Do you have a locksmith in your contact list? Why you need to find one today...

Most of us don’t bother finding a reputable locksmith until we’re locked out and desperate...

The Federal Trade commission continues to warn consumers about a nationwide scam involving locksmiths who prey on vulnerable targets and offers the following tips:

* Be wary of locksmith companies that answer calls with generic phrases like “locksmith services,” rather than a specific name. If a locksmith cannot or will not provide the business’ legal name, find another locksmith.

* When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, including a locksmith license.

* Most legitimate locksmiths will arrive in a clearly marked vehicle.

It’s worth taking the time to find a reputable locksmith in your area before you need one. Go ahead and Google it. You’ll likely find dozens in your area starting with the letter A or a number. Scammers have flooded the listings and you’ll need to dig a little to find a local, trustworthy business. Call the number. If a generic recording answers, it’s a scam. Do not leave your information. Some common scam aliases to be wary of include Always Available, A Emergency, A-1, AAA, 24 Hour and A # 1 Locksmith.