Our belongings are incredibly important to us. They are so important that we go to great lengths to protect them. We walk around with locked smartphones, carry backpacks that are zipped tight, and when we go home at night, our homes are secured through various locking mechanisms, some more high-security than others. If a lock fails, we need to know that we can trust the service provider we call to help. Unfortunately, there are locksmith scams that take advantage of those that need locksmith services when in a pinch. Sometimes, it’s hard to distinguish trustworthy locksmiths from locksmith scams.
When searching for a reliable locksmith, there are many signs to look out for. Calling the first service can be easy if we find ourselves in an emergency lockout situation. If a locksmith website boasts meager prices, it can be too good to be true. Let’s go over some signs of locksmith scams.
Locksmiths Scams
Toll-Free Phone Numbers
When you use the Internet to search for a locksmith service, be careful of 1-800 numbers. These numbers tend not to be local and mean the locksmithing company you’ve found in your search has outsourced its services. It also likely means the person who answers the phone is from a call center. This should be a red flag.
When we call someone to service our home, business, or car, we need to know who is coming to help us. With a call center, you never know who is coming, how long it will take, or if they’ll come at all.
Locksmith Company Branding on Vehicle
A locksmith car with no branding is a big sign of locksmith scams. If a locksmith’s car shows up with no branding or, worse yet, the vehicle is unmarked or isn’t a service vehicle, this is another sign of a locksmith scam. Locksmith companies should be proud to show their branding on vehicles, not look to hide it. Furthermore, locksmiths require many tools and need large service vehicles for them. If a locksmith shows up in a personal vehicle, they are likely unprepared or a scam.
Low Prices Are Too Good to Be True
According to Angi.com, fake locksmiths tend to quote $15-$40 prices to begin with. These prices are unrealistic. Depending on what it is, most locksmithing services charge at least $60. The reason for this price is not because locksmiths are trying to overcharge their customers. Most locksmith scams use a reversal tactic to tell you one price and say another when the service is done. Some services with trustworthy locksmiths may get more expensive in the event of unforeseen complications, but the low price at the beginning should be an immediate red flag to customers. Get in the habit of requesting a quote beforehand.
Locksmith Insists on Drilling
Some locksmithing services will require some drilling. This includes high-security locks, lock replacements, and installations. But if you are locked out of your home or business, an experienced locksmith should not have to drill to get you back into your home. Ask a locksmith for clarification if a locksmith tells you your lock needs replaced. Some locks only need to be rekeyed instead of replaced. If they see signs of tampering, they may need to be drilled. At the end of the day, what happens with your locks is your choice.
Advice to Avoid Locksmith Scams
Ask for the Price Beforehand
Transparency should be key to any business model. As mentioned before, some prices may change as the process goes on, but this is not something to worry about. Most locksmiths should know when a job could accrue more costs than initially thought and can give you this ballpark estimate before they begin the service you hired them for. Before they begin, ask for an itemized list of what they have to do with the corresponding prices. A trustworthy locksmith will have no issue with this.
Have a Locksmith on Speed Dial
No one wants to feel lost or unprepared when in a sticky situation. The same goes when you find yourself locked out of your car, home, or business. Scrambling to find a solution can lead to mistakes. We recommend already having a locksmith you trust on speed dial. This eliminates the chances of falling victim to a locksmith scam. If you are unsure how to find a reliable locksmith, word of mouth is a powerful tool. Ask friends and family and read reviews online.
Look No Further Than ASAP Locksmith of Colorado
ASAP Locksmith of Colorado has many years of experience in the business and has been helping our fellow residents of Colorado for just as long. We are proud of our craft. Don’t waste any more time finding a better locksmith when we already exist. Get a free estimate today.