In a frustrating situation like getting locked out of your car, home or office, you might call any Emergency locksmith services that you find in this desperate time. But there is a growing concern about locksmith scammers who are always ready to take advantage of your desperation. Not only do they charge outrageously, but they might also steal your personal information, break into your home later or steal your belongings then and there. Even worse, these are often scammers posing to be locksmiths and don’t have the skills for the job. They can significantly damage your property if you are not careful.
To avoid scams, you should always be cautious about scammers and work with only reliable locksmith services. In this article, we’ll discuss the typical scams, signs that you’re being scammed and how to avoid scammer locksmiths.
What is a Locksmith Scam?
A locksmith scam typically involves unqualified individuals who are posing as experts and professional locksmiths. They often try to lure the customers with their initial low quotes but charge much higher fees than the first quote after the work is done. The work they do is also of extremely low quality, leaving your security compromised. These scams are very popular nowadays and are arguably one of the most dangerous scams as the scammers have access to your home, vehicle or office.
Signs that You’re Being Scammed and How to Avoid it
Although these scammers are very clever and you won’t even know you are being scammed, there can be some obvious signs that you’re being scammed. If you observe all or some of these signs, immediately stop the contract and inform law enforcement agencies. Some of the signs to watch out for are:
1. Price Seems Too Good to Be True
One of the oldest but also the most effective tricks these scammers have is unbelievably low prices. They quote very low prices to attract maximum customers, only to charge much higher fees after the services.
It’s always a good idea to check with multiple locksmiths to know the market rate and hire someone within that range. Anyone promising to do the work below the rate will eventually scam you or do low quality work that puts you in danger.
2. No Written Quote Provided
Professional and legitimate locksmiths will always provide you a written quote before starting the job. It makes sure that you both have realistic expectations of each other. But if the locksmith refuses to give you a written estimate, it’s likely that they plan to charge you way more than the agreed price. Not having a written estimate means you can’t pursue any legal proceedings as well because verbal commitments are difficult to prove.
To avoid this situation, insist on a written quote before allowing any work to start. This will help you differentiate between scammers and legitimate locksmiths.
3. No Physical Address
Many fraudsters operate only through online platforms and don’t have a physical address. Most people search for emergency locksmith services online in times of trouble and end up on their websites.
If you’re hiring a locksmith online, always check if they have a physical address. A quick Google Search can verify if the address they provide is valid. Scammers and amateurs often don’t have any physical address to avoid legal troubles for their actions.
4. Customer Reviews
Reviews can be used to see if a service is a scam. If reviews are very negative, then obviously it’s not a good idea to hire this company. On the other hand, if you spot too generic or too positive reviews generated by bots, it’s also a red flag. Genuine reviews always have specific details and elaborate a bit on their experience.
5. Unprofessionalism
Reputable locksmith services usually have marked vehicles, and the employees wear uniforms. It shows their professionalism and quality. Scammers will often not have this professionalism. They arrive in unmarked vans, wear plain clothes and mostly don’t even have a business card.
Read More: The Importance of Regular Lock Maintenance to Prevent Break-ins
6. Immediately Try to Drill the Lock
A professional locksmith will always try to save your hard-earned money. They try to unlock the door without causing damage if possible. They drill through the door only if necessary. However, a scammer will likely start drilling the lock without trying other options, to increase the costs. They might then replace your high-quality lock with a low-quality lock and charge you far more than necessary.
7. Accept Only Cash or Debit Cards
Scammers prefer cash or debit cards for payment because they are difficult to reverse. If you insist on using a credit card, they might start threatening you. They avoid credit cards and insist that you pay them right away to minimize the chances of a payment dispute due to the discovery of scams.
Be cautious of any services that demand you to pay in cash or with debit card and don’t allow other payment methods.
What To Do If You Have Been Scammed
You can avoid getting scammed by following the above instructions. But what if it’s already too late and you’ve already been scammed? Don’t worry, these are some of the steps you should take if you have been scammed by scammers posing to be locksmith services.
- Stay Calm. It can be frustrating and scary but staying calm is important.
- Assess the situation and take notes of details like the amount you got scammed for, what kind of access the scammers had, and any communication you had with the scammers.
- Now gather whatever documentary evidence you have. It might be in the form of receipts, quotes, or screenshots of online communications if any. This evidence can be very helpful if you take legal action against them.
- The next step is to file a complaint with the consumer protection agencies or the law enforcement agencies, depending on the nature of the scam. You must involve law enforcement agencies if you’re worried about your or your property’s safety.
- If you paid with a credit card, contact your bank immediately and try to reverse the transaction. If you used a debit card, or cash, it might be difficult to recover the money but still don’t lose hope and try legal options.
Call Trustworthy Locksmith Services
Being scammed by a locksmith can be very scary and dangerous. You might be feeling vulnerable, knowing that someone untrustworthy had access to your sensitive information and personal spaces. But there is no need to panic. Professional locksmith services can help you secure your property and restore your peace of mind.
Immediately contact a trustworthy professional locksmith service that knows what to do. A qualified locksmith will assess any damage, replace low-quality locks and make sure your home, vehicle or office is secure. Look for a locksmith with a good reputation and experience.
If you’re searching for a reliable locksmith, look no further than Alpha Locksmith & security. As the best locksmith services provider in New Jersey, we are dedicated to providing services that ensure your safety and give you peace of mind. Our team is fully licensed, experienced and can handle all your emergency situations.
Don’t let the scammers take advantage of you — Trust Alpha Locksmith & Security to protect what matters the most. Contact us today to schedule your service and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with working with professionals.
