location 314 Troy St, Dayton, OH 45404

How to Avoid Locksmith Scam?

Did you know that more than 300,000 Americans call for an emergency locksmith every day? In the current trend in the market, more and more people are getting scammed by fake locksmiths. To avoid this from ever happening to you, here are some tips to remember:

Find a locksmith before you ever need one.

They say that prevention is better than cure and this is also true when it comes to locksmiths. If you’re in an emergency lock and key situation, it’s best to have a reliable locksmith that you already know. If you don’t have one yourself, the best action to do is to ask for recommendations from your family and friends.

Avoid vague calls.

When you call a locksmith company, make sure that you hear them say their company name. Avoid the locksmith call centers that answer calls with “locksmith services” or “locksmith” because they’re most likely to be a scam.

Their response is too slow.

When the promised ad tells you that they will arrive 20-30 minutes from your location, but instead they take hours to get to you, immediately cancel the transaction. Most reputable locksmiths have a mobile service that can go around the area in a matter of minutes.

They have an inconsistent appearance.

When the locksmith arrives at your location, their mobile service vehicle should have a mark of their company. The technicians should be in uniform and have an ID to show you their proof of identity. 

Ask for a written estimate and receipt.

Before doing any of the tasks, make sure to ask for a written estimate which includes the mileage charges, minimum rates, other fees that may be included, the company letterhead, and all the contact numbers of the company. After you pay, also ask for a receipt which also includes all the things that were mentioned.

If they seem inexperienced.

If the locksmith is insisting on breaking the lock and replacing it, it’s probably a scam. Most experienced locksmiths have the knowledge and skills to unlock almost any lock. When this happens, immediately ask them to stop and look for another locksmith.

We, at Locksmith R Us, ensure that all our technicians are skilled, well-experienced, and have up-to-date knowledge to resolve almost any lock and key problem. Contact us before or during an emergency to know more about the services that we offer and our rates.