When you need a locksmith, chances are you’re not looking out for fraudsters. Get them in and out to unlock your door – whether it’s your home or car – and be on your way. But an investigation by NBC affiliate WRC in Washington D.C. found that locksmith scams are on the rise.
Watch the video for the full report from WRC
According to the Locksmith Association of America, the huge majority of locksmith ads in print and online are placed by con artists. The general idea behind the scam is to quote you a reasonable price for the service over the phone and then triple, or even quadruple that price once they show up. These scammers are banking on you, the consumer, forking over hundreds of dollars for the convenience of being let in to your car or house.
Security expert and former New York cop Bill Stanton says the increase in fraud is correlated – surprise – to the downturn in the economy. And it isn’t just locksmiths. Consumers should be extra vigilant about repairmen, plumbers and other services that have the opportunity to prey on the customer’s lack of knowledge about their job.
MORE CONSUMER ALERTS:
Stanton recommends always asking upfront for a price quote. If they don’t stick to what they quoted you, refuse payment. Also be aware that locksmiths in particular can gouge their prices in bad weather – especially if you’re locked out of your car in a rain or snowstorm since you’re that much more likely to overpay just to get home. Also make sure the locksmith you use is licensed by the state, Stanton says. One easy way to ensure that you are not caught off guard next time you forget your keys is to do a little research to find a referral to a state-licensed locksmith and keep their info in your pocket so you don’t have to worry about getting a scammer.
Of course, the best way to protect yourself in any of these consumer scams remains the same: be vigilant. Look for shady folks, note bizarre behavior and don’t be afraid to walk away from a situation that doesn’t feel right. Or, as Stanton put it, “be a lion, don’t be a sheep.”
Avoid Being Taken Advantage of Dishonest Locksmiths
Although we would like to think we are dealing with honest people, especially when it comes to something as personal as our local locksmith, oftentimes we aren’t. People nationwide are being scammed by dishonest locksmiths. The statistics are a lot higher than what’s presented: most people are being cheated and they aren’t even aware.
How Are People Being Scammed?
Some locksmiths overcharge for their services, tell the client to pay for services that aren’t even necessary, and even threaten the client. They are profiting off of their clients misfortunes to a significant degree.
When calling a business or thumbing through the papers for a reliable service, it is important that you see the business name. If there is a generic name such as “locksmith,” that business is most likely unreliable, and it is important to ask for their legal name. In addition, ambiguous advertisement and a car without the business name mark are also signs that you might be getting swindled.
You might also demand to see an estimate as well as an itemized invoice, which means a list of every service they have done and the price right next to it. This will make any unnecessary charges disputable. If you are unsure about something, there is nothing wrong with refusing their services.
A trick commonly used is appearing to be local. Several businesses are in fact located far from your area, and oftentimes they will use a fake address and even a phone number that will reroute you to their business far, far away from your home.
What Could I Do?
So to avoid being swindled, maybe start your search for a reputable locksmith today. Do a small, background check and keep your eyes and ears open for any of the signs given in this article. However, if you were already scam, by all means complain to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and hopefully prevent another person from being scammed.
Once you have found a reputable locksmith, be sure to keep their company and phone number stored somewhere safe. Ask your friends or even use your ALOA or search on the website to find a trustworthy locksmith.
Decorated Locksmiths such as the Access Lock and Safe staff, always carry ID and proof of license, police permit and bond.
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