Locksmith fraud is becoming more and more common these days. With scammers taking advantage of people who are in need of locksmith services, there are a few things you can do to avoid being scammed by a locksmith. In this article will provide you with 10 tips to help you avoid locksmith fraud.
Keep These in Check to Safeguard Yourself From Frauds Locksmiths
“Local” is the Keyword
When it comes to finding a locksmith, it's important to do your research and go with a trusted local option. Be wary of calls or door-to-door solicitations. Be skeptical of someone who shows up out of the blue and says they're a locksmith.
Check Identification and License
Always ask for identification from the locksmith before allowing them to work. Make sure the ID matches the name of the business. Ask for a license from the locksmith you hire. Any credible Phoenix locksmith will be happy to share all these details with you.
Check out their Website
When you're looking for a locksmith, be sure to check out their website. This is a great way to get an idea of what they're all about and what they can do for you. Make sure the website looks legitimate. If it's full of typos or seems unprofessional, it's probably not a reputable locksmith using a spammy website.
Check Their Reviews
A quick Google search can reveal a lot about a locksmith's reputation and experience. Be sure to read both the good and the bad reviews to get a well-rounded idea of what to expect. This is a great way to get an idea of what other customers have experienced with the locksmith. If there are a lot of negative reviews, it’s best to steer clear.
Ask for Hidden Charges
Many locksmiths will advertise a low price for their services. However, some of them tend to add hidden charges once they arrive. These hidden charges can include a service call fee, mileage fee, or even a fee for using a credit card. To avoid such unnecessary charges or any other issue at the end, make sure you ask all about it at the beginning.
Beware of low prices
As you look for a locksmith, it’s important to be aware of suspiciously low prices and too good to be true offers. Some companies may offer you a really low price but then try to upsell you on services you don’t even need. Others may not be licensed or insured, leaving you liable if something goes wrong.
Get a written estimate
Getting a written estimate from a locksmith before any work is done is the best way to avoid being scammed. Always get a written estimate before work is done. This should include an itemized list of services and costs.
Get a time estimate
If a locksmith says, they will be there in 15 minutes, ask for a written estimate. This way, you can be sure they won't overcharge you once they arrive. Additionally, before they start with their work, get a written estimate so that they can’t leave you hanging.
Check out their tools
Always check out the locksmith’s tools. They may not be legitimate if they don’t have the proper tools for the job. This is also important since using the wrong tools can damage your property as well. For this, you can just do some research on your end and find out the basic tools that a locksmith needs in order to fix your issue. Thereafter, you can cross-verify that with the locksmith. This is also a good indicator of the locksmith’s overall knowledge as well.
Use a Credit Card to Pay, If Possible
When you call a locksmith, they will usually quote you a price over the phone. But once they get to your location, they may try to charge you more. To avoid being scammed, using a credit card to pay for their services is best. That way, if they try to overcharge you, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company.
Conclusion
Although the chances of being scammed are low, even then, it is important that you keep yourself safe and updated as you hire a locksmith. Follow all the tips mentioned above for a hassle-free experience with your locksmith.