It’s never a good feeling when you find yourself locked out of your home or vehicle. You should take the quickest route to get back in, which means calling a 24/7 locksmith service. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there who are posing as locksmiths but are actually running a scam. To prevent one from occurring, look out for these six warning signs when you need to consider when looking for a locksmith. Here are some of them:
1. Questionable Web Presence
Scammers who pretend to be locksmiths may not have a real business or company name. If they have a website, it is usually poorly designed and lacking any real content. When you call the number listed, a representative from an offshore call centre might be unable to answer your questions. To improve the chances that the locksmith business is legitimate, look for a strong web presence.
2. Price Gouger
The scammers usually post an advertisement online offering a seemingly reasonable service fee, hoping to attract unsuspecting victims. When the work begins, the cost quickly skyrockets. Always remember that legitimate locksmiths will give you an accurate cost estimate before they start the job. If that isn’t the case, it’s a good sign that they are illegitimate. It’s best to research and find someone reputable that provides quality work at a reasonable price.
3. Unlicenced
In most cases, a professional locksmith should be identifiable and have some company logo on their vehicle. If you’re suspicious, ask for identification and proof of licensing. It’s illegal for locksmiths to operate without a security licence in Australia, so see to it that the person at your door is legitimate. If there is doubt, don’t let them in and find another locksmith to do the job.
4. Poor Workmanship
Research the business or company you are thinking about hiring a locksmith. Check online reviews and ask around to make sure they are trustworthy. You may also need to avoid any locksmith who demands an upfront payment or requests more money than the agreed estimate. If the locksmith you’ve chosen does not have the correct tools, it may be best to look elsewhere.
5. Unprofessional Conduct
Staying cool, calm, and composed is key to avoiding locksmith scams. When talking to a locksmith, ensure you are not pressured into paying more than the quote. Furthermore, if a locksmith is determined to use a drill to change your lock, it is best to be wary. A legitimate locksmith will be skilful enough to open locks with multiple tools and techniques.
6. Lack of Insurance
When searching for a locksmith, make sure to inquire about their insurance. A reputable locksmith should have coverage for any damage incurred to your property. For your peace of mind, get a written estimate of the work they’ll be doing and a copy of the locksmith’s insurance policy. This will ensure that everything is in order and that no unexpected costs arise.
In Summary
It pays to look out for certain red flags that may indicate a less trustworthy locksmith service. Some of these red flags include not being able to provide proof of licensing, working with an unprofessional attitude, and needing more industry experience. Taking the time to research the right locksmith will help ensure your property’s safety and security.
Are you planning to change locks soon? We at Coast to Country Locksmiths are here to help. Our locksmiths in Moreton Bay and Caloundra will install high-quality locks at your home or workplace. Contact us to learn more about our 24/7 locksmith service.
