Warning Signs of Emergency Locksmith Scams

Emergency locksmith scams are becoming increasingly common throughout the country. These scams usually happen when you are locked out of your home or vehicle and look out for an emergency locksmith in your area.

The idea is to trap you with a ‘too good to be true’ service fee over the phone and then jack up the price when they arrive. It is easy to be lured by the promises of ‘fast help within minutes’ when we so badly want to get back into our car or home. This is when we tend to throw caution to the winds and ignore the most obvious of red flags. What usually works in the favour of a fraudster is your lack of technical knowledge in this field. The result is you may end up forking hundreds of dollars for getting a basic locksmith service or even a repair or replacement you never needed in the first place.

Your search for ‘local locksmith’ online would return a plenty of options. However, not all locksmiths are reliable. Along with honest, trustworthy professionals, there are also rip-offs just waiting for that right opportunity to get the better of you. Your online search may return a number, that could lead you to a fraud locksmith who may not be licensed, qualified and reliable. How to tell that you are not being scammed?

Tell-tale signs of emergency locksmith scams

Be cautious if the locksmith:

1. Answers your phone with a generic phrase like ‘locksmith services’ instead of saying their company name
2. Arrives in an unmarked vehicle.
3. Can’t provide any ID, address and license proof
4. Says they can’t unlock door and need to drill and replace the lock (experienced locksmiths have all the training and tools to do this basic job)
5. Insists on cash payment
6. Asks for a higher service fee that offered over the phone
7. Intimidates into paying up
8. Refuses to provide any written estimate and receipt

If it doesn’t feel right, just walk away.

If you remain alert and watch out for these signs, your chances of getting ripped off by such con artists would considerably reduce. Emergency locksmith scams are on the rise but you don’t have to be a victim. As we always say: find a legitimate locksmith in your area before you need one and save their number. Another ‘pro-active tip’ would be to leave a spare key with trusted neighbors or friends. This way you won’t get caught off guard next time you are locked out.

And if you think you got scammed, make sure you leave a review online. This step will serve as a warning to other customers and help them stay clear of scammers.