That will add immensely to their confidence. As a result, it could help keep loneliness or potential mental health issues at bay.
4. A Smart Home Makes Life Safer
Last but not least, smart technology offers security.
For seniors who live in their own residences, safety is always a concern. Their worries would be significantly diminished with notifications regarding:
- Suspicious activity
- Extreme weather
- Doors being locked or unlocked
Not to mention that you’ll be at peace with leaving your parents alone. Why? Because you can keep track of who goes in and out the house with a home automation surveillance system.
At Lockrite, we provide smart digital locks that will keep the burglars away.
A common misconception is that you need to deal with drastic changes in your house to integrate technology.
Far from it. Integrating apps into a residence is a manageable task. And we are here to contribute to that.
Reach out to our Facebook or Twitter pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news regarding smart home security.
Related Article: HOW LOCKSMITHS CAN HELP YOU WARD OFF BURGLARY
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