It looks affordable, honest, and local — but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

These ads are part of a nationwide scam that tricks thousands of people every year. And yes, they’re active right here in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and surrounding areas.

Here’s exactly how it works and how to avoid it.

How the $19 Locksmith Scam Works

These scammers run fake websites claiming to be local locksmiths. They use stock photos, fake shop addresses, and dozens of phone numbers.

When you call:

1. You reach a national call center — usually not even in Arkansas
2. They quote you $19 or $29 to get you hooked
3. A random, untrained “tech” shows up
4. They claim your lock is “special” or “high-security”
5. They say drilling is required
6. Your final bill becomes $200–$500 or more

By the time people realize what happened, it’s too late.

We See the Damage Every Week

We’ve had customers:

• Overcharged by hundreds
• Left with destroyed locks
• Given no receipt
• Given keys that don’t even work
• Lied to about what was “required”
• Told they had to replace entire door hardware when they didn’t

Meanwhile, these scammers disappear — because none of the numbers or addresses are real.

How to Spot a REAL Local Locksmith

A legitimate locksmith will always:

✔ Have a real, walk-in shop
✔ Have branded service vans
✔ Use a local phone number (479-521-LOCK)
✔ Provide upfront pricing
✔ Be licensed and insured
✔ Have a physical presence in the community
✔ Offer long-term service and warranties

C & E Lock & Safe Inc. has been in business for decades. Scammers come and go — we don’t.

Watch Our Scam Video So You Don’t Get Burned

We created a short educational video showing what these scammers do and how they trick people.

👉 Watch the video: https://youtu.be/320mgOBtTwk

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this locksmith legit?” — this video will tell you exactly what to look for.

Call Someone Local Before You Get Locked Out

When you’re stressed and locked out, it’s easy to grab the first number you see. That’s exactly what scammers count on.

Save our number now:

📞 C & E Lock & Safe Inc. — 479-521-LOCK

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For apartments, offices, clinics, and schools, a well‑designed master key system balances security with access. The right hierarchy gives staff exactly what they need—no more, no less—while a Grand Master key provides emergency access.

Levels that make sense

• Change Key (CK): Operates one door/tenant suite.
• Master (MK): Operates a group of related doors (e.g., one building).
• Grand Master (GMK): Operates multiple MK groups (e.g., entire campus or portfolio).

We design systems to scale as you add units, buildings, or specialized spaces (IT closets, labs, nurse stations).

Restricted keyways = real key control

A “Do Not Duplicate” stamp isn’t enough. We recommend restricted keyways that only authorized locksmiths can duplicate—tracked with signed authorization. This prevents unauthorized copies during tenant turnover or staff changes.

Policies that protect you

• Issue + return logs with key serial numbers
• Lost/stolen key response plan (rekey scope defined in advance)
• Move‑in/move‑out checklist for property management
• Annual audit of keys and cylinders

Add access control when ready

We can layer card/fob or keypad access on exterior entries while keeping mechanical keys on low‑risk interiors. Start small; expand over time.

Get started

Need a system built or expanded? We serve commercial and institutional clients across Northwest Arkansas and can work within purchasing requirements.

Need help today? C & E Lock & Safe Inc. — serving Fayetteville & Northwest Arkansas since 1981.
📞 479‑521‑5625 (479‑521‑LOCK)
📅 Schedule service online

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Stop Door Sag & Slamming

Aluminum storefront doors hang on small pivots or butt hinges that wear out. The result: sagging, rubbing on the threshold, or doors that won’t latch. Pair that with a mis‑set closer and you get slamming that scares customers and damages frames.

Why continuous hinges win

A full‑length continuous hinge spreads the door’s weight along the entire frame:

• Restores proper alignment and latching
• Eliminates recurring pivot/butt hinge failures
• Reduces stress on the frame and glass
• Looks clean and professional

Don’t forget the door closer

We set sweep, latch speed, and backcheck so your door closes smoothly without slamming or wind‑catch. This protects customers, compliance signage, and HVAC efficiency.

When to upgrade

• Door rubs or scrapes the threshold
• You need to pull hard to latch
• Hinge leaves are bent or cracked
• Closer is leaking oil or hissing

Our storefront tune‑up

• Inspect hinges/pivots, frame, and closer
• Recommend a continuous hinge if needed
• Install and tune the closer
• Verify ADA‑friendly opening force and safe closing speed

Book a visit

Keep your entry safe, quiet, and professional.

Need help today? C & E Lock & Safe Inc. — serving Fayetteville & Northwest Arkansas since 1981.
📞 479‑521‑5625 (479‑521‑LOCK)
📅 Schedule service online

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Moving into a new home, changing roommates, losing a key, or upgrading door hardware—each event raises the same question: should you rekey your existing locks or replace them entirely? Choosing right saves money, improves security, and keeps your home looking great.

When to rekey

Rekeying changes the internal pins to work with a new key while keeping your current lock hardware. It’s fast, budget‑friendly, and keeps your door’s look consistent.

• You’re moving into a new place and don’t know who might still have keys.
• A key was lost, borrowed, or never returned.
• You want one key to work multiple locks (keyed alike).
• Your existing hardware is in good condition.

Pro tip: If your locks are from the same brand (or compatible keyway), we can often key them alike so you carry one key for all exterior doors.

When to replace

Full replacement makes sense when:

• The lock is worn, sticking, or rusted.
• You want to upgrade to Grade 1/2 hardware, high‑security cylinders, or a new finish.
• You’re switching styles (e.g., lever instead of knob) or adding a smart deadbolt.

How we save you money

When you buy locks from C & E Lock & Safe Inc., we’ll rekey them free to your preferred keying (subject to standard hardware/keyway compatibility). Many people buy hardware elsewhere, then pay us to rekey—often costing more than purchasing locally from us in the first place. Buying local supports the Northwest Arkansas economy and ensures you have a real shop to stand behind the product.

Rekey vs. smart locks

Smart locks can be great for convenience, but they still have a mechanical keyway. We’ll help you choose models with solid physical security (strike plate, screws, door frame reinforcement) instead of chasing features you won’t use.

What to expect from our visit

• A quick hardware assessment
• Rekeying or replacement options with clear pricing
• Tips to reinforce the door and latch area for better kick‑in resistance

Ready to simplify your keys?

Need help today? C & E Lock & Safe Inc. — serving Fayetteville & Northwest Arkansas since 1981.
📞 479‑521‑5625 (479‑521‑LOCK)
📅 Schedule service online

The post Rekey vs. Replace: The Smart Move for NWA Homeowners (Plus Free Rekey When You Buy From Us) appeared first on C & E Lock & Safe, Inc..

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

C&E Lock & Safe Company, Inc. Receives 2019 Best of Fayetteville Award

Fayetteville Award Program Honors the Achievement

FAYETTEVILLE May 1, 2019 — C&E Lock & Safe Company, Inc. has been selected for the 2019 Best of Fayetteville Award in the Locksmiths & Keys category by the Fayetteville Award Program.

Each year, the Fayetteville Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Fayetteville area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2019 Fayetteville Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Fayetteville Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Fayetteville Award Program

The Fayetteville Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Fayetteville area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Fayetteville Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U. S. economy.

SOURCE: Fayetteville Award Program

CONTACT:
Fayetteville Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@awardedcity.org
URL: http://www.awardedcity.org

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