When you need locksmith services, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with a legitimate business. Locksmith scammers often advertise services without an official business name or physical address, so it is essential to check for both before you hire a locksmith. In addition, when the locksmith arrives, the company name should appear on their vehicle. If the vehicle is completely unidentified, this should be an immediate warning sign. A locksmith scam typically involves misleading listings from local businesses, usually online, that pose as a locally licensed locksmith.
Callers who need locksmith services are redirected to a call center where swindler locksmiths come to the scene. These ads often advertise extremely low prices for locksmith services, but then significantly inflate the price once the work is completed. Without leaving the consumer without access to their vehicle or needing help to open a lock, these scamming locksmiths take advantage of desperate consumers who need authentic and qualified locksmith services. When the locksmith arrives, it is important to ask for their identification, including a locksmith's license if your state requires it. While some of the best locksmiths work from a van as street locksmiths, they will still carry the brand of the corresponding company in their vehicles and will answer their phones with the appropriate greeting from the company.
A legitimate locksmith should also ask you for identification to verify that they are opening a house or car that actually belongs to you. If they claim to work for a certain locksmith company, then that company's logo should be on their car. While there are a number of warning signs to watch out for, this list should help you spot the most common locksmith scams being used today. Organizations such as Pop-A-Lock examine locksmiths and ensure that you can rely on the experience and knowledge of the technician sent to you. Legitimate locksmiths will have properly marked vehicles so that customers know who they are. Learning to maintain your locks will prevent locksmith scams and eliminate their need in the first place.
Once you find a reputable locksmith who meets all the requirements, keep them on your phone for future use. Of course, things can change when your locksmith sees the problem, but if so, a reputable locksmith can explain why.
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