Hello - I'm going away, please rob me...

I wanted to share some views with you about a topic that baffles me sometimes but other times I can understand - sort of...

There is a massive new revolution in business going on in front of us right now - Social Media. I know because I am in it. You reading my blog is an example of how it is reaching people you never thought it would reach. I will share more about my "journey" in this area in future posts but for now, just accept that this is clearly a revolution and it is going to impact all of us. If you want to know more, check with Blaine Millet at WOM10 - they are experts in this area.

But for now I wanted to talk about the issue of "being security smart" when you are using some of these new social media tools - such as facebook and twitter and linkedin. People love to tell others how they are doing and what they are doing. This is fun and exciting and builds great relationships. But did you realize when you take it too far, like saying, "I can't wait to get out of town tomorrow for a week" you are leaving yourself open to potential intruders? There is a great article, "Hello Internet, I'm on Vacation - Please rob me" that is worth the read.

So think about your physical security next time you decide to tell the whole world you are on vacation and won't be at home so nobody will bother you while you are robbing my house. By the way, please help yourself to a ham sandwich, it will have gone bad by the time I get home anyway.

Are you the victim of a PHONY LOCKSMITH?

OK, this is an issue that most people are very unaware about and yet one I feel compelled to share with you as I see more and more of this happening today. When times get bad, security is one of those “top of mind” issues people have. We have seen an increase in demand of people wanting to me more secure and protect themselves just a little more than normal. Because of that and the economy, there are all kinds of strange people showing up and claiming they are in the “security business” – only to find out they are there to rip you off. Let me give you some ideas on how you can protect yourself from these predators.

Over the past year or so, there has been an alarming increase of people being ripped off by phony locksmiths companies – and they are currently operating in our area. They have very clever and deceptive ads that make it easy for someone to get lured into using their service.

For example, we did a Google search of our own name and found a fraudulent listing. The listing showed our correct name and address but had the phony locksmiths phone number attached to it. We called the phone number and told them we wanted to come to their location to have some keys made. They told us that they would have one of their locksmiths come to our location. We told him that we were going to be in their area today and would just like to stop by and pick up the keys. We asked if we had reached Watson Security’s/Nyberg lock and if the address listed is correct. We were told that yes, they are affiliated with Watson security and Nyberg lock and they would have the locksmiths stop at our location. I was shocked! Our companies have been in business since 1921 and I have never heard of anything like this before. This is corporate identity theft! And they are ready, willing and able to come by and rip off customers under our very reputable name.

I started researching other legitimate locksmith companies and found the exact same thing. The correct name, the correct address, and the phony locksmith’s phone number. I contacted the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) regarding this matter. They said they had been getting complaints from across the country about phony locksmiths. To get more information about phony locksmiths from ALOA, please visit and click on the phony locksmiths tab. The Federal Trade Commission has written an ARTICLE on the keys to hiring a reputable locksmith and information on how to file a complaint with them. I will continue to share ideas for you on how you can protect yourself from both the phony locksmiths AND with security overall.

Be aware and be secure...

About me...

I have been in the business of helping keep people and their assets safe for over 20 years. In fact, the reason I ended up owning two security companies was that I saw a tremendous opportunity to improve the services being offered in these areas. There isn’t a day that goes by that I am not being asked questions like, “What can I do to keep my business more secure?” or “What can I do to help improve my employees and family safety?” or even, “This whole security area is such a mystery to me, (and sometimes scary) it would be great to talk with someone knowledgeable so I can have more peace of mind.”

Its questions like these (and many others) that prompted me to create my own Blog and share what I can that can help in these areas. If I can help keep just one business or family from having a break-in or robbery (or something even worse) happens because of what they got from my blog, it will have been worth the effort. This is all about helping you, my readers, become more knowledgeable, more confident and ultimately more secure.

As you read my blog, please remember I am surrounded by a great group of talented individuals in our company with more than 88 years of experience. I am proud of all our dedicated associates who strive to bring you reliable, dependable and quality solutions on a daily basis – their who make us a success.

I really want to hear from you. This blog also gives you a forum to interact with me – and I encourage your comments. Hopefully we will both get to know each other a little better on this journey of sharing and helping each other. I look forward to crossing paths some day and saying hello.

I am delighted you have decided to visit and I'll do my best to make it a valuable experience for you.

Rob