Most of us never think about locksmith companies until we’re in a dire need of one. Maybe you’ve ended up locking yourself out of your home and you’re out of spare keys, or perhaps your lock has endured some damage and you’re now feeling unsafe at your home… Whatever the case, getting some quick assistance from a locksmith would probably be your primary concern. However, we wouldn’t recommend rushing to call someone right away since, unfortunately, locksmith scams happen more often than you may think. So, choosing the right company is of the utmost importance, both for your wallet and for your peace of mind.
We’ll go over the most common locksmith scams to help you recognize and avoid them the next time you have an emergency in your home. So, without any further ado, let’s get to the bottom of it!
Source: Fortune Herald
Contents
1. They’re not answering the phone with the company’s name
Always call the company before you book their locksmiths. Yes, filling a form online sounds appealing, but a phone conversation can tell you a lot more about the company than you may think. Once you call them, pay attention to how they answer their calls. Professional companies will always answer with their company’s name. Otherwise, it’s most likely a conglomerate. These companies will be outsourcing their locksmiths to cover as many geographic locations as possible. So, they’re not always the most reliable option out there.
The only way to avoid locksmith frauds is by finding trustworthy, professional locksmith services in your area. Remember: If they don’t answer their calls with their company’s name, consider it a big red flag and try another company instead.
Source: Pinterest
2. Additional labor
One of the most common locksmith scams people encounter is undoubtedly the “additional labor needed” scam. You’ll get a simple quote at the beginning, only to find out about multiple “hidden fees” later on. That’s not only incredibly unprofessional, but it could be a real blow to your budget. Make sure the original quote is respected by asking about possible additional fees at the beginning of the process. Sometimes, the problem with your lock will be a bit more complex than it seems, but that doesn’t mean your locksmith should charge you double the price. Ask for estimates as soon as you call them up. A professional company will be able to give you an accurate estimate (with all the possible scenarios included).
So, make sure to ask them about their pricing before they arrive at your home. Find out what they usually charge and don’t let them overcharge you for no reason.
Source: agentlockandkey
3. Damaged property
If you’re unlucky enough to encounter a locksmith scammer, they’re undoubtedly going to leave some damage behind. They’ll damage your locks beyond repair, making you pay for fixes right on the spot. It’s a ruse made to take your money, so beware of such “locksmiths” as much as you can! Finding a reliable service isn’t that difficult after all. All you need to do is some research: look at their online reviews, ask your friends for recommendations, and always talk to your locksmiths before inviting them to your home. Ask tons of questions, and you’ll know whether they’re worth your time or not soon enough.
Our locks are what keeps us and our property safe, so you’d naturally want to fix any damage done to them as soon as possible. Scammers will try and take advantage of this, so do everything you can to avoid this scenario. As we’ve mentioned before, extensive research is the best way to go about it!
Source: freepik.com
4. Identity fraud
If you’ve found their contact number on a sketchy website or an ad, you could be up for an unpleasant surprise. Some scammers will go as far as to pose as a representative of a reputable company just to take your money. Always contact the company directly on their official website. Once the locksmith arrives, keep an eye on details like their uniform, vehicle, and tools. Real locksmiths will ALWAYS wear their company’s official uniform while they’re on a job.
Overall, you’ll only need 5 minutes to check how your locksmith should look like. Most companies have some sort of a photo gallery online, so you’ll know how their uniforms look in advance. So, if your locksmith appears at your home in casual wear, you’re likely being scammed.
Source: mcallen-locksmith
5. Overcharging for poor quality work
Fraudulent locksmiths will rarely do a good job: they’re out to get your money and nothing else. They’re only pretending to be professionals, but they’ll overcharge you as much as they possibly can. They’ll use your ignorance to set an incredibly high quote right at the beginning. Make sure to check average prices in your local area before you call someone to assist you with your locks and always ask for a quote in advance. In this way, if someone tries to take advantage of you, you’ll be able to realize it immediately, which allows you to avoid this scenario completely.
Besides, you don’t want an untrustworthy individual messing around with your locks at your home. While this is extremely rare, you could be at risk of getting robbed or worse if you’re not careful. Therefore, make sure to always do some research on the company before you call them up. It could save you from tons of unnecessary issues later on, and it only takes a couple of minutes to do so.
The bottom line
Avoiding scams is now easier than ever before as the internet allows us to do our own background checks on companies we’re considering hiring. As long as you do your research, you’ll undoubtedly avoid fraudulent companies with ease. On the other hand, finding a reliable company is even easier. You should be looking for a locally run, fully licensed company that provides quick services and high-quality work. Besides that, you can find some additional info at https://locksmithtucson.us/ a professional locksmith company from Arizona, Tucson, which can serve as a great example of what to look for when you’re searching for a locksmith near you.
All in all, make sure to do your research and go for local, well-reviewed companies before anything else, and you’ll never have to worry about scams ever again.
