Locksmith ServiceTop 6 Tips To Avoid Locksmith Scams
Every day, more than a quarter of a million of Americans make at least one desperate call to a locksmith's emergency customer support number. A simple glance in the Yellow Pages or a brief search online will show hundreds of thousands of hits when it comes to nearby locksmiths, so to say help is just a quick phone call away would be an understatement. However, how can you know for a fact that the locksmith you are about to hire to take care of our very delicate lockout problem is, in fact, worthy of your trust and money?
Unfortunately, there are lots of fraudsters out there trying to scam you for your money, and knowing how to spot them from a mile away is a must. To come to your help, here are a few tips on how to avoid locksmith scams that should keep you away from unpleasant experiences next time you need to hire a locksmith nearby.
#1: Know What To Protect Yourself Against
Unfortunately, if you wish to know how to avoid locksmth scams, know there are lots of fraudsters out there trying to scam you for your money, and knowing how to spot them from a mile away is a must. To come to your help, here are a few tips on how to avoid locksmith scams that should keep you away from unpleasant experiences next time you need to hire a locksmith nearby. Probably one of the most important tips to avoid locksmiths scams and also main steps of the process of not getting scammed by a deceiving locksmith is knowing exactly what you should be keeping a close eye on. With so many locksmiths looking to scam you and take off with a serious chunk of your money for an otherwise affordable prices to begin with, you need to know what are the red flags.
#2: Steer Clear From Rip-Off Locksmiths With No Real Physical Address
Locksmith scam prevention means knowing that while there are still plenty of solid, honest, and hard-working locksmiths that can effectively cater to all your home, car, or business security needs, there are also lots of con-artists looking forward to ripping you off. The first thing you should check if their shop's address is genuine and if it does, in fact, exist. Many locksmiths will list their business at certain addresses, on various streets in different towns, only their shops are nowhere to be found there. Instead, should you be curious enough to drive by and look for their business headquarters, you can expect to find either schools, stores, or banks. Many lock and key problems are emergencies that require the immediate assistance of a professional in the event of such a car lockout service, no one has the time or the will to drive to an address just to make sure the locksmith service they plan on hiring is, in fact, there. This is why it is important to be preemptive and have a short list of reliable services you know you can put your full trust in.
#3: Pay Attention To Toll-Free Numbers
While not all locksmiths who display a toll-free number are necessarily automated fraudsters, there are times when spotting a toll free number should be another red flag that should draw your attention. Provided you will notice that your call will be transferred to a call center, you can also expect to be quoted a ridiculously low price of $10 or $15 and be told that a nearby locksmith is right on your route and in your exact vicinity. However, chances are that you will notice them reaching your address or side road location in an unmarked van with no actual address or company name and logo on it. Even more, they will reach you thinking about the way they will scam you for your money, so make sure you pay real close attention to this type of services.
#4: Spot Fake Excuses
Another thing you should watch out for fraudsters who will claim they cannot open your jammed or locked door that you have lost the key for without drilling it or without damaging the lock by breaking it off. Automatically, they will also advise you to install a replacement lock and charge you up to $1000 or more, in some cases, depending on the lock model. Even more, many of these unreliable locksmiths will try to charge then entire amount in cash, on the spot. You will not only end up with damage to your door and entire lock mechanism, but also be forced to pay up or be threatened with a phone to the authorities, where they will continue to demand for their supposedly fair fees.
#5: Ask For IDs with Service Addresses and Names
Make sure to always ask for a locksmith ID along with their address and name and keep in mind all ALOA members should always carry their membership card proving they are part of it. You can call 214-819-9733 and have them vetted, but keep in mind that only 14 US states and a small number of cities actually ask locksmiths to have their membership cards on them during service calls. These states include: Virginia, Alabama, Oklahoma, California, Oregon, Connecticut, Texas, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
#6: Ask For References
Have a short, but fully trustworthy database or list of car locksmiths near me that you can put your full trust in in case of emergency, whether it is 2 in the morning or 4 in the afternoon. Know their reputation is flawless and they do not have any unresolved BBB claims or former customer complaints. Choose services with lots of experience in the industry that have been recommended by close friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
Keep these previous tips to avoid locksmith scams in mind next time you need to hire an emergency locksmith or a locksmith who can upgrade your secuirty at home or at the workplace and you should protecte yourself against many fraudsters.
