Unlicensed locksmiths extort money from people who just want to unlock a door. These people pray upon people who are usually not in the best position to negotiate, because they are in a hurry.
Unlicensed and disreputable locksmith companies create numerous websites promoting locksmithing.
These locksmith sites usually will have stock pictures of locksmiths, and client testimonials that don’t exist. The unlicensed locksmiths then submit the reviews and local listings on Google.
The reviews are fake claiming that the locksmith is doing a good job and is available, any bad ones are pushed to the bottom by numerous phoney ones.
When you’re locked out of your house or car and search Google for a locksmith, the many results that appear on Google are those of the fake ones. The legitimate locksmiths have been pushed down the page.
The first thing they’ll say is they have to drill the lock, which will destroy the lock and make you pay a much higher amount quoted. The subcontractor may say that the work is more complicated than expected, often asking for three to 10 times more money than originally forecast, betting that most people will simply pay the bill.
Signs of Unlicensed Locksmiths
Here are some signs of fraud to keep in mind:
- Call center answers
- you don’t speak to a locksmith
- a dispatcher who answers the phone with a common phrase such as “service” or “locksmith”,
- no company name or identification is given
- 15-minute response times,
- the response time is “to good to be true”
- actually takes 1 or 2 hours for the fake locksmith to arrive
- as the fake locksmith isn’t as close as the locksmith listing suggests
- Unmarked service vehicles,
- the person arrives in their own car
- sometimes the car will have removable magnetic signs
- licensed locksmiths will drive a decaled company service vehicle
- the person arrives in their own car
- Not wear in uniform,
- most locksmiths will have a shirt or jacket identifying them as a locksmith
- unlicensed persons will not go to the trouble of a uniform or identification
- because their not part of a company, but fraudsters
- Locksmith makes claim of “commercial locks” or “high-quality locks”
- claiming that they cannot repair them,
- so the lock must be drilled, which will destroy it
- Fee demanded is higher than quoted
- they will ask for a much larger amount than you specified
- anyone can break a lock, but
- skill is required as not to damage the lock,
- something that true professionals can usually do
- they will ask for a much larger amount than you specified
- Locksmith requests cash payments
- fake locksmith may insist on paying in cash.
- fraudsters want to avoid credit cards because they can be traced
Our professional locksmiths will give you a quote over the phone that we’ll stand by. We arrive at your location in a marked service vehicle, equipped with locksmithing tools and in uniform.
Locksmiths that are Licensed & Insured
The best way to avoid fraud is to find a real locksmith before you need one. Аsk your friends or neighbours for recommendations and look at Google Reviews.
Maybe consider adding the contact information to your phone in case you ever need this kind of service. If you pay attention, you can usually tell by talking on the phone who is a true professional and who is a fake.
To avoid the whole process and unpleasant moments losing time and money with fake locksmiths call Al & Gord’s Lock & Key
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