This video is to inform you that there are numerous scams in the locksmith industry today. Whether you are locked out of your place of business, your residence, or even locked out of your car, you need to be on alert whenever you call a locksmith. There are several signs to look for when trying to choose a locksmith. We are here to help you avoid being in a bad situation. Dont get scammed by unprofessional locksmith companies. If you are unsure of the company you hired, ask around. Dont get scammed before knowing all your information about the company.
In every profession large or small, you may find that there are individuals who try to find ways to bend the rules or scam the system. Whether someone is trying to get more discounts than what they should be receiving or a business trying to raise the prices to scam you out of money. Either way, a scam is a scam!
In the Locksmith profession, there are several scams that businesses try to wrap you up in. The standard procedure for hiring a Locksmith is actually simpler than you think. You find a locksmith and contact them. You then explain the technician your current situation and why you are needing assistance from them. Then they will base a charge depending upon the amount of work that is needed for your request. However, the scam with this type of situation is that you may be told one amount over the phone but that amount might not include a service call or other fees.
Withholding information is the largest scam in the Locksmith business. A standard Locksmith usually has a service or call charge and then the charge of the work that was done. There are also Call Centers that are not local that give you quotes over the phone that may be incorrect. For example, you try to call a Locksmith company. The person informs you that a technician will be contacted and sent to your location. They will price you a standard quote for having the technician come out to you. Once the technician arrives, the technician will then give you a different amount for the charge and then blame it on the person who you were talking to. Either way, the Locksmith company is scamming you for more money. Dont get scammed by fake locksmith companies.
Dont Get Scammed
The second largest scam in the Locksmith business is that the technician will try and attempt to unlock your residential door lock. After a short while, he may tell you that you need brand new locks or that your locks are broken and he needs to replace them, which may not be true. This is scamming you into forcing you to buy new parts, which will then cost you more money in the long run. You might even have a job as simple as rekeying a lock which does not cost as much. But before the job is done, he might inform you that the lock is broken and now you must pay for a new one.
These are a few examples on how you can protect yourself from being a scammed victim:
Step 1: Do a little research regarding the company. Read reviews online and look over their website to verify that they are a real company.
Step 2: Ask for an estimate over the phone. If they quote you a price but say fees are subject to change, then that's a scam. Hang up.
Step 3: Ask what vehicle the Locksmith will be driving. If an unmarked vehicle pulls up and the technician looks suspicious, then end it right there.
Step 4: Before he even starts the job, verify the amount you were quoted before he touches anything.
Step 5: Do not give him money if you are not happy with the work he did. Especially if he drilled or broke your lock.
Step 6: Get a receipt and job description on the company's letter head paper. If he doesn't have that, then that's a sign of a fake Locksmith company.
It can be very difficult trying to pay attention to all the details when you are having issues. Knowing who to call and explaining all the details can be an overwhelming experience. A suggestion would be, if you are ever in a predicament that involves service charges or having a technician come to your home or vehicle, make sure you write everything down so you can verify with the company regarding who said what. It may even save you a little money and help you from being a victim of a Locksmith scam.
