Getting a reputable locksmith in Philadlephia can be tricky, particularly because not all regions require locksmiths to be licensed, thus giving fakes a free run. When you are locked out or lose your keys, chances are you’ll start to panic and hire the first locksmith who’s willing to take the job.
However, this usually leads to locksmith scams, leaving you with damaged locks and thus wasting time and money. It could ideally be dangerous as you don’t know the person you have just invited over to your residence or the location where you’ve locked your keys inside your car. You can avoid all this by knowing ahead who to call should you ever experience an emergency. That being said, here are some tips on how to avoid locksmith scams:
The Company Name
A business needs to be registered under a legal name. When you find a locksmith service, you should dig deeper to check whether the company is registered, who runs it and when it was formed. If they act unprofessionally on the phone or seem to lack the knowledge about what they can offer you, then look elsewhere. Also, if you come across generic services on the internet that go with names such as ‘best locksmith company’ or ‘New York locksmith services’, you can be certain that they are a fraud with no registration or background.
Read Reviews Online
A reputable company that has existed for a significant period won’t lack a number of reviews online. Go through forums and social media pages to see what others have to say about the business. Of course, a business can’t satisfy every client and so, you shouldn’t fret if you come across a few negative reviews. However, if everyone seems to dislike the service, then it’s best to avoid that locksmith.
Check The Location
Fraudsters do not have a local shop, otherwise, they would have already been caught. Fraud locksmiths usually use a call center that is not even local and technicians who are not even trained as locksmiths. When hunting for a locksmith, ensure that the company has a local address that you can visit. Also, don’t trust a locksmith who operates out of a van or a garage.
Check the License
When the technician comes to perform the job, you should check their license and other proof of identification. If you reside in a place where it’s not mandatory for locksmiths to be licensed, then you should check for other forms of identification to ensure they are not a fraudster.
Ask About Additional Charges
Fraud locksmiths always have hidden charges added to the final bill. When you get a written estimate or quote through the phone, ensure you ask about extra charges such as emergency hours and service call minimums. If you’re not told about any, then you shouldn’t pay more than the agreed amount.
Lastly, it is best to avoid locksmiths who insist on being paid in cash. Chances are they are scammers or have done a subpar job. Ideally, do not pay a single cent until you are satisfied with the results.