Need to hire a locksmitch to unlock your car or house? We put together five tips you should remember to avoid a locksmith scam.
You got locked out of your home or office, and have decided to use the services of a professional locksmith. But did you know that there are scammers out there who prey on people in your exact position?
It’s vital to know the signs of a locksmith scam in order to successfully avoid falling for one. We put together this guide with the 5 best tips for avoiding a locksmith scam so you’ll know what they look like and how to recognize them quickly.
Sound interesting? Keep reading to find out more.
1. Ask For A Quote
It might sound counterintuitive, but scam artists will often quote you a lower price than legitimate locksmiths.
They’ll often start out at an ultra-low estimate, like $15 for the job. Sometimes it will be as high as $40. But rarely will it be the average $60 that most locksmith jobs will cost.
That’s because they are trying to get their foot in the door, and then hit you with a bunch of unexpected added costs when they are already there doing the job.
So, once you’re sure you need a professional locksmith, be sure to get an estimate that feels like the actual cost of the job.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Call Them Out
If you do happen to get a lower quote from your initial call to a locksmith, and they start demanding more money, don’t panic.
Often they will lean into the scam by threating to call the police or file a lawsuit.
It’s important not to be intimidated, and know that a legit locksmith company won’t change their price drastically from their original quote. Tell them to call the police or offer to do it for them!
3. Don’t Let Them Drill Your Lock
Drilling a lock is a legitimate method for certain locksmith duties. But the reality is that it’s only really needed for high-security locks.
So unless you know you have a fancy, high-security lock, yours shouldn’t need to be drilled and then replaced.
If a locksmith is suggesting it, you are probably dealing with a less than reputable person. They should be able to solve your problem without drilling and replacing the lock.
4. Check Out Their ID and License If Applicable
Whenever a locksmith shows up to help you with a locked door, first make sure they are who they say they are. Ask for their ID so you can see who you’re dealing with.
In 15 states (Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia) you need a locksmith license.
So if you’re in one of those states, ask for their license. If they offer to show you one in one of the other 35 states, be wary.
5. Make Sure They Ask For Your Credentials
A reputable locksmith won’t simply start opening up someone’s locks without first doing their due diligence.
Expect them to at least ask you for some verification that you are who you say you are, and that the property or car you are asking them to unlock actually belongs to you.
Don’t Fall For a Locksmith Scam
Hopefully this post will keep you from falling for a locksmith scam. As long as you stay diligent about the questions you ask of a potential locksmith, and always keep an eye on all the suggests we laid out in this post, you’ll be good to go!
If you have any questions, contact us today!
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