How to Avoid Locksmith Scams

People in emergency home or automobile lockout situations often fall prey to clever locksmith scams. It’s natural for people to conduct an online search when they are in a situation such as this. However, scammers set up fake websites for their fake business and cheat gullible customers that are in a bind.

Specific packing a unique to be ready when you are writing any locksmith. Some of these businesses don’t even have any physical addresses and may not have the certification or experience to handle these jobs. When it comes to looking for a locksmith, it is important to conduct a bit of research before you finally decide which one hire:

1. Look For A Local Locksmith

If you want to know whether a locksmith is good and authentic, it is important to conduct research. For that, you need to call them in advance, ask questions and listen very carefully to their answers. Avoid any company that doesn’t provide a proper name. Look for locksmith without a local address and ask them to confirm their location and address when you call them. Be wary if a locksmith uses a number starting with 1-800 rather than a local one.

2. Check their ID and Licensing

When you call a locksmith to your home or commercial location, ask them to show you their identification and license. Regardless of the state you live in, it is mandatory for locksmiths to have a license. If they are unable to provide one, it means that they could be scammers. Check whether they arrive in a marked vehicle with their contact details and company name etc. clearly mentioned on it. If the locksmith arrives in a vehicle without markings or one with a different name, this should be a red flag for you.

3. Ask For A Cost Estimate

An unscrupulous locksmith would always start with quoting a very low price. This is a way of encouraging customers to hire them. Once you agree, they will start tinkering with the lock and before long will tell you that the job is extremely complex and that you would need a complete lock replacement. This is definitely a scam and it is important to be alert to these kinds of problems. Never settle for a locksmith that quotes very low rates.

4. Ask Whether They Will Be Any Additional Charges

Before you finally hire a locksmith, especially during an emergency situation, ask them about whether there will be any additional charges. Some unscrupulous people will not inform you about the correct costs. As mentioned earlier, they may also quote a very low price at the outset and then suddenly increase it later, by telling you that the problem can’t be fixed and that replacement is the only option. When you hire a locksmith, they should be able to provide you with all the information you need and answer all questions related to the repair work without hemming and hawing about it. If a locksmith is unable to answer your questions satisfactory, it is important to reject their service without delay.

Being wary of all these aspects when you are hiring a locksmith can help you avoid scams. For information about our licensed and insured services, call Bankstown Locksmiths today or send us a message via this Online Form.