Unfortunately, not all locksmiths are reliable – some engage in numerous scams and fraudulent activities. So to protect yourself from becoming another victim of these tactics, Smart Locksmith will review common locksmith scams and offer tips for avoiding them if you are looking for a locksmith in Marietta.
Unlicensed Locksmiths
Be wary of unlicensed locksmiths. While some operate without a license, meaning they’re unregulated by the state and may offer their services at lower prices than licensed locksmiths, which may seem attractive initially, their lack of accreditation could mean they lack the necessary training or equipment to do so the job correctly. Unlicensed locksmiths should never be trusted to perform any type of lock installation.
To protect yourself against unlicensed locksmiths in Marietta, ensure they possess a valid license. This status can be verified on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website by asking them for their license number, which can also be verified.
Bait and Switch
A common locksmith scam is the bait-and-switch. In this scenario, the locksmith quotes a low price over the phone but charges much more when they arrive at your location. They may claim that the job is more complex than anticipated or that they must replace all locks.
To avoid becoming the victim of a bait-and-switch scam, get an estimate over the phone and confirm when your locksmith arrives. If they attempt to charge more money than what was agreed upon, do not accept it; rather call another locksmith for assistance.
Lock Drilling
Lock drilling is a scam where an unscrupulous locksmith drills your lock, even if it’s unnecessary, to charge you for a new lock. This practice is common among untrustworthy locksmiths who only want to make money.
To protect yourself against becoming the victim of a lock drilling scam, ask the locksmith why they need to drill the lock. If their explanation does not make sense, do not allow them to proceed with drilling the lock. Alternatively, ask another locksmith for their opinion before agreeing on anything.
Overcharging
Overcharging is a practice where locksmiths charge more than the agreed-upon price for their services. This scam usually occurs with locksmiths with a reputation for overcharging.
To avoid being scammed by this practice, obtain an estimate for the job before the locksmith starts work. If it turns out to be significantly higher than what was quoted, don’t accept it and ask why they are charging more than what was quoted.
Fake Reviews
False reviews are becoming more commonplace in the locksmith industry. Some locksmiths create fake reviews to make themselves appear more legitimate than they are, which may lead you to hire an untrustworthy locksmith.
To protect yourself from fake reviews, do your due diligence before hiring a locksmith. Check reviews across multiple sources such as social media, Google, and Yelp to determine whether the locksmith has many positive reviews but few negative ones. A large number of positive feedback without many negative ones should raise red flags; no business can please everyone and negative feedback often indicates an actual issue with service.
Summary
Locksmith scams are unfortunately common, leaving you feeling vulnerable and frustrated. If you need locksmith service in Marietta, GA, take your time finding a trustworthy locksmith – don’t just hire the first person who comes your way; always ask for their license and credentials before allowing them to work on your locks.
Locksmith scams can be a real danger; however, with the correct knowledge and precautions, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. Always hire a licensed and trustworthy locksmith, get an estimate before any work is done, and do your research before selecting one. If you require locksmith services in Marietta, GA area, take your time finding someone reliable that you can trust.
Smart Locksmith
To avoid becoming the victim of locksmith scams, you must select a reputable and trustworthy locksmith. Smart Locksmith is a licensed and insured company providing high-quality locksmith services throughout Marietta, GA, and beyond. Our team of experienced locksmiths is trained in handling any lock-related issue, from emergency lockouts to lock installations and repairs – giving you peace of mind knowing your security is in expert hands without falling prey to fraudulent activities. Contact us today for all your security requirements!