These are the top warning signs that scam locksmiths are using.
1. Too Good to be True
Low prices are often a good thing. But if they seem too good to be true, it is best to be cautious. If the ad claims to be the cheapest or offers a discount for first-time customers, you should be cautious. There’s a catch: Unscrupulous locksmiths will place ads offering extremely low rates for getting you back in your car or home. After the commercial locksmith Rancho Santa Margarita CA arrives to assess your situation, the price will quickly rise.
2. The Call is Vague
They won’t call you with a business name but will instead say “locksmith” or something similar. This is because locksmiths can’t charge such low rates to stay in business. The “and up” will get you. This could cost you hundreds more than the original quote.
3. The Response time is slow
It shouldn’t take the locksmith more than an hour to reach you, even though the website or the operator who answered your call said it would take 10 to 20 minutes. It is possible that they aren’t as close to you as they want you to believe.
4. Inconsistency in Appearance
The scammer will not likely be dressed in a uniform or carrying any identification that would indicate he is a locksmith when he arrives. The vehicle won’t be marked or have magnetic signage instead of a printed logo.
5. The Locksmith Gives Excuses
The fake locksmith will begin to work on your lock service and tell you that it’s a “high security” lock or “commercial lock” that can’t be picked. The fake locksmith will tell you that the lock must be drilled. He will then replace your lock with a lower-quality lock but charge more. If they pick the lock on a vehicle, they will either tell you it is too old or too new (if it’s a newer model). A professional, skilled locksmith will be able to pick locks without damaging them. They will rarely recommend drilling the lock.
6. The Locksmith Seems Inexperienced
The technician will not be able to fix a broken lock or make it work. Inexperience is a sign of serious incompetence.
7. They Require Cash or Debit
Although the technician might request cash payment, if they don’t have enough cash to pay them, they may accept a debit card transaction. They will not accept credit cards as they are difficult to track. The final bill will be more expensive than the original quote.
8. After Rekey lock service, You Are Unable To Make Contact
After the fake locksmith leaves, you won’t hear from him again. The company will not be accessible and the fake locksmith will tell you that the company decides the rates and he must charge them. The company will inform you if you try to speak to them that the technician has been fired and they are unable to do anything else.
