Thousands of people in the United States contact locksmith services daily. A simple Google search for locksmith services in your location will return dozens of listings for locksmiths in your area. However, how will you ensure you’re contacting the appropriate locksmith if you have an issue and need to call one? How can you be confident that the locksmith you’re calling will be able to assist you in getting out of a serious situation while also being reliable?
When you’ve locked yourself out of your house, workplace, car, or any other place, a locksmith can help you get back in. Unfortunately, there are many scam artists out there attempting to defraud you of your funds.
Locking yourself out of your house or car is one of the most inconvenient experiences imaginable. It’s uncomfortable, humiliating, and occasionally hazardous. While you’re already anxious over the need for a Commercial locksmith in Schiller Park, you’re probably not paying as close attention to detail as you would when looking for a service provider. This can lead to you missing crucial warning signs and putting you right in the heart of locksmith scams. It occurs far more frequently than you might believe, but it does not have to happen to you. Please continue reading to understand how to recognize a locksmith scam, how they operate, and how to prevent being a victim.
Signs of Locksmith Scams
Long Response Time
You should be skeptical if the locksmith takes a long time to arrive despite the fact that the website and possibly even the person who received your call claimed 15 to 20 minutes. It may be because they’re not as close as they’d like you to think.
The promise of Low Cost
Low costs are always a positive factor, but be cautious if they seem too good to be true. If the promotion promises to be the lowest or provides a deal for first-time clients, be careful. Untrustworthy locksmiths offer extremely low fees to get you back into your home or automobile, but there’s a catch. The cost quickly rises once the locksmith arrives and examines your case.
When you contact a locksmith, the operator gives you a quote. They will say something like, “Starting from $20.” For starters, no locksmith can make a living by asking for such a low price. Second, they will start with a low price. But, it could cost several hundred dollars more than the initial estimate.
No Identification
When the scammer arrives, he is unlikely to be dressed in a uniform or possess any identification indicating working as a locksmith. The vehicle is likely to be unmarked or features magnetic signage instead of a branded emblem for the company.
Drilling the Lock
When the imposter locksmith starts working on your lock, they’ll claim it’s a maximum-security lock that he can’t pick. He’ll tell you he needs to use the drill for the lock to open. He will destroy your lock and replace it with a cheaper, low-security lock that he will charge you extra for. If they’re picking a car’s lock, they’ll either remark it’s too new or outdated.
A good locksmith will be capable of picking a lock without damaging it. They will rarely propose drilling it.
Incompetent Locksmith
If the locksmith who arrives appears unable to do a basic repair or unlock a stuck lock, it’s because he has no idea how to do it. Fiddling with tools, scraping the metal, and perhaps breaking the door or lock are all indicators of locksmith scams.
Cash Payment
The locksmith may seek payment in cash or a debit card if you do not have enough cash. On the other hand, he will avoid credit cards since they are too easy to track down. The final bill will be significantly higher than the initial estimate.
How to Avoid Locksmith Scams?
Search for a Locksmith before an emergency
The easiest and most usual approach to avoiding a locksmith scam is to look for one before requiring one. This way, you’ll have plenty of time and sources to verify a locksmith’s legitimacy. To discover the most dependable locksmith, look for authentic websites ahead of time. Keep the name and phone number of the locksmith you’ve chosen on your phone.
Ratings and Reviews
Make sure the locksmith firm you’re contacting is legitimate before you call. Untrustworthy locksmiths rarely mention their business location because they don’t want to deal with customers who have been deceived. If the address isn’t posted on their website, you’ll have to look for another company to work with. Examine the ratings and reviews. You can find local locksmith ratings on Yelp and Google MyBusiness. You can check out DVS Locksmith for professional locksmith service.
Confirm the price beforehand
Scammers frequently offer prices that are far lower than those provided by others. They advertise inexpensive pricing on their websites but surprise customers with additional fees when they visit. Their standard argument is that your job is more difficult and will take more time and money. However, it’s not uncommon for fees to fluctuate slightly depending on the nature of the project and its complexity. However, the initially unbelievable low costs are nothing more than a ruse.
It is preferable to inquire about additional fees over the phone. A trustworthy locksmith will be ready to answer any questions you may have, whereas a con artist may become irritated with your questions and push you to use their service.
Inquire about Identification
Request identification from the locksmith when they come to your home to deliver services. A license number is displayed on every professional locksmith’s vehicle and identification card. You should refuse services if they make any excuse, such as forgetting their card or something.
Allowing them to drill your lock is not a good idea.
If a locksmith persists in drilling or changing a lock, he is most likely a scam artist. A competent and dependable locksmith will be able to unlock the lock by changing or drilling it. They have advanced equipment to open any door. However, in the case of high-security locks, you may need to consent to drill with the locksmith.