Good locksmiths have long been able to make duplicate keys with just a glance of a photo. However, a website is making it even easier, with a few clicks of a smartphone, and $6.
Keysduplicated.com is making headlines for how simple it is to copy a key to any house, condo or property. By going to the website on a mobile device, users can snap a photo of the front, and back of a key, enter payment information, and have the duplicate sent through the mail in a matter of days.
"Right now, it's [about] the convenience of not having to go to the store," says Jordan Meyer, co-founder of Keys Duplicated.
While it may be convenient for say, someone to have a vacation rental home key made for a potential tenant, or to make a key for a loved one, anybody could take a few pictures of your keys and leave you susceptible to thieves.
It's something Meyer doesn't deny.
"That is true. We haven't had any instances we know of, but security is one of our top concerns."
Ray Mireles, a locksmith, says he has had customers fax photos of keys they need made, and as long as there's no suspicion of potential criminal activity, they will make the key copy. The app just makes it easily accessible.
"I was kind of amazed by it."
Mireles says most home locks are made by companies where the keys are easily dubbed. There are only several thousand key patterns, while authorized keys and locks, ones with special grooves and cut patterns, are virtually impossible to duplicate.
"The keys can't be duplicated, unless you're authorized. Doesn't matter if you're the president of the United States."
These locks and keys can cost four times as much as conventional ones, but Mireles says they're so safe, they're used at the White House and are an investment in safety.
Right now, Keys Duplicated doesn't copy vehicle keys, but plans to soon.
