5 Tips to Avoid Locksmith Scams

Locksmith scammers are a growing concern today. They often target unsuspecting homes, businesses, and car owners by offering substandard low-cost services. These scammers often use deceptive tactics such as advertising false discounts or claiming to be affiliated with a reputable locksmith company. They may also try to overcharge for their services or use inferior materials that do not meet safety standards.

Locksmiths are no different from other sectors when it comes to shady firms and scammers. These con artists take advantage of emergencies to scam people. Nevertheless, because scams involving locksmiths are prevalent today does not mean you will fall victim to one. This article provides tips to help you avoid locksmith scams and find credible locksmith services.

How Locksmith Scam Work

Locksmith scams often begin with an advertisement for a fictional business. The scammers will use tactics to make their ads appear legitimate, such as using real photos, reviews, and certifications. These advertisements are often found online, in newspapers, and directories. They can also appear at the top of search engine result pages, making consumers more likely to click on them.

When a consumer contacts the company, they usually speak with a customer service representative who will offer a low price for the service, which can be hard to resist. But once the agreement is made, the manipulation begins! They will often send out a subcontractor who will claim that the job is more complicated than initially thought and will ask for a much higher price than originally agreed upon.

Locksmith scammers may also pressure you to sign a contract before they even inspect the job, misleading you with fake credentials or tools or refusing to give you a written estimate or guarantee for the work.

Tips to Avoid Locksmith Scammers

Most locksmiths are honest professionals licensed and trained to provide quality services. However, as with any profession, a few bad actors constantly seek to defraud unsuspecting consumers. Here are a few tips to avoid locksmith scammers:

• Check For Credentials And Licensing

A legitimate locksmith will typically have proper identification, such as a business card or ID card, and they should be able to provide proof of insurance. Furthermore, they should have a professional website and valid licenses from the regulatory bodies.

• Research Online

Look for reviews online. Check for customer feedback on independent review websites and the locksmith's website. Be cautious of locksmiths with mostly positive reviews that seem too good to be true, as they may be fake or paid reviews.

• Don't Pay Upfront

Be wary of locksmiths who ask for payment upfront, as this is a common tactic used by scammers. A reputable locksmith will request payment only after the work has been completed and you are satisfied with the service.

• Watch Out For Red Flags

Be wary of locksmiths who arrive in an unmarked vehicle, offer exceptionally low rates, or arrive quickly after a phone call. These are signals that can be a red flag for a scam.

• Don’t Be Pressured

A reputable locksmith will not pressure you to sign a contract or pay for a service before they examine the job to be done. Don’t let someone rush you into making a decision or giving them your money.

Conclusion

The fact is locksmith scams are getting prevalent, but these tips will help you recognize their tricks and avoid being cheated. At Columbus Locksmith Pro we provide reliable services to our teeming customers. You can rely on our team of licensed professionals to address all your lock and security concerns. Contact us today.