How to Avoid a Locksmith Scam

When it comes to your safety, there are people out there who are willing to take advantage of both your money and peace of mind. Just as with all areas of business, locksmithing scams exist and can sometimes ruin lives. Locksmiths who are out to scam others will often pull different tricks to get more money out of customers. Even worse, poor repairs may leave you and your family at risk for break-ins or other major safety issues. You can avoid getting scammed by a locksmith by following a few simple steps.

Always Check Multiple Review Sources

The internet is a great place to start your search if you are looking for a locksmith in your area. You can find local reviews from multiple sources and determine which locksmiths receive the best feedback fairly quickly and easily. It should be advised that you make sure to check out various websites and sources. Sometimes, companies will pay individuals to write positive reviews for their companies, regardless of their experience. Some reviews may even be fake in order to give one the impression that they run a decent business. Be sure to look at the sources and dates of various reviews. If a locksmithing company receives consistent ratings across various websites, it is likely these reviews are legitimate.

Ask Friends or Neighbors

Another great way to find a locksmith you can trust is to hire someone a trusted friend has already worked with. Word-of-mouth is how some businesses best advertise their services and increase sales and a good locksmith is no exception. Just by reputation alone, a skilled and certified locksmith should be able to make a name for themselves. Due to the nature of their work, locksmiths can leave an impression on their customers, especially when they are able to help in emergencies. Ask your coworkers or neighbors if they have a recommended locksmith they have used in the past that they think might be helpful to you.

Call Around and Ask for Price Quotes

It never hurts to narrow down your options to two or three local locksmiths. Once you are certain these businesses are legitimate, you can call and get a feel for their services and prices. Professional locksmiths will be transparent and upfront with you over the phone. They will be happy to offer free price quotes and explanations of their procedures in order to help you make the best possible choice to suit your needs. If you call a local locksmith and sense a lack of transparency or just generally do not get a good feeling about the way you are treated over the phone, move on to another choice. This is why it is important to choose among a handful of locksmiths, if possible, and call ahead of time. A locksmith may appear great online, but the reality of their customer service might compel you to work with a more personable locksmith. It is always best to check over the phone before making a full commitment. This will help you avoid wasting your time, money, and above all, getting scammed.

Pick a Locksmith that Carries Insurance

Any locksmith you choose to work with should have insurance. This should be non-negotiable and insurance ultimately helps protect both you and the worker in the event of an accident or mishap. A locksmith that does not carry insurance is either an inexperienced or scammer locksmith. You should be alerted right away that you are likely not dealing with a professional expert if you inquire about insurance and they have no existing policies.

Beware if a Locksmith Immediately Wants to Drill Your Locks

Drilling a lock is only necessary in the worst of circumstances. If you hire a locksmith to change, install, or work on your locks and they mention drilling within just a few minutes, this is a huge red flag. An experienced locksmith will try several tricks and procedures to avoid drilling your locks at all costs. Drilling is very expensive and can cost customers hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

While drilling may be necessary sometimes, it should always be used as a last resort. Be on alert if a locksmith wants to drill your locks and does not thoroughly explain why, as well as what has already been done to avoid this. If there appears to be no legitimate reason to drill your locks, it is best to call in a second opinion and make sure this is the best option. Do not hesitate to ask questions so you can better understand the procedures being used by the locksmith you have hired. A professional locksmith will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and explain exactly what they are doing in order to carry out your lock service requests.

Contact a Trustworthy Locksmith Today

Now that you have a better idea of how to avoid a locksmithing scam, contact a few of the locksmiths you have narrowed down to ultimately choose from. Most locksmiths offer free price quotes and can help you schedule a same-day or next-day appointment over the phone. Call around before ultimately making a decision and decide which locksmith will be the best choice all around. Remember, a professional locksmith will always carry insurance, be fully certified, and have transparency with their customers in terms of price and installations. Taking the time to find the right locksmith is well worth it. Call around and find the professional locksmith you deserve today.

Burien, WA residents and business owners rely on the help of Burien Locksmith Co. For any locksmithing needs you have, we are the top choice in the area for lock and key changes, installations, repairs, and upgrades of all kinds. You cannot go wrong when you work with our skilled locksmiths. Our experts even offer 24/7 repair and lockout assistance services, in addition to emergency, same-day, and next-day appointments. We guaranteed skilled lock and key services 24-hours a day.