When it comes to your family and home’s security, locksmiths can play a valuable role to ensure both. But are locksmiths trustworthy?
Unfortunately, not all locksmith services are created equal. Locksmith scammers, both licensed and unlicensed, use dishonest practices to exploit customers and leave them with financial losses or security breaches. That’s why it’s so important to hire a trusted, well-reviewed locksmith like Crown Locksmith!
“How do I know if a locksmith is legit?”
Crown Locksmith has you covered! Below, we’ll discuss the four most common locksmith scams and how you can avoid them:
Common Locksmith Scams
Bait & Switch Scam
This is perhaps the most common scam among licensed scammer locksmiths. In a bait and switch scam, a locksmith advertises discounted prices or gives you a low quote over the phone. However, once they arrive at your car, home, or business, the job suddenly becomes more complicated than expected. The scammer increases the costs significantly and may even tack on additional “necessary” services.
Fake Locksmith Scam
The fake locksmith scam is similar to the bait and switch scam but with more forward warning signs. In this scam, unlicensed locksmith scammers offer low quotes to customers before arriving on the job. Upon completion, they charge much higher prices, once again claiming the job was more complicated than anticipated. Unlicensed locksmiths often pray on customers via online ads, through Google or social media, with fake addresses and phone numbers.
Duplicate Key Scam
One of the more unsettling locksmith scams is the duplicate key scam. A locksmith creates a duplicate key for your locks, but they also create and keep a copy for themselves–providing them access to your home or business at any time. This leaves you, your family, home, and business vulnerable to theft or home invasions.
Unnecessary Repair Scam
Another common locksmith scam, the unnecessary repair scam is a quick way for dishonest locksmiths to make an extra buck. In this scam, a locksmith scammer examines your locks and determines some or all of them are damaged and must be replaced. Some may even claim they need to drill the locks, which is a costly addition to your charges. In reality, the only thing damaged is the locksmith’s moral compass, and you end up paying to fix a problem that didn’t exist.
How to Avoid Locksmith Scams
Now that you know the most common locksmith scams, let’s discuss how to avoid them. Here are some tips to keep you and your property safe from locksmith scammers:
- Research before hiring: Read up on locksmith reviews through Google, Yelp, and other search tools. Locksmith complaints from previous customers often give great insights into the type of business or professional you are considering hiring.
- Ask for a written estimation: Before a locksmith begins the job, ask for a written estimation. The price shouldn’t be too low or too high. You can search online for average rates for your particular service.
During the job, if a locksmith tries to upsell or claims the job is more complicated than anticipated, ask them to stop working and create a revised estimation. If the quote seems too high, you can request to stop the services.
- Request Identification: Ensure your locksmith is who they say they are and licensed.
Most importantly, if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure of an individual or their services, trust your instincts and look for a new locksmith.
Auto, Commercial, and Residential Locksmith Services
Finding a trusted and licensed local locksmith provider will help you avoid unsavory characters and locksmith scams. Crown Locksmith has provided superior commercial, automotive, and residential locksmith services to residents in and around the Atlanta area for over 12 years. Read the reviews here.
Find out why Atlanta residents trust our friendly, knowledgeable, and professional Atlanta locksmith services for all their door, lock, and home security needs. CLICK HERE to schedule a FREE consultation today.
