Locksmiths hold a special place among the businesses you rely on to service your vehicles, homes, and places of businesses. Trusting your locksmith is not just desirable…it’s imperative.
Armor Lock & Key wants you to be aware that while most locksmiths are trustworthy, there are situations – and locksmiths – you’ll want to avoid. Below are tips for selecting a locksmith, ensuring quality work and safe payment, and avoiding scams.
While it’s not always possible, selecting a locksmith before you find yourself in an emergency situation is a good idea. Check with your local consumer protection agencies and the Better Business Bureau, ask your friends and family for recommendations, and speak to your selected locksmith company on the phone.
Be wary of locksmiths with catchy low-priced advertisements that show up at the top of your search, locksmiths with multiple ads that look similar but with different names, and businesses answering the phone with “locksmith services” instead of a company name. These could be indicators that you’ve reached a fake locksmith. Such operations are scam companies, and your call will be forwarded to an out-of-town dispatcher who will then “immediately” send a “locksmith” to your location. The locksmith is often untrained, may demand cash up front, and may damage the lock beyond repair then charge you for a new one. The final blow is often an inflated price once the job is finished.
Get an estimate on the phone before the locksmith arrives. If that isn‘t possible, get one before any work begins, and ensure it includes all work, parts, travel, and any additional fees. There may be a minimum service call fee, a mileage fee, or an extra charge for responding to a call in the middle of the night, so be sure to ask about these fees in advance.
Most legitimate locksmiths arrive in a clearly marked vehicle and carry photo identification. Upon the locksmith’s arrival, ask for photo identification, a locksmith license, and a business card. A legitimate locksmith will also confirm your identity as the auto or property owner before commencing work.
Ask for proof of insurance before any work is done. If your property is damaged during a repair — or if faulty work leads to later loss or damage — the locksmith’s insurance will cover your losses.
If a locksmith’s price upon arriving doesn’t match the phone quote and there’s no legitimate reason for the increase, just say “no.” You‘re under no obligation, and the locksmith has already shown he’s not to be trusted. It’s better to wait for a legitimate locksmith to arrive than to be taken advantage of for possibly hundreds of dollars by a scammer.
Never sign a blank form authorizing work in advance. Doing so could mean you’ve agreed to allow an unscrupulous locksmith to damage your lock and then charge you a high price to replace it. If you must sign first, please read the fine print. Get an estimate up front, and pay only when the work is completed.
Most experienced locksmiths have the tools and the training to unlock almost any lock. While there may be situations where drilling is the only solution, it should always be considered as a last resort.
If possible, use a credit card to pay for locksmith services. Paying with cash won’t provide proof of payment, and many credit card companies will remove fraudulent charges if you find you’ve been taken advantage of by a scammer.
Once work is completed, request an invoice showing itemized totals for parts, labor, mileage, and any fees or service charges. The invoice should include the locksmith’s business name, address, phone number and/or an email address.