Current Investigations

NOTICE OF LAW FIRM INVESTIGATION

TO: All Recent Homebuyers and Owners of Newly Constructed Residences

FROM: Law Office of David W. Smith

DATE: September 2, 2026

SUBJECT: Investigation into Potential Deceptive Trade Practices and Home Security Risks Involving "Construction Keying" / "Protecto Keying" Systems

The Law Office of David W. Smith is actively investigating homebuilders, property developers, and lock hardware distributors regarding potential deceptive, unfair, or unconscionable trade practices. This investigation centers on the failure to adequately disclose serious security vulnerabilities associated with "construction keying," "construction ball masterkeying," or "Protecto Keying" mechanisms installed in newly built residential properties.

NATURE OF THE INVESTIGATION

Based on industry alerts and consumer protection disclosures, residential developers commonly install locks equipped with construction keying features to grant contractors, tradespeople, and site workers broad access across entire development projects during construction.

While marketed or assumed to render a home secure upon the homeowner's first use of their key, evidence suggests these lock assemblies contain ongoing risks:

Residual Security Vulnerabilities: Even after the primary "builder's key" is locked out by the occupant's key, lock cylinders often remain stuffed with master pins or sub-components (such as PK balls).

Increased Risk of Unauthorized Entry: The inclusion of master pins creates multiple shear lines within the cylinder chambers-in some cases creating up to 32 to 64 potential key combinations capable of operating a single lock-making the lock significantly more susceptible to lock bumping, picking, or operation by unauthorized keys.

Exposed Subdivision Access: In certain configurations, anyone with basic lock knowledge could craft a working master key that opens other homes throughout the subdivision.

Undisclosed Developer Access & Retained Records: Master keys retained by developers or lock combinations registered with suppliers may allow third-party access without the homeowner's knowledge or explicit consent.

Homeowners are often left with a false sense of security, unaware that their brand-new home locks remain compromised unless fully rekeyed or replaced by a professional locksmith.

POTENTIAL LEGAL CLAIMS UNDER INVESTIGATION

Our firm is investigating whether homebuilders and lock distributors have engaged in actionable conduct under state and federal consumer protection statutes, including:

• Failure to disclose known safety and security hazards inherent in construction-keyed lock hardware.

• Misrepresenting newly constructed homes as fully secure upon turnover or closing.

• Omission of material facts regarding the necessity of immediate lock rekeying/pin removal following purchase.

CONTACT INFORMATION & PARTICIPATION

If you purchased a newly built home, took possession from a builder/developer, and were not informed of the residual security risks associated with construction keying, you may have legal rights or claims.

We invite affected homeowners to contact our office to share their experiences or assist with our ongoing investigation:

Law Office of David W. Smith

Inquiries & Consumer Protection Division

Phone: (941) 312-3078

Email: investigation@dwsmithlaw.com

Disclaimer: This notice is for informational and investigative purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship.