Searching for a reliable locksmith is more challenging than it seems, especially with so many scammers in the industry today.
Nowadays, bait-and-switch pricing schemes are widespread. The scamming practice is when a locksmith lures or “baits” unsuspecting customers with an unreasonably low fee for their services, then “switch” or offer a different service that is much more expensive.
While this scam is prevalent in other industries, it has recently gotten worse in the locksmith industry due to the proliferation of falsely priced advertisements online.
How Do Locksmith Scams Occur
Locksmith scams are common in numerous cities. These fraudsters use Google Adwords to advertise bogus locksmith companies at the top of Google’s search results page.
When you contact them, you’ll get a relatively low price quote, with these scammers usually claiming that they are “the cheapest locksmith in town.” Soon after, when the locksmith arrives, he’ll inform you that they have to drill your lock and bill you for a new one, which is often more costly than it actually is.
So, you end up paying hundreds more than the initial quote for a substandard lock that would have to be replaced in just a few months.
Scamming locksmiths are able to do this because most don’t pay much attention to their locks, making people a lot less knowledgeable about how these fundamental home security systems work.
On the contrary, a legitimate locksmith will provide you with a fairly reasonable estimate over the phone based on a locksmith price guide that covers labor and service fees. Furthermore, they wouldn’t immediately consider drilling your lock; they are trained to handle problematic cases with well-thought-of procedures.
Tell-Tale Signs You’re Being Scammed
There are clear indicators that these deceitful scammers are duping you. Here are some signs to watch out for:
1. The cheap rates seem too good to be true.
Is your locksmith offering you just USD$20 to fix your car’s locks? You better watch out because no legit locksmith charges that low. The listed rates of USD$15 to USD$20 merely include the service charge, and they do not include the labor fee to unlock your car or the new hardware they’ll install.
2. The striking pitch.
Locksmiths will employ a refined pitch to market their services to justify their exorbitant rates. The sales pitch is intended to persuade customers that their car has a complex or costly locking mechanism. As a result, they will charge a higher cost of service.
3. The waiting game.
A dispatcher usually assures clients that a technician will come in 20 minutes. However, it usually takes longer than what was committed. In some instances, clients were forced to wait up to 90 minutes for a locksmith to arrive, while others have experienced that nobody showed up at all.
4. Advertise as a locksmith in your general area (BUT located miles away).
Fraudulent locksmith companies often provide fictitious addresses on their websites. They do this because these out-of-state enterprises can compete more effectively by posing as local businesses. They may even take a competitor’s name or address in extreme situations.
How To Identify Red Flags
When hiring a locksmith, it is essential to conduct thorough research. It is best to be aware of these common red flags:
- “Police Recommended” claims are likely fake.
- Google Ads’ cheapest locksmith pricing.
- You should always verify claims, especially if they’re too good to be true.
- They do not disclose the locksmith’s name, which is indicative of subcontracting.
Advice from the Experts
According to an established locksmith in Avon, when engaging the services of a locksmith that you’ve just searched for online, you should follow these guidelines:
1. If a locksmith seeks to overcharge you, you should refuse to pay. You will be surprised by how quickly the fees will decline.
2. To determine how much a locksmith costs, it is best to compare locksmith rates across multiple websites. A bait-and-switch fraudster would always charge less than the average locksmith. Typically, they claim to be the best and cheapest locksmith in town.
3. It would be best to ask as many questions as you want, including the following:
- Are they doing the task themselves or hiring someone else?
- Who are they sending if they are subcontracting? And who should you contact if there are any issues with their work?
- What is the cost of the advertised item?
- What is a call-out charge, and what does it cover?
- Can you request an outlined price quote for all the required products and service charges?
Key Takeaway
To protect yourself from these unscrupulous companies, be wary of the outlined signs and red flags mentioned above and always keep a trusted locksmith contact number on hand. Furthermore, you should hire someone you can rely on right away and at a fair locksmith price. Lastly, ensure to equip yourself with this guide and don’t fall victim to these scammers.
