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Avoiding any kind of scam is an obvious and legitimate concern for any consumer. When it comes to locksmithing, there are numerous ways that unethical companies and individuals attempt to steal money or perform unnecessary services for profit. The best way to make sure you do not get scammed when you are looking for a locksmith to help you with your security needs is to be on alert for certain characteristics and services offered by a given locksmith. Choosing the right locksmith to help you does not have to be hard, but you do need to be aware of certain scamming techniques and other tactics criminals use when claiming they are providing professional locksmithing services.
Anyone who works as a professional locksmith must be certified. Professional certification is typically obtained through a series of professional and on-the-job trainings, in addition to a state exam that each locksmith is required to pass in order to work. Insurance is also for locksmiths to carry to protect both themselves and you as the customer.
Without proper certification and locksmithing insurance, you may end up with a larger bill than you expected, an incomplete project, or an even bigger problem than you originally started with. Do not be shy about asking questions before you hire a given locksmith. Ask about their insurance and customer protection policies, as well as any other provisions they follow that help ensure that your locksmithing project will be completed in a professional and timely manner.
Before you decide on a locksmith based on a few online reviews, know that online reviews do not always tell the full story of a business or customer experience. Unfortunately, businesses can pay certain review sites to take down bad reviews. Some businesses will even pay individuals directly to write positive, but fake reviews about their business in order to make it appear as though they are more well-liked in the community than they actually are. Be sure to be aware of any review sites that seem to have similar reviews, seemingly from different individuals. If all of the reviews sound generic or do not provide specific details about certain services or individual locksmiths that reviewers have worked with, they are like fake or paid reviews.
Since a lot of homeowners may have questions for the locksmith they hire, a lot of professional lock and key experts offer free consultations. This allows a locksmith to come into your home at no-cost to observe and inspect your current locks. This initial inspection can help both you and the locksmith determine the best course of action to pursue, while also considering your personal budget and preferences. Work with a locksmith that offers a free or discounted consultation and inspection if you are worried about being scammed. This will help you get on the same page as the locksmith and become more acquainted with their practices and services prior to any installations or repairs being made.
While drilling locks may sometimes be necessary, it should never be a first resort. If a locksmith insists on drilling your locks, it should be because all other options for repairing or replacing your locks have been exhausted. Do not allow a locksmith to drill your locks at any point without understanding why it is being done. If you are concerned that your locks are being unnecessarily drilled, do not hesitate to call in a second opinion or ask to speak to a supervisor in order to get more information. Drilling locks should only be performed in the worst case scenario, so be on guard if a locksmith suggests drilling your locks. You may wind up with an unexpected expense on your bill that was ultimately unnecessary.
Hiring the right locksmith may come down to your own gut instincts. If at any time you feel uncomfortable with a given locksmith, are unsure about the way things have progressed, or generally would prefer a different locksmith altogether, do not hesitate to speak up. With how often locksmithing scams occur, you are well within your rights to cancel any services at any time with a locksmith you no longer feel comfortable working with. Sometimes, the uneasy feeling that something is not right is spot on. If you feel like you are being scammed or that you will receive a better deal elsewhere, end any kind of relationship with the locksmith you are currently working with and make the switch. When it comes to your home safety, especially, you can never be too careful. A professional locksmith will keep you informed and make you feel comfortable every step of the way. Hire a locksmith you know legitimately cares about your safety and security.
Now that you know more about what to look for when it comes to hiring a professional and trustworthy locksmith, you are ready to schedule an appointment. Depending on your needs, you may have additional questions that you need answered by a professional. Contact a certified locksmith near you to discuss your specific requests and schedule an appointment. Remember to make sure the locksmith you hire is certified, has received professional and on-the-job training, carries insurance, and is also bonded.
