Emergency locksmiths are a real lifesavers and when we get ourselves locked out by mistake locksmiths are those who will get us out of these stressful situations.
Most locksmith are honest and reliable they will arrive on time, work professionally and do their best to solve our problems but unfortunately there are some imposters who prey upon people when they are most vulnerable.
Scammers locksmiths will use bait and switch techniques, cause damage to your property and make you wait an unreasonable amount of time.
Here is how you can avoid locksmith scams
- Be careful of locksmith service companies that answer the phone with “locksmith services” rather than the name of a company. If the person answering the phone will not give you the legal name of the business hang up and look for another locksmith.
- Ask the locksmith for identification when they arrive. In California a locksmith has to be licensed and it is recommended to ask to see it especially it.
- Request an estimate before work begins even if you are in an emergency situation crooked locksmiths will jack up the price up to 400%, so always get a price quote.
- Ask about service call minimums and extra charges like after hours fee before any work gets done. If the locksmith gives you a different price than what was said over the phone, do not let the locksmith proceed and call another.
- Observe the vehicle the locksmith arrives in as legitimate locksmith service providers will have a van that is marked with the business’s name and logo.
- Remember that most skilled locksmiths can open almost any type of lock with their tools so be very suspicious of a locksmith who claims up front that a lock needs to be drilled and destroyed in order to gain access.
