Beware to Not Get Scammed by a Locksmith
There is many cases of homeowners being victims of scam by a locksmith companies.
When we say scam we mean being ripped off like paying more for what was earlier agreed on.
One reason why people continue to be victimized is likely because they are unprepared. Most people call a locksmith when they in emergency.
For example you typically called locksmith when you locked out of your house. But If you are serious about not being a victim then you should be prepared and choose the company that you want to help you before its happened.
In the locksmith industry it seems that a number of frauds and scams that victimize customers have started to crop up.
There is a lot of advice articles online on how to choose a correct locksmith but people still become victims.
Make Sure You Know The Exact Name For The Company You Called
One advice being given for example is to look at a company name and check its legitimacy because some companies who want to scam people will have a name that is very similar to a locksmith company that have been in the business for long time.
Take for example a name like Illinois 24 Hour Locksmith. An unsuspecting customer may be led to believe that this company operating in the state for many years.
Some companies even used name of a legitimate locksmith company. However instead of operating in the same state they operate on another.
When you check companies websites make sure to go through all the pages and If you just see home page and you don’t find the address it’s a bad sign.
Don’t Believe to a $15 Locksmith Service
The best trick of a scam company its to offer a low price then charge extra cost after the job done.
Let’s say you left your keys in the car and the door is locked. You call a locksmith and you don’t know if its a scam. What typically happens, the person on the phone will estimate you with $15 service call plus the labor start at $30 and up.
Once you agree to this then you have just been a victim of a scam. This is what is commonly known as a bait and switch and it is not illegal.
Watch This Video To Learn More About Locksmith Scam in United State
10 Ways to Avoid Being Scammed by a Locksmith
1) Always make sure the company you using have a real address and try to confirm it on the internet or if you have time go to their location.
2) Learn as much as possible about the company, things like if they have a licenses or if they are registered the name of their business.
3) If you call them and they give you a generic name over the phone like: “service how may I help” then you should be worry. A legitimate business whould always mention their company name when answering.
4) When the technician arrive lways ask for identification and also ask for a written estimate before any job is being done.
5) Look at the vehicle of the locksmith because It should have the company name or logo. Don’t forget to write down the license number.
6) Ask if there are any dditional fees and how much they charge for them.
7) Ask the technician if he has a locksmith license If you are living in states like Alabama, California, Illinois or New Jersey, on these places they they require a professional license.
8) If the technician asking only for cash then it can be sign of scam.
9) If the locksmith technician does not want to give you a written estimate then cancel the job immediately.
10) If there is a different between the estimate that given on the phone and the one onsite ask why there is a difference and If you are not satisfied with the answer then don’t allow the work to start.
