SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The down economy isn't the only obstacle for a Valley business.

Scott Malone with Scottsdale Lock and Key said what's made business more challenging is the scam artists stealing his customers.

Malone went to his computer and typed in the name of his company on a Google search.

His business and address popped up, but with a bogus 800 phone number next to it.

When he called the number he got an operator at a call center looking to dispatch a locksmith in his area. They are not associated with his business.

"They're basically stealing the business and they don't really care about repeats," said Malone. "They gouge you for as much money as you can."

"The other day I had a customer call to complain that we came out and ripped her off," he said. "It wasn't even us."

CBS 5 tracked the 800 number and found it connected to an assortment of other locksmiths in Canada, Florida and Maryland.

When CBS 5 called, an operator said she doesn't know why their number is listed next to local businesses and that her supervisor would call us.

CBS 5 has not heard back.

Malone just wants to warn customers to be careful who you hire.

Malone said it's been extremely difficult to track down who's behind this locksmith scam and determine how widespread it is.

It's also been tough for to get the bogus phone number removed.

Arizona's Attorney General has been notified and is looking into the problem.

According to the Arizona Better Business Bureau, there are things you should know before you hire a locksmith.

Don't call 800 numbers. Most local locksmiths have local numbers.

Search for a good locksmith before you need one and put the number in your cell phone.

Find one with a local shop or office so you have a place to go if there's a problem.