Locksmith scams have become increasingly common over the years. These scams can be costly and stressful and can leave you feeling vulnerable and violated. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from these scams. To stay away from such scammers and fraudulent, You can also consider locksmith Toronto as a trusted professional who is a highly popular reputed, and genuine locksmith service provider. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common locksmith scams and provide you with tips on how to avoid them.
Bait and Switch Scam
The bait and switch scam is one of the most common locksmith scams. In this scam, the locksmith will give you a low price over the phone, but when they arrive on-site, they will tell you that the job is more complicated than they thought and that the price will be much higher. They will often use intimidation tactics to pressure you into paying a higher price.
How to Avoid It: Before you agree to any work, ask for a written estimate that includes all fees and charges. If the locksmith tries to charge you more than the agreed-upon price, do not allow them to perform the work. If they become hostile or threatening, call the police.
Fake Reviews Posting
Some locksmiths will post fake reviews on their website or on other review sites to make themselves appear more trustworthy. These reviews may be written by the locksmith themselves or by friends and family members.
How to Avoid Such Scam: Look for reviews on multiple websites, including Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List. If you notice a pattern of reviews that seem too positive or too negative, be cautious. Also, look for reviews that include specific details about the locksmith’s service, as these are less likely to be fake.
Drilling the Lock Intentionally
In this scam, the locksmith will claim that the lock cannot be picked and needs to be drilled. They will then replace the lock with a low-quality one and charge you a high price for the service.
How to Avoid and prevent It: Before you agree to any work, ask the locksmith if they can pick the lock. If they insist that the lock needs to be drilled, ask them to show you why. If you suspect that the locksmith is trying to scam you, do not allow them to perform the work.
Fake Professional Associations
Some locksmiths claim to be members of a professional association. However, they may not actually be members of the association or may be using a fake logo.
How to Avoid It: Look for locksmiths who are members of reputable associations, such as ALOA or the Matrix Locksmith in Toronto. You can verify their membership by checking the association’s website or calling their office.
Overpriced Hidden Fees
Some locksmiths will quote you a low price over the phone, but once they arrive on-site, they will add additional fees for things like travel time, after-hours service, or emergency service.
How to Avoid this issue: Before you agree to any work, ask for a written estimate that includes all fees and charges. Be sure to ask if there are any additional fees for after-hours service or emergency service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, locksmith scams are a real and common threat. By being aware of these scams and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. Hiring a professional Locksmith like Matrix Locksmith will be a great choice as it is a genuine associated company providing best-in-class trustworthy services with satisfactory results. Remember to always ask for a written estimate, verify the locksmith’s membership in a professional association, and be wary of low prices that seem too good to be true.
