Top 10 tips to avoid Locksmith Scams! | The Scam: USE CAUTION!

Top 10 tips to avoid Locksmith Scams!

Locksmith Scams

How to choose the right locksmith for the job and avoid Locksmith Scams!

The internet can be a wonderful but very dangerous place filled with many cons and scams. So how do we weed out the honest from the lie? What happens if you need to have services rendered for your home, car or business? Where do you look?

Here are some tips and tricks on how to separate the bogus from the reputable.

First, If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

The Scam: Use Caution

Have you ever gone online to do a search for a locksmith in your area and the search comes up with something that saysLocksmith 17$ service call” This is a Locksmith Scam!  Don’t fall for this one!

Stressful consumers make impulsive choices. Scammers realize this and try to take advantage of you when you’re in such a vulnerable position. Knowing that you’ll do whatever you have to in order to get back in, they’ll try and bill you for as much as they can. Since they can get their money fast, you’ll often find scammers and crooks in markets with speedy payouts and frantic consumers.

There are many types of locksmith scams. Busting your door or lock for a routine lock-out situation is a typical one. Charging you for the replacement part is a way for them to make more money.  As stated, a large number of locksmiths found on the Internet are not local shops. They appear to be local, and will say almost anything to get the job. But really, these locksmith companies are actually private contractors getting business from a call center in a different city, state or even country!

The Web is full of locksmiths promoting fifteen or twenty-two dollar lockout services.  Don’t fall for this bait-n-switch technique.  To believe a professional locksmith will get you back into your vehicle that inexpensively is unreasonable. Prices for lockout services in Philadelphia (where we are located) usually range from $60 to $120, depending on the locksmith and situation. That’s about what you should expect to pay. However, situations differ and most are very specific so it may be difficult to give a complete price but a roundabout is usually between the numbers above.

So…How to weed out the scams from the honest local professional?

  1. Be Proactive and do your homework. Get familiar with and choose a Locksmith company BEFORE you need one! Search locally. (Search with zip code or city) Read reviews.
  2. Give the locksmith of your choice a direct call. Ask where their Home Headquarters store is. Ask multiple questions pertaining to your situation. Get specific.
  3. Ask for an estimate over the phone. Text or E-mail pictures of your situation when possible.
  4. Does the technician sound knowledgeable about the situation?
  5. Ask if there is a SERVICE FEE.
  6. Ask for a COMPLETE PRICE.
  7. Mention NO HIDDEN FEES.
  8. Ask about HOW long it will take to get to your location, WHO is coming, and WHAT kind of vehicle they are driving.
  9. Ask about licensing, bonding and qualifications.
  10. Reiterate again, the end and final price. Remember after all, you are calling someone to help when you are in a vulnerable position and need assistance fast.

We hope we were able to shed some light on this scam issue as there are many. Locksmith’s pride themselves on delivering high quality, honest work. But even they must jump through the scamming loop holes and reputations to be able to provide the best service possible.  If you feel you were scammed into a service or feel that you were improperly treated by a business please file a complaint with the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

Do you have any questions? Perhaps want to share a story or insight of your own? Please feel free to contact us below! We would LOVE to hear from you! Please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, sales and promotions!

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