AVOID LOCKSMITH SCAMS

Securing the services of a Licensed Locksmith is a pretty uncommon occurrence for most people. Typically, a Locksmith is needed in an emergency when one may find themselves locked out of their home, business, or car. Scammers realize that it’s often easier to chisel their way into the wallets of unsuspecting and vulnerable people facing an emergent situation, By familiarizing yourself with the tactics used by such fraudulent operators, you can better prepare to identify and avoid such situations should you be confronted with one down the road. 

You find yourself or a loved one locked out of your home or car after a long day at work. You want nothing more than to know the feeling of being safe in your own space ASAP. Many times, folks will pull out their smartphone and do a quick search of emergency Locksmiths in the immediate area. This is the point where the scam begins. Some Locksmith scammers may use the name and logo of a reputable locksmith to advertise their “business”. When you call these imitators, they may answer the phone with a generic “Hello, locksmith services,” rather than a specific business name. If you didn’t see any licensing information clearly visible on the advertising that caught your eye and prompted the call, ask them directly. There’s no guarantee the person you are speaking to is even a licensed Locksmith and would therefore have no business attempting to help you or accessing your property. 

In one common version of this scam, the person on the phone will offer you an extremely cheap quote to resolve your issue – as low as $15. However, once the locksmith arrives on-site, they find a several “reasons” to suddenly charge you more than the initial amount quoted. Scammers prey on consumers’ feelings of desperation, and victims often end up paying hundreds more than what they were originally quoted.

In other cases, scammers may also claim that it is simply impossible to open your door given the poor condition of your lock. They may insist that they will need to drill the old lock and replace it with a new, more modern, and thus (you guessed it…..) more expensive lock. This will rarely be the case. A skilled Locksmith with the proper tools will be able to open just about any lock. What’s even more disturbing is that a scam locksmith now knows where you live or work and or possibly what you drive as well as how to gain re-entry in the future.

‒ Critique their advertising. Look closely at their advertisements. Is the specific name of the business clearly identified? Does the ad look like other ads but have a different name? Does it appear that the business operates under several names?

‒ Ask plenty of questions. Most consumer complaints are concerning fees that were not disclosed when they first placed the call to the provider. Ask about the cost of a service call, possible mileage charges, and the cost of any parts required to complete the job BEFORE you agree to have the work completed. Get an estimate before any work begins, including charges for emergency, weekend, Holiday, or after-hours service. If the on-site estimate doesn’t match the price quoted on the telephone, have the job done by someone else.

‒ Check identification. Most legitimate locksmiths will arrive in a clearly marked vehicle and provide identification. Remember that you will be allowing a stranger into your home.

‒ Be wary of “necessary” drilling. Understand that it isn’t routine for a locksmith to insist on drilling the lock to open it. Most locksmiths have the skills to open almost any lock.

‒ Demand an itemized receipt. You can’t dispute a charge without proof of how much you paid for each item or service provided. Insist on an invoice that includes parts, labor, mileage and service charges broken down into line item detail. The invoice should also include the business name, possibly their logo, address and phone number. Use your credit card to pay for locksmith services for added security. If need be, this will allow you to more easily dispute the charges in the future and possibly provide you as the consumer with added levels of protection as provided by your credit card issuer. 

‒ Look up the business on BBB.org or view the BBB Directory for Locksmiths near you. Hiring a BBB Accredited Locksmith will give you peace of mind that this business is legitimate.