As scary as it sounds, locksmith scams are becoming a part of our daily lives. Locksmiths turn to home and car owners when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help, in an emergency and in need of immediate assistance.
Most of the time we feel that looking for a locksmith online is probably a smart move. However, we could fall victim to fake locksmiths or scammers imitating legitimate ones in online directories. The thing is, these fake locksmiths pretend to be the local locksmiths and they don’t even have a local workshop. Sometimes these so called locksmiths are not even properly trained and are operated through out of state call centers.
A few cautious steps you take can help you avoid a scam company or untrained impersonator.
1. “Local” is the key word
Do your research in advance. Take a good time and do not rush with the search.
If a locksmith business is registered with a local address, Google the address and find out if there are any other businesses registered with the same address.
Even if you are in an emergency, you should always be on the lookout for services that answer the phone with some generic phrase, like “Welcome to locksmith services.” If the caller is not willing to provide you with a legal business name, you should find another locksmith.
Also see if companies are using any “800” numbers or local numbers. The “800” number may indicate that the locksmith you are calling might be an overseas call center.
2. Check ID and license
When the locksmith arrives at the destination, it is important to ask for identification, including a locksmith license where applicable.
Out of all the states, only fifteen of them require a locksmith license, making it a criminal job or even to advertise as a locksmith without valid credentials. Check if your state is one of the 15 states on Google.
3. Beware of low prices
Always get a quote over the phone before allowing any technician to meet with you. Be skeptical of any locksmith who offers an unbelievably low price. Those are the main red flags. Always ask about labor costs, emergency costs, and service fees.
Never allow anyone to start work on the home or vehicle without full knowledge of the costs that could be incurred.
4. It’s better that there are no hidden fees
It is important to ask if there is any additional charge, especially in case of emergencies.
A scam company could also claim that the lock on your home or vehicle is outdated and needs to be replaced. They will charge you an arm and a leg to replace the existing lock with what they will say is a high security lock, but that is rarely the case. You could end up paying them to replace the existing good lock with a cheap one for a higher price.
5. Request vehicle identification
Always keep an eye on your surroundings. In case someone arrives in an unmarked vehicle and claims that they work with a specific locksmith company, definitely do not allow them to start working. Legitimate locksmith companies always send their technicians in a vehicle marked with company logos, phone numbers, and branded tools. This is a call to conscience.
6. Ask for a written budget
Always request a quote in writing. This will cover you from hidden fees and additional labor charges. If a locksmith hesitates to give you a signed, written estimate, don’t let the job begin. This may mean that they do not have a good reputation and just want to make a quick buck.
7. The on-site estimate must match the written estimate
Any reputable locksmith company will provide you with a detailed quote during the phone conversation. This will include the cost of arrival, labor and necessary parts. This estimate will be with the estimate on the site. Locksmiths looking to rip you off will change your estimate upon arrival adding additional hidden fees before the job even begins. Be safe from such rogue service providers.
8. Say ‘No’ to drilling and replacing
Any locksmith company that suggests that the lock needs to be drilled or replaced is a fraud. Experienced locksmith technicians can open almost any door. If they want to drill the lock, say a straight “No.” There is a high probability that they are scamming you and looking for more money. All genuine locksmith companies train their technicians to properly unlock any door.
9. Avoid cash transactions
All genuine locksmith companies give you the option of paying by cash, check, and/or credit. Any company that insists on cash transactions is just looking for a quick buck and there is a 99.99 percent chance that it is a scam. This is also an important question to ask in advance. Make sure you know how they accept payment BEFORE you start work.
10. Do not leave locksmiths unattended during work
I am not suggesting that you distrust the person who has come to help you, but it is important to be aware of what they are doing. Your care can prevent you from being ripped off in more ways than you can imagine.
If you believe you have been overcharged or ripped off by a locksmith, you should immediately contact your state attorney general’s office. If you’re lucky, the AG’s office might be willing to hire staff to liaise between clients and businesses and you might get your money back. Be careful and stay safe.
