Beware of These Locksmith Scams

When you need a locksmith, it’s typically in a ‘need-it-now’ scenario, and you’re not taking the time to research who you’ll use, as you usually might.

However, even during locksmith emergencies, it is not the time to skimp on your detective skills. It seems that even the locksmith field isn’t exempt from scams and impostors.

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), locksmith fraud is one of the fastest-growing scams in the U.S. Our team at Action Lock & Key wants to do everything possible to help our customers avoid these scams. If you find yourself needing a local locksmith at the last minute in Burlington, be aware of the following common locksmith scams to help you navigate away from them.

Current Locksmith Scams

“Local” Locksmiths

The most prevalent scam is advertising online as a local locksmith. Many of these scammers will list themselves as a local locksmith with a local address, even if they have an 800 number. However, these “local” locksmiths are often call centers, frequently located outside the state or even the country, and they present themselves as a local store. In these operations, they’ll contact their network of poorly trained subcontractors and send them out to you—sometimes with exponentially high response times.

Bait-and-Switch Pricing

Some locksmiths may advertise very low prices, ranging from $20 to $50, to come to your location. Once there, these subcontractors will charge you three to four times the originally quoted amount, claiming they encountered problems or the job was more complicated than they anticipated.

Locksmith Licensing

Currently, there are only 15 states that require locksmith licensing (Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia). These subcontractors will often claim to be licensed, even in states that do not require a license.

Drilling Out Locks

A popular scam involves these subcontractors drilling out or replacing your lock under the premise that your situation is more complex than initially thought and requires more drastic action. In most cases, the only locks that require drilling are high-security locks. Experienced locksmiths carry the necessary equipment and have the skills to unlock your lock without drilling or replacing it.

A Few Tips to Avoid Locksmith Scams

Even with locksmith scams growing, there are ways to protect yourself:

• Ensure the locksmith is truly local. Even though it’s tough to tell a photoshopped photo from an authentic one online, do what you can to determine that the locksmith is truly local, like the locksmiths at Action Lock & Key.
• Insist on a cost estimate before work begins. Before the locksmith begins any part of the job, insist on a cost estimate, written if possible. When you call, ask if there will be any additional charges, like for mileage, emergency hours, or service calls. If you’re not happy with any of the responses or if they refuse to answer, hang up.
• Ask to see identification and license (where applicable). Always ask to see the locksmith’s identification and license (in states where they are licensed). Certified members should belong to professional organizations, such as the ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. A reputable locksmith should also ask for your identification to verify that the house or car belongs to you.
• Verify company branding. If a locksmith drives up in an unmarked vehicle or in one with a different business name than the one you hired, this could indicate a potential scammer.
• Do not allow them to drill your lock. A skilled locksmith doesn’t need to drill your locks. They should have the expertise and equipment to pick your lock.

Find a Reputable Locksmith in Burlington

Locksmith scams are, unfortunately, a growing business among the unscrupulous. Take measures to ensure you’re hiring someone local and reputable. Our locksmiths at Action Lock & Key possess the expertise and knowledge to address all your locksmith needs in Burlington. Call us today at 781-229-9992 or request consulation with any questions or locksmith needs you may have. We’re always happy to help.