How to Avoid a Locksmithing Scam

Most locksmith scams will start by baiting you by quoting you at a very low cost, likely ranging from $15-$40. Keep in mind: a reputable, accredited locksmith would not charge this little; they have to cover the cost of professional equipment, licensing, overhead, labor, etc.

Once the job is started, a scammer will switch and want to charge additional fees by claiming the job is more complicated. While some reasonable scenarios exist where professionals may need to charge more for a more complex lock, ask about any additional fees upfront before starting service. If they refuse, you’re probably dealing with a scam.

Most scammers want to avoid dealing with unhappy customers looking for refunds. This is why they most likely will not have a local business address. If you can’t find a local business address, you’re likely dealing with a scammer.

Any reputable, local locksmith will have a local phone number. If you’re calling a toll-free 800 number, you’re likely dealing with a large call center (and thus a scam). Ensure you’re contacting a local, accredited company before starting service.

This is one of the critical tip-offs to a scam. If you pay in cash, you can’t contest the charges with your credit card company, so scammers will likely request cash-only services paid before they begin service. Reputable locksmiths will always provide several payment methods, including cards.

If your “locksmith” arrives in a suspicious, unmarked vehicle with no company logo, you’re likely dealing with a scam. Any accredited locksmith service will, at minimum, have company vehicles with proper logos on the vehicle to identify themselves.

If you notice an alarming number of 1-star reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, etc., you’re probably dealing with a scammer. Any reputable business will have far more good reviews than bad. If the company average on any platform is one star, that’s a great tip-off to look at a different locksmith service.

This tip coincides with #1, but generally, any reputable, professional locksmith is more than happy to provide you with a written quote that outlines any potential fees before starting services. If they refuse to give you a written quote, they’re probably a scammer.

A locksmith scam will often request payment before work begins. That way, even if you’re unsatisfied with their work, they still have your money. Only pay once you’re completely satisfied with your service, and you can ensure your locks/keys still work correctly, even after they leave.

Locksmith scams often make outrageous claims, such as needing to drill into your lock or break a window to unlock the home or vehicle (only to offer a more expensive option that wouldn’t require this). No reputable locksmith service will ever need to drill or break anything to unlock your car, vehicle, or office.

Professional locksmith services, including King's Locksmiths have the technology appropriate to unlock doors without damaging your property. Only on rare occasions would a professional locksmith need to drill, and that would be for a highly complex lock, not a standard vehicle or home lock.