Top Locksmith Scam Signs You Must Know
Generally, people save the contact details of a locksmith on their mobiles for emergency purposes. However, a majority of people rely on last-minute or emergency locksmith services. They hire a locksmith when they can find no way to get in the locked car or a locked apartment. That’s when you realize the importance of having a local locksmith. Nowadays, we hire professionals after researching them on the internet.
We visit their websites, check out their services and experience, review their license and insurance, and compare the rates. The question is “Is that enough to assess the reliability or professionalism of a locksmith”? What if you end up hiring a scam who copies the keys to your car or apartment doors and misuse them?
Locksmith scams are rare but possible. Anyone can create a website, claim to be a qualified and licensed locksmith, bring a set of local mechanical tools, and scam you. And, when you are having an emergency, you don’t really have time to interview different locksmiths. This increases your risk of getting scammed by an intruder or an unprofessional locksmith. If you ever need to hire a local locksmith in Bombala, make sure you consider the scam warning signs before making a decision. Here are a few of them.
They don’t work for a company
Not all private or solo locksmiths are a scam, but there is a chance the person who claims to offer the best locksmith services charge you 10 times more than the standard locksmith rates. Just to be on the safe side, consider hiring a locksmith who works for a reputable company. Knowing that you are working with a professional and trusted locksmith agency will give you peace of mind.
A scam locksmith does not reveal the name of the company they work for. They use fake names and addresses. Surprisingly, a lot of people fall prey to these tricks. A person who’s stuck with their vehicle in the middle of a highway will not research the company the locksmith claims to be working for. They will rather hire them instantly. A professional locksmith will tell you the company they work for, give you their license number, and even help you connect with the high-authority members of the agency. The first thing you must ask the locksmith is who they work for and where their company is located.
They Offer you Low Quotes
There are many locksmiths that offer high-quality services at a very reasonable price. In fact, many locksmith companies offer discounts and some promotional deals from time to time. However, do not confuse them with the scams that offer a very cheap quote. If the price sounds too good to be true, there must be something wrong with the locksmith. Think about it – why would a professional locksmith be willing to offer quality services at lower than the standard price? It’s yet another little trick of the scams.
They offer you a quote that you can’t say no to. And, you end up getting scammed. There is also a possibility the locksmith could be real, but they must be mentioning a fake price or they have not included the price of the “unnecessary services” in the quote. If the locksmith’s quote seems fishy, trust your instincts, and call another one. There are plenty of locksmiths in Bombala and you’ll definitely find one that offers the best services at a fair price.
They don’t have a licensed or the best equipment
A locksmith comes dressed in a uniform, with mechanical tools, and in the company’s car. Local contractors do not have the training, equipment, and qualifications required for unlocking a locked door or replacing the security system of your home. If you rely on them, chances are you’ll end up with a damaged door or a broken window.
Now, if these locksmiths are not insured, you will have to bear the repair or replacement costs of the damaged property. A professional locksmith never arrives unprepared. They bring their license and insurance copies and equipment. Even if they don’t arrive in a car, they will be dressed in the company’s uniform. These are the signs of a professional and credible locksmith.
They ask to drill your lock
Sure, there are times when the locks can’t be repaired or replaced. The only way to unlock them is by drilling. However, that’s the last thing a professional locksmith does. If the person works with the locks for a few minutes before saying that it needs to be drilled to open, consider consulting with another locksmith. Once they run the drilling machine through the locks, the lock will be of no use and the locksmith will charge you quite a hefty fee for replacing the locks. So, beware of such locksmiths.
Conclusion
Locksmith scams are most likely to occur when you hire an emergency locksmith. You don’t get enough time to research the company or check other details before making a decision. To avoid such scams, research the locksmith in advance, and have their details saved on your smartphone.
If you are looking for locksmiths in Cooma, Jindabyne, and Bombala region? Then you are in the right place. Call Monaro Locksmiths and Security Today on 0427 722 245