Emergency Locksmith Service: How Not to Get Swindled

November 10, 2023

These things happen. It’s almost inevitable. You probably lost your keys, or need rekeying or key duplication. Maybe your home was broken into and you want full repairs and extra security devices installed.

These locksmith services are time-dependent. And when some bad locksmiths find someone desperate such as yourself, they tend to take advantage of them to make some quick bucks.

However, if you have the right tips to spot the genuine ones from the fake ones, you’ll never be swindled by a locksmith.

1. Cover all your locks if you’re painting your home

If you get paint in the holes of the locks, it could cause your keys to no longer fit into them. While this does require an extra investment of time, it is certainly worth it.

TIP!  Be sure you’re able to research the locksmith of your choice before you hire them for any work. Are they thinking about your best interests? There are scammers out there and people who will make unauthorized duplicates, so be careful.

2. Locked out from your house?

Don’t just agree to replace that lock immediately. A good locksmith that knows what they are doing will not need to change the door open without putting on a new lock. Replacing your lock will force your money.

3. Don’t forget to tip

This is certainly the case if you are dealing with an emergency call. A fifteen percent tip is decent for a regular visit, but tip more for after hours work.

4. It is possible to get around additional costs by using a locksmith only during regular business hours

If they come outside of business hours, you’ll pay extra. In an emergency, you’ll have little choice, of course.

TIP!  Check the locksmiths’ credentials before they enter your home. Next, call them! You surely want the best possible services from someone you know to be trustworthy.

5. Cover your locks before you paint a door

It can take time to cover every lock, but that pales in comparison to the time a locksmith will take to change all of the locks.

6. Check your locksmith’s ID

You may even warn them before they arrive that you will be looking for it. A good professional should also be in uniform, but at least make sure an id is involved before you accept services from them.

TIP!  Ask a potential locksmith about their experience. Chances are if they have been around for a while, they are trustworthy.

7. Do not use a locksmith that changes their quote upon arrival

There are too many scammers out there for you to deal with one that is not upfront and honest with you.

8. Don’t hire the first locksmith you speak to

Call a handful of locksmiths before you make a choice. This will give you a wider perspective on what the average rates for services are. You can judge these locksmiths on professionalism and price.

TIP!  The World Wide Web is invaluable when it comes to finding a locksmith. A lot of people love to write about their experiences online.

9. Get references before you hire a locksmith in your home

Call the references before you engage in business. You should trust the best quality services and make sure their work is good.

10. You can Google anyone who comes to work for you

There is no need to be embarrassed about it; your main focus is protection and not just lock installations. If you find something about them you don’t like, call the company and ask for someone else to come out.

TIP!  Don’t try using locksmiths that charge you for them just appearing where you are. The majority of locksmiths do not operate in this manner, so one who does is likely to be a scammer.

11. One of the first questions you ask a locksmith is how many years they have run their business has been around

Make sure that they’ve been doing operations from the whole time. A locksmith with more than a lot of experience is a great choice.

12. Make sure to contact locksmiths during business hour

Some locksmiths actually use these hours to charge very exorbitant fees. Ask for quotes from multiple locksmiths to avoid getting overcharged.

TIP!  If there is a problem with the locksmith company you use, quickly address the issue. If you fail to do so, they may not fix the issue for free.

13. Be sure to check the identification for any locksmith you make an appointment with

A good locksmith will gladly show his credentials before beginning to work on your lock.

14. Locate locksmiths who have been running their business for a while

If they’ve just set up shop, figure out where they have worked in the past and see if you can get references. Look up their name and prior location on the Internet to see if they have reviews.

15. Find a good locksmith before you really need one

Waiting for an emergency situation has occurred means not having very many choices available to you. You could also risk someone who is less than reputable having the keys to all your valuables.

Never make a disappointing commercial locksmith hire again. If you live in Phoenix, give us a call and we’ll offer our professional and expert services to get you out of that hairy situation.

Call Us Any Time!

Call Now
By Ghulam Mustafa March 4, 2026
Can a locksmith fix door frame damage after a break-in? Learn what repairs are possible, when contractors are needed, and how to reinforce your door for stronger security.
By Ghulam Mustafa March 3, 2026
Door lock suddenly feels rough to turn? Learn the causes, warning signs, and expert solutions to prevent broken keys and restore smooth, secure operation.
What to Do If Your Key Gets Stuck Only Halfway in the Lock
By Ghulam Mustafa March 2, 2026
Key stuck halfway in your lock? Learn the causes, safe removal steps, and expert solutions to prevent damage and restore smooth lock operation.
How Temperature Changes Affect Door Lock Performance
By Ghulam Mustafa February 26, 2026
Learn how temperature and humidity changes affect door lock performance, causing sticking, misalignment, and battery drain — plus expert tips to keep locks working smoothly year-round.
Why Your Deadbolt Turns but the Door Won’t Open
By Ghulam Mustafa February 26, 2026
Deadbolt turns but your door won’t open? Discover the real causes behind stuck doors, from misalignment to latch issues, plus expert fixes to restore smooth and secure access.
Why Locksmiths Recommend Rekeying Over Lock Replacement (Sometimes)
By Ghulam Mustafa February 26, 2026
Not sure whether to rekey or replace your locks? Learn why locksmiths often recommend rekeying, when it’s the smarter choice, and how it can improve security while saving money.
How to Secure Doors That Don’t Fully Close
By Ghulam Mustafa February 26, 2026
How to Secure Doors That Don’t Fully Close
Why Door Locks Feel Loose in Summer
By Ghulam Mustafa February 25, 2026
Door locks can feel loose in summer due to heat, humidity, and expansion. Learn causes, warning signs, and fixes with expert insights from Brothers Locksmith.
More Posts