Choosing a professional, reliable locksmith to work on your home is not easy. These days, it is easy to fall into the hands of a scammer, especially if you are using the internet to locate your expert. It is simple to create a fake website or online ad and make it look realistic, thus luring people into contacting a phony company. Don’t become the victim of a scam. It is important to use caution when you are hiring someone to come to your home, especially when that professional is a locksmith. After all, you are giving some access to your home’s security system. Learn about the importance of avoiding scams and what qualities a reliable locksmith has in our blog!
Are Locksmith Scams Really All That Common?
We wish that we could answer no this question. Unfortunately, we can’t. Locksmith scams happen, and they happen more often than you might think. Here’s how it usually goes: A fraud creates a fake website using the name of a real locksmith company. When people click on the fraudulent site, they often do not realize there is anything wrong because it has features that a legitimate website would, including photos, customer reviews, and service pages. They then call the number listed, and they unwittingly get into contact with a scammer and give them their address after receiving a reasonable quote for the work they need to be done.
Next, an individual arrives in an unmarked vehicle, claiming to be a locksmith. They then do a slipshod job, and they may even drill the lock and destroy it. Once the job is “complete” or the lock is broken, the scammer then demands a much higher amount of money than was previously agreed upon. They may use threats and intimidation to get the money. For instance, if they drilled someone’s lock, they may threaten to leave it broken until they get a large amount of cash.
These situations can become tense and dangerous. That is why it is important to thoroughly vet candidates and use caution when hiring a locksmith. Learn about the qualities of a reliable locksmith and how to find a true professional below!
3 Qualities of a Reliable Locksmith
1. Open to Questions
Professionals should feel comfortable answering any questions that their prospective clients have. It is normal to make inquiries about price, the number of years a company has been in business, and what types of services are available/needed. A reliable locksmith is going to be open to all of your inquiries and provide thorough answers. A professional should never be standoffish, vague, confused, or aggressive when faced with questions.
2. Possess Proof of Credentials
A reliable locksmith has proof of credentials, such as certifications and licensing. When asked about their qualifications, if they can pull out copies of their licensing and insurance information and confidently hand them over, you have likely found a great candidate. While it is possible to fake such credentials, it is not easy. Most scammers would not go through such an effort.
3. Asks Questions
You are not the only one who needs to ask questions. If a reliable locksmith shows up at your home, they are likely to ask you a few questions before they start work. For instance, they may want to see your photo ID and ask you to verify proof of ownership. This ensures that they are helping the right person. If you are speaking with the locksmith on the phone, they will likely inquire more into your specific problem so they know how best to help you.
Do you still feel unsure about the vetting process? It can be intimidating trying to find the right locksmith. For more tips on finding a reliable locksmith, check out our other blog here!
Need a Reliable Locksmith? Choose Us!
Hopefully, you feel confident about locating a reliable locksmith now. But if you don’t, that’s okay. We are right here to assist you. Our team is full of reliable locksmiths that have gone through thorough background checks. Contact us today for the best services in Houston!