As scary as it may sound, locksmith scams are becoming a part of our daily lives. Locksmiths target home and car owners when they are most vulnerable and in need of urgent assistance – in an emergency and when they need immediate help.
Most of the time we think that finding a locksmith online is probably a wise decision. However, we might fall victim to fake or fraudulent locksmiths impersonating legitimate locksmiths in the online directories. The case is that these fake locksmiths imitate the local Schlüsseldienst Oberhausen and don’t even have a local workshop. Sometimes these so-called locksmiths are not even properly trained and are operated by out-of-state call centers.
A few cautious steps you take can help avoid a fraudulent company or an untrained impersonator.
1. “Local” is the keyword
Do your research in advance. Take your time and don’t rush your search.
If a locksmith shop is registered with a local address, google the address and see if another business is registered with the same address.
Even if you find yourself in an emergency, you should always pay attention to the services that answer the phone with a generic phrase like “Welcome to locksmith.” If whoever you called isn’t willing to give you a legal business name, you’ll need to find another locksmith.
Also, check if the companies use an “800” number or a local number. The “800” number may indicate that the locksmith you are calling could be an offshore call center.
2. Check identification and license
When the locksmith arrives at the destination, it is important to ask for ID, including a locksmith’s license if you have one.
Out of all the states, only fifteen of them require a locksmith license, making them criminal work or even advertised as a locksmith without valid credentials. Check if your state is one of the 15 states on Google.
3. Beware of low prices
Always get a quote over the phone before allowing a technician to meet you. Be skeptical of any Schlüsseldienst Moers that offers incredibly low prices. These are important red flags. Always ask about labor costs, emergency costs, and service fees.
Never allow anyone to start work on the home or vehicle without realizing the costs you may incur.