I am writing in regard to my Brother Robert Bligh. Robert is a 62 year old disabled veteran who suffers from schizophrenia. Robert can function normally when on his medication, but when he goes off it he becomes very paranoid. When Robert is in this state of paranoia he has purchased very expensive locks, safes, security cameras and security systems to protect his medicine. Robert believes people are breaking into his villa stealing his medicine and property. In September 2010,Robert purchased a 1 ton safe from another locksmith (Florida Keys locksmith) for $8500. Robert paid that locksmith, Jim Hagan, more than double the price of the safe. We contacted the Better Business at the time and filed a complaint against Florida Keys Locksmith, but Robert decided he did not want to pursue legal action and the complaint was dropped.
On Thursday 4-21-11 Robert locked his medicine in the safe. He could not get the safe open with the combination and began to panic thinking he would die if he did not take his medication. Robert looked in the yellow pages for a locksmith and called Lock & Smith Inc and was told the service call would be $95. Ozzi the locksmith responded within 30 minutes and was able to open the safe within 15 minutes of arrival. Robert was told that the person who sold him the safe did not properly adjust the safe. Ozzi said he would adjust the safe. Ozzi was there approximately 60-90minutes for the entire service. While Ozzi was making the adjustment Robert asked him how much it would cost, Ozzi said a lot, but would not give him the total. Ozzi then gave Robert a bill for $1200 on top of the $95 service charge for a total of $1295. Robert was upset about the charge, but felt he had no other choice but to give Ozzi his credit card.
When I discovered that Robert had been charged this outrageous sum of $1295 for opening a safe, that was probably only jammed, I contacted Lock & Smith Inc. There are 2 phone numbers listed on the invoice 813-410-0174 & 727 623-1633. there was no name of the locksmith or address for the business on the invoice. I called the 727 623-1633 and first spoke with a female Renne. I asked to speak with the locksmith who had handled the service. She stated she would have to research who the locksmith was by the invoice # 1094 and get back with me. She said they have many technicians in the company all over Florida. Robert told me the 727 623-1633 number was the locksmiths cell #, so I called the number right back and spoke to a male who identified himself as Ozzi. Ozzi would not give me his last name. Ozzi stated he was the locksmith who did the service for Robert. When I asked him how he could charge someone $1295 to open a safe. He stated his specialty commands that amount of money. He said if he had to drill open the safe it would have cost over $2400 and the safe would be no good. I informed him he did not have to drill the safe and he was able to open the safe by hitting the handle with a hammer within 15 minutes of his arrival. Ozzi again stated his charge was justified for his special skills. Ozzi said he would give me the name of his lawyer. I told him I would contact the news, at which time Ozzi said please don't do that. This made me very suspicious Ozzi may be overcharging many other seniors or disabled people.
I believe ozzi of Lock and Smith Inc. is the only locksmith of the company because he is the only person besides the female who answered the 3 phone numbers on there Website tampalocksmith. biz. Ozzi took advantage of a disabled senior when he was in a state of panic. I believe it is criminal to charge $1295 for a 60-90 min service call. God only knows how many other seniors this locksmith has ripped off. Please help a disabled veteran whose income is less than $15000 per year resolve this matter. Thank you for your time in this matter. Kevin Bligh
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