Unfortunately, locksmith scams are an all-too-common occurrence throughout the United States. After being locked out of their home or car, an unsuspecting person will search for local locksmiths online, hoping to get back in quickly and cheaply. However, most do not realize that locksmith scammers hide in online results for companies that don’t exist. They make their websites look legitimate, providing a phone number and fake address. The “locksmith” often arrives late, and will bill you hundreds of dollars more than they estimated after breaking the lock on your door.
I Think I Was The Victim Of A Locksmith Scam, What Do I Do Now?
November 10, 2020
If this circumstance has happened to you, do not feel ashamed! These scammers are prevalent throughout the industry, and this unfortunate occurrence happens to hundreds of people every year. Below we have listed some tell-tale signs that your “locksmith” is a scammer, along with what action to take if you find yourself a victim of a locksmith scam.
Signs Of A Locksmith Scam
- Estimated cost is too low: Scammers will often advertise a very low price, in order to lure you away from legitimate locksmiths. They may claim online or over the phone that the job will cost between $15-35, only to bombard you with questionable service fees after they finish the job. Do not be fooled by low prices, as any credible locksmith will charge around $100 for a lockout.
- No full estimate upfront: Be sure to ask for a written estimate before the work is completed, with all additional fees included. Scammers often bill hundreds of dollars in additional charges, claiming the added fees are because you called during “emergency hours” or there are “mileage charges, minimums, service fees” etc. If they refuse to give you a written estimate, or if the estimate is way too high, they may be attempting to scam you.
- No marked vehicle or uniform: Legitimate locksmiths will usually arrive in a company marked vehicle and uniform, in a timely manner. Be wary of any “locksmith” who arrives late and/or without a uniform or marked vehicle. Ask for the locksmith’s identification upon arrival, as scammers will usually refuse to show you any form of ID and become hostile when you ask for credentials. Scammers also may have an answering service that only refers to the company as “locksmith service” or “locksmith company,” so be sure to ask for a specific name when you call.
- Accepts only cash: If the locksmith tells you they only accept cash or debit, they may be a scammer. Credit cards are avoided by scammers because they are easier to trace. Any reputable locksmith will be able to take credit, debit or cash payment from customers.
- “Have” to drill your lock: A HUGE sign that a locksmith is a scammer is that they claim they “have to” drill your lock. They may claim it’s a high security lock, when it’s not, or that your lock is too new. There are a variety of other “explanations” they may use to justify drilling the lock. However, as a general rule of thumb, do NOT let anyone drill your lock. Certified, reputable locksmiths have the tools and expertise to pick almost any lock. Scammers will leave you with a broken lock, and a bill for hundreds of dollars.
- No receipt after you pay: Always ask for a receipt after you pay a locksmith. Reputable locksmiths should have no problem giving you an itemized receipt after the work is complete. The receipt will likely have the company letterhead, logo, or contact information, along with a list of each of the charges. A good locksmith will explain each of the charges ahead of time, and will provide information for you to contact the company after the job.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Unfortunately, these scammers are good at what they do, and odds are, if you’ve already provided payment you will not be able to get your money back. However, if you feel that you’ve been the victim of a scam, there are some steps you can take :
- Call the state’s attorney general’s office: Report the locksmith to your state’s Attorney General’s office immediately. They will investigate the “locksmith” company and take action if they feel appropriate.
- Call a reputable locksmith: If a scammer has tampered with your locks, you may need to have them rekeyed for your safety. Reputable locksmiths, such as Brothers Locksmith, will also be able to fix the damage done by the scammer, and replace the broken lock.
Call Us Any Time!
Struggling with a faulty door lock? Learn how to tell if your door lock is installed incorrectly, the warning signs to watch for, and how to fix alignment issues before they turn into serious security risks.
Learn what it means when your key feels loose in the lock, the causes behind it, and how to fix the issue before it leads to lock failure or key breakage.
Learn why your door lock only works when you jiggle the key, what causes internal misalignment or wear, and how to fix the issue before the lock fails.
Learn the clear signs that a lock issue is actually caused by poor door installation, and how to fix alignment problems without replacing your lock.
Discover why lock problems often appear after home renovations, how structural changes affect alignment, and what to fix before replacing your locks.
Learn how to fix door gaps that weaken lock security, prevent forced entry, and improve door alignment without replacing your entire lock system.
Discover why keys sometimes work better upside down, what it reveals about lock wear or misalignment, and how to fix the issue before it leads to lock failure.
Why your door lock feels loose after repairs and how to fix it. Learn the real causes and smart ways to restore security without replacing the lock.