There are many situations that require a locksmith, from forgetting your keys to simply aged keys or locks, even weather can manipulate a lock to the point of a key no longer working. These are stressful situations, and you might not even be thinking of falling victim to a locksmith scam when you make the call.
Unfortunately, scams are a reality that many of us face in our lifetimes. By following the tips below, you can be sure to avoid a locksmith scam.
1. Read Ratings and Reviews
A sure-fire way to avoid a locksmith scam is to do your research before you hire. This not only covers verifying their license is valid but also how well they work. If a locksmith’s reviews are a sea of 1-star ratings and complaints, they probably are not who you want to hire.
2. Ask Around
After checking reviews, the next best thing to do is to ask friends, family, and acquaintances. This helps confer with your online research and avoid review fraud.
3. Avoid a Locksmith Scam by Verifying ID and License
A professional will take no issue with you asking for their credentials.
4. Cross Reference Estimates and Charges
So, you received an estimate, and the cost, once the job is done, is much higher. Sometimes there are legitimate reasons for this, but you don’t want to be swindled out of your hard-earned money. Call the head office and ensure everything’s above board before paying.
5. Confirm all Additional Charges that May Appear Before You Begin
Like with discrepancies between estimates and charges, there can be legitimate reasons for additional charges. However, this is also an easy avenue for a locksmith scam. Don’t be caught by surprise with extra costs and ask before hiring about all additional charges.
6. Evade a Locksmith Scam and Get Everything in Writing
Along with estimates and potential additional charges, you’ll want to get everything in writing. Ask for a physical or a hard copy before the work begins. If you decide to get a digital copy of the conditions, you should save the email, and screenshot them to ensure prove it’s not tampered with.
7. Shop Local
Shopping Local is always a great option to support your community, but there are other advantages to shopping local. For one, it’s easy to get opinions in person on them, and businesses that operate locally are more beholden to the opinions of their townships. This makes hiring a local locksmith an ethical choice and a good way to avoid a locksmith scam.
8. Investigate the Work
Ensure the work is done correctly. Does your key turn, slide in and out with ease? Does it lock and unlock? If it doesn’t work be sure you have all the necessary documentation to hold them accountable. It may not be easy, but if you paid in advance you are entitled to the work you paid for.
9. Only Pay if the Work is Good
It may feel rude, but your better off withholding payment until you are happy with the work. Locksmiths conduct important work; it dictates whether or not you can get into your home or car. Make sure everything is done correctly, and if it isn’t drop them or have them redo the work.
10. Paper Trails Can Stop a Locksmith Scam
As with any scams, you might suspect a locksmith scam if they insist on being paid in cash. Scammers loathe a paper trail. Insist on paying with a credit or debit card so you have detailed payment records.
Follow These Tips and You Won’t Fall Prey to a Locksmith Scam
It’s easy to take people at their word and regret it later. Practice due diligence with our advice and you’ll be safe from such scammers. If you’re in the Phoenix, AZ area, you’ll find King Locksmith is happy to accommodate you and provide legitimate work with clear, upfront terms.
