Not all locksmiths are the same. Unfortunately, it has become much easier for dodgy locksmiths to prey on customers causing them to be left out of pocket hundreds of dollars and leaving their security at risk. Fortunately, your locksmithing professionals at Laura’s Locksmith and Security Store have compiled a list of tips to help you avoid these questionable situations.
Here are a few ways to avoid locksmithing scams.
Compare Costs
Getting multiple quotes is a good idea so you can compare the costs of locksmithing services in your area. When you get your quote, here are a few questions to consider to avoid being scammed.
- Does the quote include everything?
- Has the locksmith quoted a total price or just a call-out/service-call?
- Do they have any caveats such as the type of lock to be opened?
- Does the price quoted include any kind of GST or EFTPOS fees?
When you do not ask these questions, you risk getting charge extra fees. More often than not, a customer will pay the extra amount just to avoid conflict and an uncomfortable conversation. That is a big part of why these scams work, so make sure to ask these questions ahead of time so you can avoid the shock of extra fees. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if the price sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Check for a Locksmith License
In Texas, Locksmithing is regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety. It is required that all locksmiths have a license. If you find a locksmith that you are considering to hire, inquire about their licensure before you do so, in order to have more confidence in your choice. In addition, upon arrival, a credible locksmith should also ask you for identification to verify that they are providing their services on a vehicle, home, or business that belongs to you. If they fail to do this, that could be a big indicator that their business is not legitimate.
Watch Out for Unmarked Vehicles
An unmarked service vehicle is a huge red flag when it comes to identifying untrustworthy locksmiths. Unfortunately, there are many illegitimate locksmith companies that use out-of-state call centers and hire poorly trained, unequipped, and uninsured local contractors to fulfilled requested services. An inexperienced technician can do a lot of harm by causing serious damage to your locks. A verified locksmith, such as the ones you will find Laura’s Locksmith and Security Store, will arrive promptly and feature clear company logos.
Look for Local
The best way to discern a locksmith scammer from a reputable Denton locksmith is to do a little research before an emergency occurs. If you find a locksmith who claims to be in the area, do a quick search for their address or call and verify their location is actually local. Their phone number can also be a good indication of whether the company is local or not. If you come across a locksmith with an 800 number instead of a local phone number, it might be a sign that you are dealing with an out-of-state call center. Make sure you always call and verify your online findings.
Trust Laura’s Locksmith and Security Store
Those are a few ways to steer clear of locksmithing scams. When you find yourself in a sticky situation, you know you can always trust your local locksmith experts here at Laura’s Locksmith and Security Store. Avoid locksmith scammers by giving us a call the next time you are in need of a professional locksmith.