How to Avoid Locksmith Scams? 

Locksmith scams are a serious threat to your safety. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to avoid falling victim to these unscrupulous con artists. 

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Doing your research

Before hiring a locksmith, always do your due diligence and ask detailed questions to gauge their authenticity. It is also a good idea to check their background and references. 

Get an estimate and then confirm the price before they arrive. A legitimate locksmith will not charge you more than what they quote. If they do, it is an obvious sign that you are dealing with a scammer. 

Ask for proof of insurance before they work on your property. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are covered in the event of any damage or loss incurred while they were working on your home or business. 

Check their credentials and qualifications, especially if they claim to be members of the ALOA or Master Locksmith Associations. This will ensure that they are a professional and trustworthy service provider. 

Don’t be fooled by advertisements that look too good to be true! Scammers often post ads in local newspapers and online that appear legitimate and promise to offer a variety of services at an affordable rate. However, these advertisements are usually a bait-and-switch tactic. 

Often, these ad campaigns will use catchy slogans or attractive website designs to entice potential clients into paying for the services they are selling. They may even include pictures and reviews of satisfied customers. 

If you receive a phone call from an unreliable locksmith, make sure you hang up immediately and don’t accept their offer. This will save you from being scammed out of your money. 

Another warning sign is if they don’t have a uniform or a name tag on their car. Scammers tend to wear regular clothes and have magnetic removable signs on their cars, making them look like ordinary citizens. 

A reputable locksmith will always arrive wearing a uniform and name tag. In addition, they should have a company vehicle and be willing to show their ID card. 

Be suspicious if a locksmith arrives at your door and demands cash or a debit card for payment. This is a common trick used by locksmith scams to avoid credit card traceability, which could help them recoup their money. 

Despite their claims, they will not be there for 20 to 30 minutes. Scammers typically respond to a call on the same day. 

Never agree to any price on the phone that is lower than what they quote upon arrival at your home or office. The price they quote on the phone is often their consultation fee, which will be added to the final cost when they arrive at your location. 

If they tell you that they can open your locked door without drilling it, it is a clear sign of a scammer. Scammers are experts at getting you to pay for unnecessary services that they know you don’t need.