Locksmithing, like most other sectors, is not immune to con artists. Because the necessity for a Locksmith isn’t common, most people feel that any Locksmith will be safe to utilise. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the ways that locksmith scams manifest themselves, as well as what you can do to protect yourself and your property!

Thorough research

If you want to make sure you’re booking a dependable Locksmith, you need do some research first. The advertisement or website should include clear contact information, a firm name, and a statement about the locksmiths’ level of training. We also recommend checking if they represent themselves as a DBS-checked locksmith and if they are affiliated with organisations like Checkatrade.

Another important factor to examine is the company’s reputation. As a result, it’s a good idea to check out review sites like Trustpilot or Checkatrade to make sure the company is trustworthy. If you’re looking for a Locksmith on Google Maps, it’s also worth checking out their reviews.

Avoid a no name company

While some legitimate qualified locksmiths may advertise without a company name, it’s more likely that they’re crooks. We recommend looking for a firm name on the advertisement or on the website; it may not be in the title, but it should be present.

Always ask for credentials

Almost every locksmith service will have a van with their logo and branding on it. It’s not always a cause for concern if the Locksmith arrives in an unbranded car, but it’s important to ask for their identification/certification, and if they refuse, you know what to do!

To be sure, even if they arrive in a branded van, you should ask for identification.

Confirm the rates

Before hiring a locksmith, it’s critical to understand the costs. A professional Locksmith should always be open and honest about their fees and how they break down the cost of a task. There’s nothing wrong with getting a second opinion before picking who to book in with if the pricing appears too good to be true or excessively high.

A reputable locksmith will always be upfront about their pricing, and while they may not be able to offer you an exact price for parts (if they are required for the service), they should be open and honest throughout the process.

Avoid jobs without receipts

It’s fairly common for Locksmiths to be unable to accept credit cards because most work from their vans and not all have the necessary equipment. However, if a Locksmith just accepts cash and refuses to offer a receipt, there may be a problem.

Because cash is impossible to trace, some fraudsters would only take cash, and if you file a complaint, they may deny they ever provided you with anything! So, if you’re paying cash, make sure you get a receipt for the service you’ve had done.

A professional and trustworthy organisation will provide you with a receipt that includes the company’s logo or name, contact information, and a breakdown of the charges.

Hero Locksmiths provide Sarasota Lock & Key Locksmith Services. Call us today for a locksmith appointment.