Sometime a locksmith is a real lifesaver especially if you’re in am emergency situation like when you locked yourself out the car and your baby is trapped inside.
The majority of locksmith technicians are honest and very reliable, they will show up quickly and preform in the most professional way but unfortunately there are few imposters out there who prey upon distress people in their most vulnerable time.
These scammers use bait and switch techniques, can cause damage to your property and try to take as much money they can out of you.
Here are 5 useful tips on how to avoid locksmith scams
- Watch out from locksmith service providers that answer the phone with “locksmith services” instead of the company’s name. If the person over the other side of the phone insist not give the exact name of the business just hang up the phone and look for another locksmith.
- On arrive ask the locksmith technician for his ID to make sure who you’re dealing with and confirm with the legit company he is the right guy.
- In many states a locksmiths are required to have a license in order to practice in this profession and it is highly recommended for you to to see it.
- Requesting an estimate for the job required before the locksmith technician start to work, even if you are in a hurry or in an emergency situation. Crooked locksmiths will try to pop up the price if you wont get a price quote ahead.
- Ask about extra charges like service call fee and after hours fee before any job is getting done.
- If the locksmith technician gives you a different price than what was quoted over the phone, do not let them even start to work and call another locksmith.
- Take a good look on the locksmith’s vehicle. A legit locksmith will have a van that is marked with the name of the business and its logo too.