A suit the AG's office filed in November alleges that Basad "deceived, misled, and financially injured consumers" in Colorado and six other states.

In addition to claiming the company raised its prices once it was on the scene, the suit says Basad has used 73 trade names since 2004 and falsely printed the Associated Locksmiths of America seal on its ads.

Basad's attorney, David Zisser, said his client is a good corporate citizen and is working toward a resolution with the state.

"I don't think it's fair to say the quote doubles or triples," Zisser said. "And frankly, I don't think there's actually a quote or an estimate given until a technician gets to the scene."

Dell Sterling, owner of Interstate Lock & Key in Westminster, said up to three-fourths of the locksmith listings in phone and Internet directories are from a handful of shady firms operating under dozens of names and phone numbers.

Sterling said customers should demand a firm price before a locksmith comes

Sterling's Star Mobile device links to a computer to program the microchip inside a modern automobile key. out and ask to see the worker's identification upon arrival.