Few things are as stress-inducing as finding yourself locked out of your home, car, or workplace. You might find yourself in this situation due to a misplaced key, a broken key, or another reason altogether. There is one thing you know for sure, however, and it’s that you need to call a locksmith for help as soon as possible. But given the prevalence of locksmith scams, how do you know who to trust? Thankfully, these tips to avoid locksmith scams will allow you to identify the most trustworthy locksmith services in your area when you need them.
6 Tips To Avoid Locksmith Scams
Becoming the victim of a locksmith scam is one way to make your already stressful circumstances worse. However, if you know how to spot locksmith scams, you can just let the trustworthy locksmiths do their job and then move on with the rest of your day. After reading this blog, you will easily be able to spot locksmith scams thanks to these six helpful tips.
1. Avoid Toll-Free Numbers
One common factor that is shared among the scam phone calls you receive on a daily basis is the presence of a toll-free number. By now, you might see a toll-free number (usually starting with 1-800) and automatically reject the call, knowing it will only be a waste of your time. When looking up locksmith services, always check their contact information. You not only want to see if they have a permanent address but also if they have a valid phone number. If they are using a toll-free number, you should reconsider reaching out to them and move on to another candidate.
2. Verify Credentials And Identification
Verifying credentials is a vital step in any search for a valid service. The state of Texas is one of 15 states that require locksmith licensure, so ask to see your potential locksmith’s Class B security contractor company license. In addition, you should exchange some form of identification so that you know you’re hiring someone legit and so the locksmith knows they are working with a lock that belongs to you.
3. Be Wary Of Low Prices
Everyone loves low prices and deals. You get to take advantage of a service or product at a reduced price, ideally without sacrificing quality. Where locksmith scams are concerned, however, low prices are a potential red flag. You specifically want to scrutinize locksmiths who claim to provide services for $40 or less since they will usually add hidden costs or suddenly increase the costs when you hire them. That’s why you should hire a locksmith who is transparent about pricing from the get-go and typically provides estimates that are within $60, as that is the standard minimum price for locksmith service.
4. Obtain A Clear Estimate And Invoice
Speaking of prices, you will know whether or not you’re dealing with locksmith scams if the locksmith is able to provide a clear, detailed estimate and invoice. A clear breakdown of costs for the service is a sign of a trustworthy locksmith, so if they seem dodgy about giving that information, move on to another locksmith.
5. Beware Unmarked Vehicles
Reputable locksmith services use vehicles that are clearly marked with company branding, such as a logo with the company’s name. After all, vehicles without company signage are one of the more common signs of locksmith scams. If you make it this far with your locksmith and see nothing on their vehicle to corroborate their legitimacy, see if you can further verify their credentials, or just send them away and hire someone else.
6. Move On If Drilling Is Involved
Finally, another notable feature of locksmith scams is that they will be insistent on drilling your locks. In reality, most locksmith services will not default to destructive entry methods and will exhaust all other avenues first, such as picking and decoding. If destructive entry is necessary, it only makes sense for high-security lock systems used for items like safes, not residential or car doors. To avoid this situation entirely, ask your prospective locksmith about their methods and practices for dealing with your specific problem. If they don’t default to drilling your lock and replacing it as an answer, you can trust that this locksmith actually knows what they are doing.
Stop Worrying About Scams With Our Trustworthy Services At Quality Lock & Key!
We hope these six tips to avoid locksmith scams will help you find the most effective and trustworthy service to get you out of a lock and key mishap. If you would rather skip the process of weeding out which locksmith services are legitimate, you can do that with Quality Lock & Key. Our team of experienced and skilled locksmiths can be trusted to properly evaluate any problem and appropriately solve it, so contact us today.