How to Avoid Locksmith Scams?
Whether you lost your car keys or your house keys and got locked out, the best solution is to call a locksmith to help you but you have to be very careful with your pick because there are a lot of scammers out there.
It’s important not to just pick the first locksmith you find online but to make sure you find a honest and reliable one after you checked out properly at least 5 different ones before you decide.
Here are few ways to spot out a locksmith scammer online:
Find a Local Locksmith in Advance
It’s smart to find a locksmith in your area before you really need one. This gives you plenty of time to get a background check on them and on their company. Go online and and look them up, make sure they have a real address by checking it on google maps. Most of the times scammers don’t list an address so they can avoid dealing with upset customers.
Also check out if they use an 800 toll-free number and but say that they are local, that might be a sign they are actually using a call center far away which some scammers do. When you call them ask about the services they offer and prices, beware of hidden fees and make sure you get answers about everything you ask.
Ask for Licenses and Certifications
When you hire a locksmith it’s really important to make sure they are licensed and certified which verifies that they are qualified to work in your area. When you ask a locksmith for their license it’s not just about following to the rules, it is mainly to make sure they won’t damage your property.
Locksmiths in New Jersey need to be licensed to do their job and you can check with the Associated Locksmiths of America to see if a locksmith has the right documents. Always ask these things before you let them start working!
Check for Online Reviews
When you’re checking a locksmith company background start by looking them online and read all the reviews posted on them.
It is very important to read all of them, the good ones and the bad ones because it will help you understand what the company is really like and what are its disadvantages. Make sure to read reviews on well known and relatable sites like Yelp or Google Reviews.