Nowadays, locksmith scammers have a habit to target automobile and homeowners when they are at their weakness and in an emergency situation that needs immediate assistance. Most customers think they are doing the correct thing by means of searching online for local locksmiths.
But what consumers might not realize is that lots of locksmith scammers are invading the online directories by copying legal local locksmiths. Locksmith scammers usually do not operate local stores. A legitimate locksmith is the one who has a well-designed website and physical store. Let’s say Locksmith in Bedford NY which is located at Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY11221 is a legal locksmith company.
Nevertheless, to avoid locksmith scammers from invading your property, take your time researching and follow the listed tips below.
Here are 6 tips on how to avoid a locksmith scammer:
Typically, a call center locksmith estimate costs between 15 to 40 dollars. But an illegal locksmith attracts customers by offering low prices, however, once they arrived the fee will increase claiming that the task is not easy to fix.
Which is why getting an estimate before the work begins is very important. If you’re chosen locksmith provider refuses to offer an estimate, don’t think twice and look for another company.
Ask about additional charges for things such as service or mileage call minimums, and emergency hours before allowing them to do the job.
Actually, some locksmith scammers may possibly tell that the locks on your car or home is outdated and needs to be changed. Since they are scammers, they will charge you hundreds of dollars to change your old locks with a high-security lock. But the truth is, it is a cheap locking system that offers little protection.
According to some locksmith companies, a reputable locksmith must be able to answer all the queries regarding the repair, including the cost of the services and how they will get into your car or home.
Once again, if the locksmith declines to answer these question, then it is a sign that you’re dealing with someone who does not know what they are doing.
If the locksmith’s on-site cost does not counterpart the phone estimation, do not allow them to fix your lock. Some locksmith providers might demand fee after performing careless work or expanding the bill. Or worst, they will threaten you by filing a lawsuit or calling the police if you do not comply.
If this incident happens, let them call the law enforcement agency. Because a reputable locksmith company will not significantly change an estimated fee.
If you are locked out, be careful of locksmith service providers who insist on replacing or drilling the lock. Usually, drilling is only required to open a high-security lock. The majority of certified locksmiths possess the tools and skills to unlock any kind of door.
High–security locks, on the other hand, are specifically designed to prevent people from picking or bumping a door open. Moreover, they need particular keys to conform the lock’s trenches.
When the locksmith you hired arrives, make sure to ask for ID and a locksmith license. Furthermore, a legal locksmith should also ask their clients for ID to confirm that they’re unlocking a car or home that goes to you. Either way, be alarmed when the locksmith you hired come in an unmarked automobile or one promoting a different brand name than the business you hired.
The best way to determine whether a locksmith is legal or not is to research them ahead of time. Call and ask them comprehensive questions. You can also read some customer reviews online.
However, if you are in an urgency, be cautious of locksmith service providers who answer calls using common phrases such locksmith services instead of a particular name. Keep in mind that if the locksmith will not or cannot offer the business’s legal name, look for another locksmith.
Nevertheless, if you see a locksmith that has a local address make sure to check the address online to confirm whether other businesses utilize similar address. Better yet, call the company and verify its location. In addition, use additional inspection if a company doesn’t utilize a local contact number, it is an indication that you are dealing with a call center that is out-of-state.
By simply considering the above-mentioned tips, rest assured you will not end up with a locksmith scammer.