It’s a sad fact that the locksmith industry is one of the most frequently scammed. And yet, locksmiths provide some of the most invaluable services for keeping your home and business safe. No one wants to get caught by a locksmith scam, but with the advent of the internet, it has become even easier to create a website for a fake locksmith company. Get the service you need and stay safe by following these tips to find the right local locksmith:
Look For Online Legitimacy
One trend you may find when looking for locksmiths is that there are some nation-wide locksmith services that are somewhat less scrupulous about who they hire. Basically, these nation-wide companies work more like a dispatch service than a brick-and-mortar business. They’ll hire locksmiths in every state, and then send the nearest technician when a customer calls. The downsides here are that there are fewer checks in place to ensure each technician’s skill and legitimacy, and that it can be a lot harder to get a hold of that technician if there was something wrong with the service they provided. Instead, be sure to look for a local locksmith, one with an in-state address and phone number, to be sure you’re getting help from a nearby service.
Ask For a License, Insurance, and Bond Information
Each state varies on what they require for a locksmith to do business legally. In some states, they need to take classes and pass certification tests, while other states simply require written notice that an individual has trained with an experienced locksmith. If a licence is required in your state, any local locksmith will be glad to provide you with their license number. Even if a license is not required, you can ask if they are bonded and/or insured. The more steps a locksmith is willing to go through to protect their business and their customers, the more likely they are to be legitimate.
You can also verify a locksmith’s legitimacy by going to a state or national locksmith association, like the Associated Locksmiths of America or the Master Locksmiths of America. Generally, these associations take the time to vet members before they are initiated, so you can trust those companies.
Read Online Reviews
In many ways, the internet makes it easier for locksmith scams to find work. However, online reviews are a great way to sort the legitimate from the untrustworthy. Read through reviews on a few different platforms, and take the time to actually read what customers have to say. If a locksmith company only has reviews that say “great service” or “good work,” they may be falsified reviews, so take the time to look for reviews that actually talk about the service provided or that mention a specific technician.
Be Wary of Sight-Unseen Flat Fees
In many instances, a locksmith scam will give a low-ball quote over the phone, and then greatly increase the final cost after the work is performed — often the excuse given is a “complex lock” or something similar. It’s fine if a locksmith provides you with a quote over the phone, but always ask for a confirmation of that quote once the technician has seen what they’re working with. If they quote a much higher amount, you do have the right to refuse service before the work is done.
Watch for Branding
Another good way to verify a locksmith’s legitimacy is the visual cues they’ll provide. Look for a logo on their website, and then look for that same branding on their vehicle, paperwork, shirt, hat, and so on. If they don’t have a logo, you can also look for the same address and phone number on the website, vehicle, and paperwork. At this point, if there is still a discrepancy, you can ask to see their credentials, but go with your gut if things look fishy. You can also ask for an invoice before they begin service; any technician that balks at providing one may not be legitimate.
Whether you’re looking for a commercial locksmith or one for residential services, find a company you can trust. Urich Lock has been providing Milwaukee with local locksmith services since 1903, and we pride ourselves on the years of trust we’ve built amongst the community. Connect with us today for experienced, professional locksmith help across southeast Wisconsin!
