female locked out of home, calling a locksmith

Do Locksmiths Rip You Off?

September 2, 2022

People often assume that locksmiths are out to scam their customers. But is this really the case? Let’s take a more in-depth look at the factors that influence the price of locksmith services, as well as the steps you can take to ensure that you are receiving enough value for the money you spend.

Because they are responsible for such an essential function, locksmiths are expected to have extensive professional training. If you have misplaced your keys, they will be able to get you back into your home or vehicle with no fuss. Unfortunately, the work of the locksmith is also extremely simple to mess up, and most of them are likely to do so if you are not cautious. If you are diligent, however, you may avoid this problem. There are a few red flags that point to the fact that your locksmith could be attempting to cheat you.

They Will Make You Feel Rushed

Working as fast as possible without ensuring that the task is done correctly is the most effective strategy for a locksmith to increase the amount of money they get from their customer. Regrettably, this almost always culminates in their breaking something on your property or causing damage to it. They could also attempt to upsell you on more sophisticated services (like creating a new key while you wait) as well as charge you the same amount of money anyway. Swindles are more likely to occur when people have the impression that they are in a hurry.

They Will Brag A Lot About their Company

If a locksmith brags that his company is the greatest in town, you may reasonably assume that this is because he doesn’t have a lot of competition. It’s also possible that they don’t feel that they can convince in any other way. They could attempt to upsell you more services than you need (such as putting new locks on old doors), simply so they can tack those costs onto the total cost.

Their Prices are Extremely Expensive

If a locksmith quotes you $500 for something that would normally cost approximately $150, you should look for another locksmith. Locksmiths should be trained professionals who have the necessary expertise, rather than con artists who prey on unsuspecting customers. So do your research on locksmith prices in your area and compare them with the quote you’ve received from your locksmith.

How Do I Know If My Locksmith Is Real?

 

Researching a residential or commercial locksmith in advance is the most effective technique to determine whether or not you can rely on their services. Call them up, grill them with in-depth questions, and read up on their reputation. You should save the contact information of a trustworthy locksmith who meets all of the requirements on your phone so that you may utilize it in the future. Maintaining the door locks in the meanwhile properly should also be a priority.

There should be at least three types of identification that locksmiths may present to customers: a business card, an identity badge, and a photo identification card; however, not all locksmiths keep these items. If yours doesn’t, this should serve as a warning sign that tells you to turn around and go the other way. To prevent falling prey to a locksmith scam, be sure to verify the locksmith’s qualifications before entrusting them with your vehicle or house.

You should also know the location of the locksmith. You can use Google Maps to hunt for a locksmith in your region; all you need to do is type in the place you want to search for and hit the search button. Your best bet is to look in the immediate vicinity since locksmiths that operate beyond state boundaries are probably not authorized to work in your region. Contact them over the phone to find out the current status of their license.

How Do I Get My Money Back from a Locksmith

The best way to get your money back from an emergency locksmith is by filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Your information may be used by the Federal Trade Commission as a resource for broader enforcement or fines, but the FTC won’t be able to address individual complaints. The issue of fraudulent locksmith services is widely known to the Federal Trade Commission, and presenting further proof and testimony is helpful.

You may also start a chargeback by contacting your bank about the transaction. You have the legal right to reverse the transaction if you paid for the services using a credit card. Regulation E of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act ensures that you have the same rights regardless of whether you used a credit card or a debit card. This does not mean, however, that you will automatically be refunded any disputed costs; rather, you will be assured the opportunity to do so.

What Is Another Name for Locksmith?

There are a few alternative terms that may be used to refer to a locksmith, including tradesman, glazier, electrician, and plumber.

The Verdict

So, do locksmiths take advantage of their customers? Not very often, to be honest. Nonetheless, you always need to be on guard, since there are always a few rotten apples in any group. Make it a point to get in touch with reputable and experienced locksmith services such as Express Locksmith.

Express Locksmith has years of experience helping individuals to regain access to their homes and places of business in a timely and trouble-free manner, and they are always delighted to assist new clients. Customers from both the residential and commercial sectors have been served by Express Locksmith when they want assistance with rekeying locks or putting new hardware on doors.

The company is particularly proud of its ability to provide prompt service that is also reasonably priced for all different kinds of customers. These experts have been educated to use the most recent and cutting-edge technology, which enables them to resolve any lock problem, regardless of how complicated it may seem. And if you find yourself in a dire situation, don’t hesitate to contact us at Express Locksmith as we are available around the clock.

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