Guide to Avoid Locksmith Scams

Most of us hope never to need locksmith services, but in the event that they become necessary, it is vital that they can be relied upon. However, scams within the locksmith industry exist, and it’s essential that people become aware of them to avoid frustration, financial losses, and security risks. This article offers practical advice for how to avoid some common locksmith scams.

Understanding Locksmith Scams

Locksmith scams are deceptive practices used by unsavory individuals or companies who pose as locksmiths to defraud people in vulnerable positions such as being locked out of their home or vehicle, using various deceptions such as overcharging for services rendered or offering unnecessary ones. Let’s examine some of the more popular locksmith scams below.

Bait and Switch Pricing

Bait-and-switch pricing is one of the most frequently employed locksmith scams. Scammers advertise low prices to lure potential customers in, often claiming that they can unlock doors for as little as 15-40 dollars before arriving and demanding higher fees that may even reach several hundreds of dollars!

Unnecessary Replacement and Drilling

This scam entails a locksmith claiming that their lock can’t be opened by traditional methods and insisting on drilling out the entire lock, ultimately leading to its replacement at an exorbitant price tag. Unfortunately, because he insists on drilling instead of picking or opening as would normally have been possible with genuine locksmiths, installation costs often skyrocket!

Fake Locksmiths or Unlicensed Locksmiths

Scammers often operate without proper training or licensure, or may use generic names and fake business names in order to appear legitimate. Their advertisements typically appear through search engines such as Yahoo! Directory making it hard for consumers to distinguish between real locksmiths and scammers.

Many scammers insist on only cash payments and demand upfront payment before beginning work, giving them ample opportunity to rob you blind without being held accountable. If they fail to finish or provide subpar services this leaves little recourse should they fail you.

Intimidation or Pressure Tactics

Scammers who employ intimidation tactics and pressure tactics in order to induce you to agree to their services may use pressure tactics and intimidation techniques against you in order to coerce immediate payment or convince you there are no other choices – leaving you feeling vulnerable. This may make them feel like there is no escape and could leave them trapped financially and emotionally.

Avoid Locksmith Scams Before Needing a Locksmith

To avoid scams, do your research and locate an established locksmith before you require one. Look for locksmiths with positive reviews, licenses and physical locations before saving their contact details for an emergency situation.

Verifying Credentials

When calling, request the name and proof of licensing of any locksmiths you contact. This will make finding legitimate locksmiths much simpler. Request that they show their license, identification card, and insurance proof. Also, double-check that their invoice or business card matches up with who you contacted them from.

Request a Detailed Estimate By Phone Before agreeing to any work, request a detailed estimate by phone. Ask about additional charges such as labor, service fees and part costs, any reputable locksmith should offer transparent pricing that accurately represents their final bill.

• Be Wary of Low Prices: Scammers may offer low prices in order to entice potential customers, only to increase costs once on site. Stay away from locksmiths that advertise low costs only to increase them once they arrive at the scene.
• Check Proper Identification: Confirm that the locksmith wears company uniforms or has proper identification badges. Unmarked vehicles and individuals without ID should also raise red flags.
• Avoid Paying Cash Only: Most reputable locksmiths accept multiple forms of payment, including credit cards. If any locksmith demands cash only payments or payments in advance, be wary. If their services prove subpar, use your credit card instead to settle up!
• Drilling or Lock Replacements: Be wary if a locksmith advises replacing your lock immediately, most are capable of unlocking or picking without damaging it, so get another opinion if they insist on drilling.

Before Hiring

 Review Reviews and References

When hiring a locksmith, it is wise to conduct extensive online reviews, looking for patterns of positive feedback and recurring complaints. A reputable locksmith should have an established online presence and a track record of happy clients.

• Trust Your Instincts: If something seems off with the locksmith’s service or their advice, it is wise to heed your intuition. Walking away may be better than risking scamming by remaining with that provider – do not hesitate to inquire for clarification of anything unclear or concerning.
• Report Scams: If you believe an untrustworthy locksmith has scammed you, report this information to the Better Business Bureau, consumer protection organization and police immediately. Reporting fraud prevents others from falling for similar schemes while giving authorities an opportunity to take swift action against any perpetrators of similar schemes.

Careful consideration can help protect against deceptive practices by being aware and vigilant. Research locksmiths well before you need one, check their credentials, avoid cheap prices or pressure tactics and adhere to these guidelines in order to get reliable locksmith services and avoid scams. Getting reliable locksmith services without falling for scams requires following these guidelines and verifying credentials from potential locksmiths before selecting them for services – doing this may save both hassle and money in the future!

This post was written by a professional at Unico Locksmith. Unico locksmith is your local locksmith in Maryland that specializes in commercial and residential lock changes, re key services, automotive locksmith services, and locksmith qualified emergencies. Contact Unico Locksmith to get the best and fastest locksmith today!