The value we place on our belongings is often paramount to anything else. We walk around with locked smartphones, carry backpacks that are zipped tight, and when we go home at night, our homes are secured through various locking mechanisms, some more high-security than others. When a lock fails, we want to make sure we can trust the service provider we call to help. Unfortunately, there are those out there who take advantage of the locksmithing services we really need when we’re in a pinch, and sometimes it’s hard to distinguish a trustworthy locksmith from a locksmith scam.
When searching for a reliable locksmith, there are many signs to look out for. Finding a locksmith who isn’t a scam is incredibly important. When we find ourselves in an emergency lockout situation, calling the first locksmithing service we see on a Google search can be very easy. Furthermore, if a locksmith website boasts meager prices, it can be too good to be true. Thorough research is key to finding a locksmith that isn’t a scam. Let’s go over some signs a locksmith is a scam.
Have a Go-to Locksmith on Speed Dial
No one wants to feel lost or unprepared when they find themselves in a sticky situation. The same goes for when you find yourself locked out of your car, home, or business. Scrambling to find a solution is stressful and can often lead to mistakes. We recommend already having a locksmith you trust on speed dial. This eliminates the chances of falling victim to a locksmith scam. If you are unsure how to find a reliable locksmith, word of mouth is a powerful tool. Ask friends and family and read reviews online. These are easy outlets to help you find a provider you can trust.
Avoid Toll-Free Phone Numbers
As you peruse the Internet for a locksmith service, be careful of 1-800 numbers. These numbers tend not to be local and mean the locksmithing company you’ve found in your search has outsourced their services. It also likely means the person who would answer your call is from a call center. This is a huge red flag for a reliable locksmithing service. When we call someone to service our home or business’ locks or help us during a vehicle lockout, we want to know who is coming to help us. With a call center, you never know who is coming, how long it will take, or if they’ll come at all.
Check for Locksmith Company Branding on Vehicle
This one might seem like a no-brainer. If you call a locksmith company and they show up in a car that has no branding on it, this is an immediate red flag. Worse yet, if the vehicle is unmarked or is a standard car and not a service vehicle, this is yet another sign the locksmith is a scam. Locksmith companies are proud to show their branding on their vehicles. This leads to further promotion of their business when they’re driving around. A locksmith without branding is not one to be trusted. Furthermore, locksmiths require a lot of tools and need large service vehicles for them. If your locksmith turns up in what appears to be a personal vehicle, they are likely unprepared or a scam.
Low Prices Are Too Good to Be True
According to Angi.com, fake locksmiths tend to quote $15-$40 prices to begin with. These prices are unrealistic. Depending on what it is, most locksmithing services charge at least $60. This price is not because locksmiths are trying to overcharge their customers but because they don’t tell you one price to start and then say another when the service is over. Most locksmith scams use a reversal tactic to tell you one price and say another when the service is done. Some services with trustworthy locksmiths may get more expensive in the event of unforeseen complications, but the low price at the beginning should be an immediate red flag to customers.
Ask for the Price Beforehand
In tandem with the last sign of a locksmith scam, we also recommend you ask your locksmith for a price upfront. Transparency should be key with any business model, and locksmiths are no different. As mentioned before, some prices may change as the process goes on, but this is not something to worry about. Most locksmiths should know when a job could accrue more costs than initially thought and can give you this ballpark estimate. Before they begin, ask for an itemized list of what they have to do with the corresponding prices. A trustworthy locksmith will have no issue with this.
Don’t Let Your Locksmith Drill
For starters, some locksmithing services will require some drilling. This includes high-security locks, lock replacements, and installations. But if you are locked out of your home or business, an experienced locksmith should not have to drill to get you back into your home. Additionally, if a locksmith tells you your lock needs replaced, ask for clarification. Some locks don’t need to be replaced and only require rekeying. Other times, they might be correct if they see signs of tampering. At the end of the day, what happens with your locks is your choice.
Look No Further Than ASAP Locksmith of Des Moines
Now that you know a bit more about how to find a reputable locksmith look no further than ASAP Locksmith of Des Moines! We have 20+ years of experience in the business and have been serving our fellow Hawkeyes for just as long. We are proud of our craft and happy to help the everyday Iowan. Don’t waste any more time finding a better locksmith when we already exist. Call us at (515) 400-3226 or get an estimate today.