5 Tips Beaver Locksmith Fraud

Locksmith fraud is a scam in which a locksmith company lures customers at low prices, only to provide substandard services or overcharge them. This type of fraud can be particularly damaging since it often preys on people who are in a vulnerable situation.

As scary as it sounds, the Locksmith scam is becoming a part of our daily life. Locksmiths target home and car owners when they are most vulnerable and in dire need of help – when they need immediate help in an emergency.

I think finding a locksmith online service is a wise decision in most cases. However, you may fall victim to fake or fraudulent locksmiths mimicking legitimate ones in online directories. These fake locksmiths pretend to be local and don’t even have workshops locally. Sometimes these so-called locksmiths are not adequately trained and operate through out-of-state call centers.

You can avoid scam companies and untrained impersonators by taking a few careful steps:

1. “Local” is the Keyword

Please do your research beforehand. Take your time, and don’t rush your search.

If you have a locksmith business registered at a local address, see if other businesses are registered at the same address.

Even in an emergency, you should always look for services that answer calls with generic phrases like “welcome to locksmith services

Also, check if your company uses an “800” or a local number. An “800” number could indicate that the locksmith you call may be an overseas call center.

2. ID and license verification

Once the locksmith arrives at your destination, it is essential to request identification, such as a locksmith’s license, if applicable.

Out of all states, only 15 states require a locksmith license, making it a criminal offense to even advertise as a locksmith without valid credentials. See if your state is one of Google’s 15 state girlfriends.

3. Watch out for low prices

Always get a quote over the phone before allowing a technician to meet you. Be skeptical of locksmiths offering unbelievably low prices. These are the major red flags. Always ask about labor costs, emergency costs, and service charges.

Never allow work to begin on your home or car without fully knowing the expenses that may be incurred.

4. Better without hidden fees

Especially for urgent cases, it is essential to check if there are any additional charges.

Scam companies may also claim that your home or car lock is old and needs to be replaced. They will charge you an arm and a leg to replace your existing lock with what they say is a high-security lock, which is very rare. You pay them to replace an excellent existing lock with a higher one. You may end up exchanging it for a cheaper one.

5. Ask for vehicle identification

Always be aware of your surroundings. If someone arrives in an unmarked vehicle and claims to be with a particular locksmith company, they will not be allowed to start work. Always send a technician a phone number and a marked vehicle with brand name tools. This is a call to consciousness.