Top 5 Tips: How to Avoid Locksmith Scam

by John B. Professional Writer

When you need help with your lock and/or padlock, you'll assume that the Google list of local locksmiths is a reliable and safe place to start. But that's not always the case. Today, a growing trend among Google locksmith listings are sophisticated scammers who are scamming thousands of customers.

Many websites are created for businesses that do not exist. Local business listings are falsely portrayed as a reallocation of the bogus business, with fake reviews. Panicked customers - stranded outside their business, home or car - will use Google to search for a nearby locksmith company and the imitation locksmith results will appear.

When you call, the scammer will offer you a low price and usually send the call to a contractor who may not be a real locksmith. When they arrive, they may drill into the lock - not the right way - and raise the price.

The following tips provide information on how to avoid locksmith scams, how to choose the right locksmith and specific questions to ask your locksmith.

Working with a local locksmith

To make sure the locksmith you're looking to hire is legitimate and honest, call several in your area ahead of time, before you have an emergency, and ask questions. You can also check reviews of their companies, but be aware of fake reviews posted by scammers.

When you call a local locksmith, make sure they clearly state their company name when they answer the phone - beware of overcharged 08 numbers. Check the validity of the local address listing on Google by confirming that another business is not operating from the same address. It may be wise to drive to the location to confirm the true identity and location of the business.

Always ask for identification

Whether you are in Lyon or another major city, a locksmith's license is required and can be a good legitimacy check when choosing the right locksmith. Check the identity of the incoming locksmith, as well as the license to practice. Another good tip is to note whether the arriving locksmith is wearing a uniform - if not, be careful. An honest locksmith should arrive in a clearly marked and registered vehicle and will arrive quickly to help you in an emergency.

Don't fall into the trap of bait and switch pricing.

Locksmith scammers offer low bait prices to attract customers and then charge extremely high rates once the service is complete. When talking to a locksmith, make sure that cost estimates and quotes have been clearly communicated and that estimates are explained in detail. If the estimated cost given over the phone does not match the estimate at the time of service, do not allow the service to be performed.

A legitimate locksmith will be willing to answer all of your questions, whereas a scammer may be frustrated with many questions and push you to go ahead with the service. Be sure to ask about additional charges for mileage, minimum service calls or emergency hours. Another common practice among scammers is to only accept cash payments to avoid credit card traceability.

Make sure that drilling the lock is the last resort.

A highly trained and reliable locksmith will have the knowledge and tools to unlock doors, especially residential doors, without having to drill or replace the entire lock. Drilling a lock is only necessary when opening high security or commercial locks. A crook can replace the drilled lock with a cheap lock and raise the cost much higher than necessary.

Ask questions

It is a good idea to have a list of questions to ask a locksmith over the phone, as well as in-person to prove their credibility. These questions also ensure that they are knowledgeable in the area of your specific residential or commercial needs. Some important questions to ask your locksmith to ensure authenticity:

Where is your business located?
How will you get into the house/business? Will you need to drill my lock? Can you explain how you will meet the desired service request?
What is the estimated duration of the service?
Can you provide a cost estimate? What factors would cause the price estimate to fluctuate?
Do you need a photo of the lock-in advance?
Do you take credit cards as payment?
What is the name of the locksmith who will be performing the service?

The spirit of having an honest and reliable locksmith is important when it comes to putting the security of your home or business in their hands. Emergency Durham Locksmith is a well known and reliable locksmith in Durham, who provides quality work thanks to their highly qualified and licensed team.