How Can I Avoid Being Scammed by a Locksmith?

If you’ve locked yourself out of your home or car, you need help right away. You’re embarrassed and inconvenienced. That means you’re probably also stressed. This combination can lead to bad decisions.

Unfortunately, this is how locksmith scams operate. They prey on those who need help immediately and who may be less selective about who they do business with. Read on to find out how to avoid these scams and find a reputable locksmith.

Look for the signs

If the locksmith shows up with no uniform or ID, this is a bad sign. Similarly, if a locksmith shows up in an unmarked vehicle or one with a slapped-on magnetic sign, this should also give you pause. A pro will show up ready to do the job, with all the accoutrements that go with it.

Read between the lines

If you make a call to the locksmith and things seem fishy, that means they probably are. The business may not answer the phone professionally. They may not provide many details, saying things like prices are “X amount and up.” If you spot any of these red flags, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Prices are too good to be true

The old saying is accurate: if something appears too good to be true, then it probably is. If you see suspiciously low prices or other promises that seem to be, let’s say, “aspirational,” then you want to steer clear. A professional locksmith will quote a fair price. A scam artist is likely to provide an appealing quote up front, but then the price will quickly escalate once they arrive to do the job.

Slow response time

On the call, the locksmith will likely give you a reasonable time, something like 15 to 30 minutes. You breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the end of your ordeal is on the horizon. But then the wait time turns to 45 minutes, then an hour or more. Unless they have a valid excuse, this means the locksmith lied to you, which is never a good way to do business.

Inexperienced locksmith

When the technician shows up, they should appear and act confident in solving the problem. If you have a relatively standard issue on your hands and the locksmith seems perplexed, this is a bad situation. The locksmith may not be licensed. Avoid this by doing your research beforehand—a professional locksmith will have solid online reviews backed by relevant credentials.

The locksmith disappears after service

One of the classic scams is when a locksmith shows up, does the work, then says you’ll be billed later. Then—surprise, surprise—the price of the work skyrockets. You try to call the company to argue the bill, but suddenly no one’s around to help. You want a company that’s there to help you every step of the way.

Are you looking for a reputable locksmith? Toledo Lock & Key LLC is here to help you. We’ve been in the business for more than four decades, offering complete locksmith services to customers whenever they need us. Call us now for fast and reliable service.

Categorised in: Locksmith

This post was written by Writer