9 Tips to Avoid Locksmith Scams
As terrifying as it may sound, the locksmith scams are now becoming a part of our society and daily lives. Locksmith scams target the auto and home owners when they’re at their most vulnerable situation and in great need of help, which is during emergencies and needing for immediate assistance.
At times, we feel that looking for a local locksmith online is most likely the smartest decision we can make. However, we could still become a victim of scamming or fake locksmiths who are just imitating the legitimate ones available on online directories like Arizona Keys Locksmith. The case is that these fake locksmiths copy the local locksmiths and you need to understand that they don’t even have their own local workshop. Sometimes, they’re not even knowledgeable and trained, and only operated through a call center in a different state. Here are some tips that can help you avoid locksmith scams or a fake locksmith company:
1.When searching online, “Local” is the right keyword.
Do an advance research about local locksmith services. Take enough time and don’t rush your search. If the locksmith company is registered with a local address, look for them in Google and check out if there really is a business registered in that similar address.
Even if you’re in emergency situation, you need to always be prepared and aware of the services that answer the phone call with generic welcome phrase. If the one you’ve called is not willing to give you a legal business name, you need to look and call for another locksmith company.
Also see if the company is using any “800” local number. The 800 number indicates that the locksmith company that you’re calling is an offshore or out-of-the-state call center.
2.Check their identification and license number.
As soon as the residential or commercial locksmith provider arrives at your place, it’s very important to ask for their identification, including their license number.
Of all states, only 15 require locksmith licensing, and Arizona is among them. Making a locksmith work or even advertising for locksmith services without licensed or any valid credentials is a crime.
3.Be wary of low prices.
Always get a quote over the phone before you allow the locksmith technician to meet with you. Be very skeptical of locksmith companies that provide unbelievably low service price. If it’s too good to be true, it raises a red flag. Always be cautious and ask about the cost of emergency locksmith service, the labor costs, and the locksmith service fees.
Don’t allow any locksmith to start working on your mobile or home without having a complete knowledge about the expenses you could incur.
4.Beware of any hidden fees or charges.
It’s important to ask if there are any extra or additional charges in the work done, especially is cases of emergencies.
A fake or scamming locksmith company might claim that the lock of your vehicle or home is already obsolete and needs replacement. They will charge you additional expenses to do the replacement service and at the same time, offer you a high-security lock that is very expensive. You could only end up paying more than the necessary to replace your existing good lock with a higher-priced, cheap lock.
5.Ask for their vehicle identification.
You need to keep an eye on your surroundings. Just in case someone came in an unmarked vehicle and they claim that they’re with a specific locksmith company, don’t allow them to handle or start the work. The legitimate locksmith companies like Arizona Keys Locksmith always send their locksmith technicians in marked mobile locksmiths with their company logos, brand name tools, and phone numbers displayed. You need always be aware of this.
6.Ask the locksmith company to provide you a written estimate.
Always ask the locksmith company to give you a written estimate. This can cover you from any additional charges and hidden labor fees. If the locksmith company is being hesitant to provide you a written and signed estimate, then don’t do the work with them. This can mean that they’re not reputable and only want to make quick money from you.
7.The on-site estimate should match with the written estimate provided to you.
Any reputable locksmith company like Arizona Keys Locksmith will provide with a very detailed quote over the telephonic conversation. This should include the cost of labor, arrival, and the entire necessary parts. This estimate should match the on-site estimate. The fake or scamming locksmiths will most likely change their estimate upon arriving in your place by adding extra fees before the locksmith job starts. Always be safe from these kinds of dishonest locksmith service providers.
8.Never accept lock drilling and/or lock replacement service
A locksmith technician that suggests the need for a lock drilling or replacement is most probably a fraud. Keep in mind that the experienced locksmith technicians are capable of unlocking almost any kinds and types of door. If they wish to drill your lock, don’t accept the offer and just say no. There’s a high chance that the company are scamming and just looking for instant money. Genuine locksmith companies like Arizona Keys Locksmith trains their locksmith technicians to properly and expertly unlock any kinds and types of doors.
9.Don’t leave the locksmith technician unattended during the unlocking process.
This doesn’t mean that shouldn’t trust the technician who has arrived to help you, but it’s also important to always be cautious and keep an eye on what they’re doing. Your cautiousness can save you from getting scammed in a lot of ways you can possibly imagine.
If you feel that you have been overcharged or scammed by a locksmith, you should immediately contact the office of your state attorney general. If you are lucky, the AG’s office might have a provision of engaging a staff to work as a mediator between the customers and the businesses and you could get your money back. Be careful and stay safe.