Locksmith scams are unfortunately all too common. If you’re in need of a locksmith, be sure to do your research to avoid becoming a victim of one of these scams. Here are a few tips to avoid locksmith scams:
1. Don’t call a random number you found online or in the phone book. Instead, look for a reputable locksmith that you can verify has a physical address and is licensed.
2. Don’t be pressured into paying for services you don’t need. A reputable locksmith will assess your needs and give you a honest quote. They won’t try to upsell you on services you don’t need.
3. Be wary of locksmiths who arrive in an unmarked vehicle or who can’t produce proper identification.
4. Don’t pay with cash. Pay by credit card or check instead so you have a paper trail in case something goes wrong. If you follow these tips, you’ll be much less likely to fall victim to a locksmith scam.
How to avoid locksmith scams
When you’re locked out of your home or car, you may be vulnerable to scammers posing as locksmiths. These con artists often advertise in the yellow pages or online and may use a generic name like “key service.” They may even have a sign on their vehicle that says “locksmith.” Before you call a locksmith, check to see if the company is listed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and whether there have been any complaints filed against them. When you call a locksmith, ask for the name of the business and the individual who will be coming to help you. Be sure to get an estimate for the work that needs to be done and ask for the locksmith’s ID. When the locksmith arrives, ask for additional identification, such as a business card or license. Be wary if the locksmith refuses to give you their full name or if they try to pressure you into paying for the services before they begin. If you’re still not sure, you can call the police to verify that the locksmith is legitimate. Once the locksmith is inside your home or car, they may try to overcharge you for their services. To avoid this, be sure to get an estimate in writing before the work begins. If you think you’ve been scammed by a locksmith, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
 10 traps locksmiths use to scam you
If you’re ever in need of a locksmith, be wary of falling victim to these 10 common scams.
1. The “bait and switch” scam. This is when a locksmith quotes you a low price over the phone, but then raises the price once they arrive. Be sure to get a price quote in writing before the work is performed.
2. The “switch and bait” scam. This is similar to the “bait and switch” scam, but instead of raising the price, the locksmith will try to convince you to buy a more expensive product or service.
3. The “repairman” scam. This is when a locksmith pretends to be a repairman in order to gain entry to your home or business. Once inside, they may try to rob you or vandalize your property.
4. The “key duplication” scam. This is when a locksmith makes a copy of your key without your permission. They may then use this copy to gain entry to your home or business and rob you.
5. The “lock rekeying” scam. This is when a locksmith tries to convince you that your locks need to be rekeyed, when they really don’t. This is often done so the locksmith can make a copy of your keys.
6. The “free security assessment” scam. This is when a locksmith offers a free security assessment, but then uses high-pressure sales tactics to sell you unneeded products or services.
7. The “stolen equipment” scam. This is when a locksmith claims they had their equipment stolen and needs money to replace it. This is often a lie, and the locksmith may use your money to buy new equipment to use in future scams.
8. The “disappearing act” scam. This is when a locksmith starts work but then suddenly stops and leaves, without finishing the job. This often happens after the victim has paid the locksmith.
9. The “inflated bill” scam. This is when a locksmith charges you for parts and labor that were never actually performed.
10. The “phony locksmith” scam. This is when an untrained and unlicensed individual poses as a locksmith. They may damage your property, overcharge you, or even rob you.
How to know if your locksmith is scamming you
If you’re in need of a locksmith, it’s important to know how to spot a scammer. Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers out there who are looking to take advantage of people in need. Here are a few things to look out for:
1. The locksmith doesn’t have a physical address. If the locksmith you’re considering doesn’t have a physical address, that’s a red flag. A reputable locksmith will have a brick-and-mortar business that you can visit.
2. The locksmith quotes a price that’s too low. Don’t be fooled by a low quote. A reputable locksmith will give you a fair price for their services. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. The locksmith doesn’t have any ID. When a locksmith arrives to help you, they should have some form of identification. If they don’t, that’s a sign that you may be dealing with a scammer.
4. The locksmith tries to upsell you. A scammer will often try to upsell you on services you don’t need. For example, they may try to sell you a new lock when all you need is a key.
5. The locksmith doesn’t have any references. If the locksmith you’re considering can’t provide any references, that’s another red flag. A reputable locksmith will be able to provide you with references from satisfied customers. If you keep an eye out for these telltale signs, you can avoid being scammed by a locksmith.
4 common locksmith scams and how to avoid them
There are four common scams that locksmiths use to take advantage of their customers. The first is the “bait and switch.” This is when a locksmith quotes you a low price over the phone, but then raises the price once they arrive. They may say that your lock is more difficult to pick than they thought, or that they need to drill it out, which will cost more. The second scam is the “phantom lock.” This is when the locksmith tells you that your lock is broken and needs to be replaced, when it actually just needs to be lubricated or tightened. The third scam is the “key making.” This is when the locksmith makes a key for your home or car without your permission. They will then use this key to break into your home or car later. The fourth scam is the “locksmith directory.” This is when the locksmith pretends to be from a directory service like the Yellow Pages. They will ask for your address and credit card information so they can “verify” your listing. Once they have your information, they can use it to commit identity theft. To avoid these scams, you should always ask for a locksmith’s ID and credentials before letting them into your home or car. You should also ask for a written estimate of the cost of the services before they start working. And finally, you should use a locksmith that you know and trust.
Protect yourself from locksmith scams
If you’re in need of a locksmith, be sure to do your research before hiring someone. There are plenty of legitimate locksmiths out there, but there are also scammers who will take advantage of you if they get the chance. Follow these tips to protect yourself from locksmith scams: -Get referrals from friends or family members who have used a locksmith before. This is the best way to find a reputable professional. -Check online reviews before hiring a locksmith. This will give you an idea of what others have experienced with the locksmith in question. -Ask for a written estimate before work begins. This should include the price of labor and any parts that will be needed. -Beware of locksmiths who give you a low estimate over the phone and then try to charge you more once they arrive. -Never pay in cash. Use a credit card or check so you have a paper trail of the transaction. By following these tips, you can safeguard yourself from becoming a victim of a locksmith scam.
 6 ways to spot a locksmith scam
If you need a locksmith, be aware of scammers who may try to take advantage of the situation. Here are six red flags that may indicate you’re dealing with a scammer:
1. They Don’t Have a Local Address or Phone Number When you’re searching for a locksmith online or in the phonebook, be sure to check for a local address and phone number. If the locksmith only has a post office box or a mobile phone number, that’s a red flag.
2. They Require Upfront Payment A reputable locksmith will not require upfront payment. They will give you an estimate of the cost before beginning work.
3. They Claim to be Licensed, Bonded, and Insured All reputable locksmiths will be licensed, bonded, and insured. You can ask to see their credentials.
4. They Use High-Pressure Sales Tactics A scammer may try to sell you services or products you don’t need. They may also try to rush you into making a decision.
5. They Have a Generic Name or No Name at All Be wary of locksmiths who have generic names like “24 Hour Locksmith†or “AAA Locksmith.†A reputable locksmith will have a specific name.
6. They Quote a Low Price Over the Phone but Increase the Price Once They Arrive When you get a quote over the phone, be sure to ask if that’s the final price. A scammer may give you a low estimate and then try to charge you more once they arrive.