Are you locked out of your car or home right now? It’s a horrible, stressful feeling, I know. The panic starts to set in, and you just want to get back inside, fast. But what if, in your desperation, you end up calling a locksmith scammer who rips you off, damages your property and leaves you even more frustrated? The fear of being taken advantage of is real, and it’s the last thing you need when you’re already in a bind.
That’s why I wrote this article: to help you and your family learn how to avoid locksmith scams. It’s important to know how to find a trustworthy emergency locksmith when you need them so you don’t get taken for a ride. These scams are so common that even the news talks about them.
I know it’s tempting to call the first locksmith you see. However, by taking a few minutes to learn what to look for, you can find a reliable locksmith who will get you back inside safely and honestly. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through all the red flags to watch out for and exactly what to do to make sure you hire someone you can trust.
What’s a Locksmith Scam?
A locksmith scam is when someone who says they can help with locks tries to trick you into paying way more than you should, or they do a bad job on purpose. It’s like when someone promises you a treat but then gives you a gross vegetable instead – not cool! These scammers know you’re in a tough spot and try to use that to their advantage. They might try to get you to pay extra fees you didn’t know about, or they might even break your lock on purpose, so you have to pay more. It’s important to know their tricks so you can avoid them. Here are some common things they do:
- Bait and Switch Pricing: They tell you one price over the phone, like a super low $15 or $39, but when they get there, the price suddenly goes way up. They might say, “Oh, your lock is more complicated,” or “There’s an extra fee for coming out”.
- Hidden Fees: They add charges they didn’t discuss before, like gas or working late at night.
- Unnecessary Repairs or Damage: They might break your lock on purpose so you have to buy a new one from them, and they will charge a ton of money for it. Or, they might say you need repairs you really don’t.
- Drilling Locks: They might say they need to drill your lock right away when a good locksmith could probably just pick it open without breaking it.
- Refusing Written Estimates: They might not want to give you a written estimate of how much it’ll cost. This way, they can add extra charges later.
- Cash-Only Payments: They may only take cash because it’s harder to track, and you can’t dispute the charges if they scam you.
- Credit Card Refusal: They won’t let you pay with a credit card, because then you can report them if there is a problem.
- Unmarked Vehicles: They show up in a car that doesn’t have any company logos on it.
- Outlandish Claims: They try to scare you into paying more, like telling you they need to break a window or door when they really don’t.
- No Post-Service Contact: Once they do the job (or mess it up), they disappear and don’t help you if you have problems.
- Unclear Invoices: They don’t give you a bill that lists everything you paid for, so you don’t know if they overcharged you.
- Stolen Credit Card Info: They might steal your credit card info when you pay them and use it later.
- “Broken” Card Machine: They say their card machine is broken, so you have to pay cash.
- Long Wait Times: They take forever to show up even though they said they were close to you.
- Fake Businesses: They make up fake companies and pretend to be local, but they’re not even real locksmiths.
- Fake Reviews: They might have fake, overly positive reviews that aren’t really from customers.
How to Know if a Locksmith is for Real
It’s really important to check out a locksmith before you let them help you. You wouldn’t let just anyone into your house, right? Here’s how to make sure a locksmith is legit:
- Real Address: Look up their address online using Google Maps. Use Street View to see if they have a real shop, not just a house or gas station.
- Local Phone Number: Make sure they have a local phone number that looks like a regular phone number, not a toll-free 800 number.
- Business Name: When you call, they should say the real name of their company, not just “locksmith services.”
- Online Reviews: Look for reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Be careful if there are only super good reviews because those could be fake.
- License and Insurance: If your state or city requires it, ask if they have a license and if they are bonded and insured. Not all states require this, but it’s good to check.
- Certification: See if they have certifications from groups like the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
- ID: They should have their own ID, and a good locksmith will also ask for your ID to make sure they’re helping the right person.
- Company Car: They should show up in a car with their company name and logo.
- Location: When you call, ask where their office is and where their locksmiths are based.
- Ask Questions: Ask them a lot of questions about their prices, how they work, and how you can pay.
- Locksmith Associations: Contact the locksmith association in your area for help.
How to Be a Locksmith Detective
It’s also smart to take some steps to avoid locksmith scams before you need an emergency locksmith. Think of it like being a detective, finding clues to avoid trouble.
- Plan Ahead: Find a good locksmith before you get locked out. That way, you won’t have to make a decision when you’re in a panic.
- Get Recommendations: Ask your friends, family, or neighbors if they know a good locksmith they trust.
- Check Qualifications: Make sure they have the right training and certifications.
- Call First: Call a locksmith company before you need them to ask questions and learn more about them.
- Get it in Writing: Always ask for a written estimate of the price before they start working.
- Credit Card is Key: Use a credit card to pay if you can. This makes it easier to dispute the charges if something goes wrong.
- Pay When Happy: Only pay when you are satisfied with the work.
- Report Bad Guys: If you think you were scammed, tell the Better Business Bureau and the police, and leave reviews online to warn others.
- Stay Calm in an Emergency: Even if it’s an emergency, take a few moments to review their reviews and ensure they’re legit.
- Don’t Rush: Don’t make a hasty decision when you are stressed.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
If you’re looking for a locksmith near me, here are some important questions to ask:
- “Where exactly are you located?”
- “How are you going to get into my house (or car)?”
- “Will you have to drill my lock? Can you explain exactly what you’re going to do?”
- “Can you give me a price estimate? What could make the price go up?”
- “Do you take credit cards or just cash?”
- “What is the name of the locksmith who will come to my house?”
- “What is the legal name of your company?”
Other Important Stuff
Here’s some more info to help you:
- How Much it Costs: Locksmiths usually charge around $50 to $500 depending on what you need done, and emergency calls can cost extra. If someone quotes you a super low price, like $15 to $40, it’s probably a scam.
- DIY or Locksmith? Sometimes, you can fix a lock yourself, but it’s usually best to call a locksmith if you’re locked out or if you have a fancy lock.
- Keep Locks Healthy: You can take care of your locks by keeping them clean and using special sprays to keep them from sticking.
- Keyless Entry: If you’re tired of losing keys, think about using a keyless lock that uses a code instead of a key.
- Types of Locks: Some common locks are called Kwikset (KW1) and Schlage (SC1).
- Lock Picking: Most criminals don’t actually pick locks.
- Good Locksmiths: Good locksmiths are honest, do good work, and don’t try to rip you off.
- Mobile vs. Shop: Some locksmiths work out of a van (mobile), and some have a shop.
- What if You Get Scammed? You can contact your state attorney general’s office to see if they can help.
Locking Up the Scams
Okay, so what have we learned? It’s really important to be careful when hiring a locksmith. By doing some research and being cautious, you can make sure you get good service at a fair price. Remember, if something feels off, trust your gut. You can report scams to the police and the Better Business Bureau so the bad guys don’t hurt anyone else. A little detective work goes a long way, and by planning ahead, you can avoid getting scammed by dishonest locksmiths when you need an emergency locksmith!
North York Emergency Locksmith – Contact Us Today!
Locked out? Don’t let a stressful situation turn into a scam! At Timpson Locksmith, we understand the importance of a trustworthy emergency locksmith. We’re a local business dedicated to providing honest and reliable service. We don’t use bait-and-switch tactics with low initial quotes and are always upfront about our pricing. Our experienced technicians are equipped to handle any lockout situation efficiently without unnecessary damage. You can count on us for fast response times and a clear explanation of the work before it begins.
Don’t risk your security with an unproven locksmith. Contact Timpson Locksmith at (647) 209-7681 today and experience the peace of mind from choosing a professional who prioritizes your safety and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Locksmith Scams
How can I verify if a locksmith’s “local” address is real?
Many scam locksmiths use fake addresses to appear local but actually operate out of state or from call centers. Don’t just take the address at face value; use Google Maps or Street View to verify if the address corresponds to an actual locksmith storefront, a different business, or a residential area. If the address seems suspicious or if multiple locksmiths claim the same address, it’s a red flag. Also, check if the address listed on their website matches the one on their vehicle and business card. You can also call the company to confirm the location and ask where their technicians are based.
What should I do if a locksmith claims my lock is “high-security” to justify drilling or a higher cost?
If a locksmith immediately claims your lock is “high-security” and needs to be drilled, be very cautious. Most experienced locksmiths can unlock standard locks without drilling. Ask them to explain why it can’t be picked or ask if they can try other methods first. Get a second opinion by calling a different locksmith, and if you feel pressured, call a friend, family member, or the police. Also, make sure the locksmith explains in detail the process they will use.
How can I avoid being pressured into paying for unnecessary repairs?
Some locksmiths may try to convince you that unnecessary repairs are needed by creating a sense of urgency. They may use high-pressure tactics to make you believe there are potential security risks. If a locksmith is rushing you or making you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Always ask for a detailed explanation of the problem and why a particular repair or replacement is necessary. A reputable locksmith will be transparent and willing to explain.
What should I do if a locksmith damages my property while doing the job?
If a locksmith damages your car, door, or lock while doing the job, contact the company immediately and do not pay until you are satisfied with the outcome. If they are unwilling to fix the damage or become hostile when questioned, discreetly summon help. Get everything in writing regarding the damage and the agreement to repair it before making payment. You can also report the incident to the Better Business Bureau and leave reviews online.
Is it okay if a locksmith insists on being paid in cash?
Be wary of locksmiths who insist on cash payments, as scammers commonly use this tactic to avoid a paper trail. Reputable locksmiths will typically offer multiple payment options, including credit cards, which provide a record of the transaction and allow you to dispute the charges if needed. If a locksmith claims their card machine is broken, offer to pay by bank transfer instead of cash.
What do I do if I suspect I’ve been scammed?
If you believe you’ve been scammed, take immediate action. Refuse to pay for unsatisfactory work and contact the locksmith company. Report the incident to the Better Business Bureau, file a complaint with your state attorney general’s office, and leave reviews online to warn others. You may also file a police report. If you paid with a credit card, contest the charges with your bank.
Are locksmith certifications important, and how do I verify them?
While not every state requires licensing, those that do have stricter accountability measures for locksmiths, if you are in an area that requires a license, you should always request to see it. Check if the locksmith has certifications from professional organizations like the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), which indicates a commitment to professional standards. However, not all reputable locksmiths are members of such organizations. Even in states without licensing, a locksmith who is a member of ALOA might indicate a higher level of professionalism.