As a business, homeowner, or car owner, it’s important to be able to spot the difference between a locksmith who is certified and legitimate and one who is a scam artist. Unfortunately, there are many scammers out there who pose as locksmiths in order to steal your money. Here are five signs that you can look for to help you spot a scammer from a certified locksmith.
A legitimate locksmith will never ask for payment until after the job is complete
It’s possible that you’ve heard horror stories about “locksmith scams,” and no doubt it can be a scary idea to trust a stranger with your most prized possessions. But you can avoid this problem by knowing what makes a locksmith trustworthy.
If a locksmith asks for payment upfront, it’s a pretty good clue that something fishy is going on. This isn’t just an indicator of unsavory business practices—it’s also the way most scam artists operate. Remember that reputable locksmiths are licensed, and will have an ID badge with their name, address, and phone number on it. They should also be registered in a database of people who can legally work in their area, which means you should be able to get some verification of their legitimacy if necessary. A legitimate locksmith will always do the job they agreed to do, at the price discussed before they began working.
All certified locksmiths have proper ID and licensing
It may seem like a small thing, but the fact that they don’t have proper identification is a big sign that they are not a professional locksmith. Scammers might use fake IDs or licenses to gain your trust and get you to pay them for services. You should always make sure that the locksmith has proper identification so you can see if they are a licensed business and make sure no one is lying to you.
A real locksmith has a physical storefront or workshop from which they operate
This is an important thing to look for. If a locksmith doesn’t have an actual physical location, you might be dealing with a scam artist, someone who is just trying to trick you into paying for overpriced or unnecessary services. A scam artist might also live far away from where you are, which means that they’ll have to charge you for travel and wait times. If a locksmith has their own shop and lives nearby, it’s likely that they’re an honest businessperson who will show up on time and give you the service you need.
A certified locksmith will have years of experience in the trade
Locksmiths are a necessary and trusted part of our lives. Everyone has had to call one at some point in their life, whether it’s for an emergency or something less urgent. When you’re having trouble with a lock, you want someone who will be reliable, honest, and accurate. A qualified locksmith will have years of experience in the trade. They should have a vast amount of knowledge concerning all types of locks and security systems. This is crucial to helping you make an informed decision with regard to your security.
A Certified locksmith will always have affordable rates
When you’re in trouble, it can be tempting to call the first locksmith who comes along and offers you a deal too good to pass up. Unfortunately, this can lead to a costly and unnecessary mistake on your part: by trusting locksmith scammers and calling them for help, you could end up paying hundreds of dollars for a service that you don’t need and won’t fix any of your problems. A real locksmith will always provide you with affordable rates and fees and should never ask for upfront payment.
It can be hard to tell the difference between a scam locksmith and a legitimate one. However, there are some key signs you can look out for. All certified locksmiths have proper ID and licensing, as well as a physical storefront or workshop from which they operate. A real locksmith will also have years of experience in the trade. Most importantly, a certified locksmith will always have affordable rates. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable locksmith, contact Expert Locksmith Services LLC today!
