The Missouri and Kansas Locksmiths play an essential role in ensuring the security of our homes, businesses, and vehicles. However, not all locksmiths have our best interests at heart. Some engage in dishonest practices that exploit their customers, leading to significant financial losses and security breaches. In this article, we will discuss five common locksmith scams and how to avoid them.
1. Fake Locksmiths Scam The fake locksmith scam is perhaps the most common locksmith scam. In this scam, the locksmith arrives at your location and gives you a quote for the job. However, once the job is complete, the locksmith charges a much higher price than the initial quote, claiming that the job was more complicated than anticipated. This scam is prevalent because fake locksmiths often advertise their services online ads, like Google ad, using fake addresses and phone numbers. Locksmiths in the State of Missouri or Kansas are NOT required to have a locksmith license that is issued by the prospective State.
2. Bait and Switch Scam The bait and switch scam is similar to the fake locksmith scam, but with a slight twist. In this scam, the locksmith gives you a low quote over the phone, but once they arrive at your location, they claim that the job is more complicated than expected, and the price increases significantly. The locksmith may also claim that you need additional services.
3. Unnecessary Repairs Scam The unnecessary repairs scam is another common scam that locksmiths engage in. In this scam, the locksmith claims that your locks are damaged and need to be replaced entirely, even if they are still functional. The locksmith may also claim that they need to drill the locks, which can be very expensive, even if it’s unnecessary. This scam is prevalent among dishonest locksmiths who want to make a quick buck.
4. Duplicate Key Scam The duplicate key scam is another common scam that locksmiths engage in. In this scam, the locksmith creates a duplicate key for you, but keeps a copy for themselves, which they can then use to gain access to your home or business later. This scam is prevalent among dishonest locksmiths who want to gain access to your property illegally.
5. Emergency Lockout Scam The emergency lockout scam is another common scam that locksmiths engage in. You are locked out of your vehicle or home and need someone fast to get you back in. You click the first listing on Google and reach a call center. The call center person cannot or will not give you a price over the phone and said the locksmith will quote you a price when they arrive. When the locksmith arrives they say the service will be $100-$250 for a simple vehicle or house door unlock. Locksmiths in Greensboro NC charge on average $40-$60 to unlock a car or house door.
How to Avoid Locksmith Scams Now that we’ve discussed the most common locksmith scams, let’s talk about how to avoid them. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
• Research the locksmith before you hire them. Google ads are which are usually the first results online are scams most of the time.
• Ask for a written estimate before the locksmith starts working. If you feel the price is too high, you are not obligated to pay. Tell them you don’t need their services.
• Ask for identification before the locksmith starts working.
• If the locksmith tries to upsell you on unnecessary services or claims that the job is more complicated than anticipated, ask for an explanation and a revised estimate.
• If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about the locksmith, trust your instincts and find another locksmith.
By following these tips, you can avoid falling victim to locksmith scams and ensure that you’re working with a reputable and trustworthy locksmith.
1. Fake Locksmiths Scam The fake locksmith scam is perhaps the most common locksmith scam. In this scam, the locksmith arrives at your location and gives you a quote for the job. However, once the job is complete, the locksmith charges a much higher price than the initial quote, claiming that the job was more complicated than anticipated. This scam is prevalent because fake locksmiths often advertise their services online ads, like Google ad, using fake addresses and phone numbers. Locksmiths in the State of Missouri or Kansas are NOT required to have a locksmith license that is issued by the prospective State.
2. Bait and Switch Scam The bait and switch scam is similar to the fake locksmith scam, but with a slight twist. In this scam, the locksmith gives you a low quote over the phone, but once they arrive at your location, they claim that the job is more complicated than expected, and the price increases significantly. The locksmith may also claim that you need additional services.
3. Unnecessary Repairs Scam The unnecessary repairs scam is another common scam that locksmiths engage in. In this scam, the locksmith claims that your locks are damaged and need to be replaced entirely, even if they are still functional. The locksmith may also claim that they need to drill the locks, which can be very expensive, even if it’s unnecessary. This scam is prevalent among dishonest locksmiths who want to make a quick buck.
4. Duplicate Key Scam The duplicate key scam is another common scam that locksmiths engage in. In this scam, the locksmith creates a duplicate key for you, but keeps a copy for themselves, which they can then use to gain access to your home or business later. This scam is prevalent among dishonest locksmiths who want to gain access to your property illegally.
5. Emergency Lockout Scam The emergency lockout scam is another common scam that locksmiths engage in. You are locked out of your vehicle or home and need someone fast to get you back in. You click the first listing on Google and reach a call center. The call center person cannot or will not give you a price over the phone and said the locksmith will quote you a price when they arrive. When the locksmith arrives they say the service will be $100-$250 for a simple vehicle or house door unlock. Locksmiths in Greensboro NC charge on average $40-$60 to unlock a car or house door.
How to Avoid Locksmith Scams Now that we’ve discussed the most common locksmith scams, let’s talk about how to avoid them. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
• Research the locksmith before you hire them. Google ads are which are usually the first results online are scams most of the time.
• Ask for a written estimate before the locksmith starts working. If you feel the price is too high, you are not obligated to pay. Tell them you don’t need their services.
• Ask for identification before the locksmith starts working.
• If the locksmith tries to upsell you on unnecessary services or claims that the job is more complicated than anticipated, ask for an explanation and a revised estimate.
• If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about the locksmith, trust your instincts and find another locksmith.
By following these tips, you can avoid falling victim to locksmith scams and ensure that you’re working with a reputable and trustworthy locksmith.
