When you find yourself in a tricky situation such as being locked out of your home or having your car key break off in the ignition, the last thing you want is to have to deal with a fraudulent locksmith.
And when you haven’t taken the time to research locksmiths in your area, you’re left wondering who you can trust.
The good news is there are some key indicators to make a note of that will help you spot a scam locksmith.
How to Spot a Fraudulent Locksmith
Here are some of the signs that you should rather continue your search for a locksmith in South Beach.
- Upfront Payment is Requested
Reputable professionals do not ask for upfront payments. In most instances, when this happens, the so-called professional makes off with the money without doing any of the work. You should never have to pay a locksmith before they’ve completed the requested work.
- The Cost Seems a Little Too Cheap
There’s nothing wrong with shopping around for reasonable locksmith prices, but rates that seem too good to be true generally are. What usually happens in these situations is that the locksmith quotes a much lower price but hits you with a sky-high bill once they complete the work. The excuses range from it turned out to be a much bigger job to long travel times. Always ask for a full quotation before a locksmith begins any work.
- They Can’t (or Won’t) Produce Any Credentials
You have every right to ask to see a locksmith’s ID and to find out more about their credentials before they start any work. A locksmith that is unwilling or cannot provide you with the answers you need might very well be fraudulent. It’s also wise to only work with locksmiths that have an online presence and show up in a marked vehicle and/or clothing.
- Telling You They Need to Drill
Drilling is always an absolute last resort. In fact, very few locksmiths will tell you they need to drill anything, unless they don’t know what they’re doing, or they want to get more money out of you. If a locksmith tells you there is no option but to drill, get a second opinion.
- There is No Invoice
Lastly, if a locksmith cannot provide you with an official invoice, you might be dealing with a scammer. An invoice should list exactly what was done, what parts were used, and what the total cost was. Find out whether you will receive an official invoice before you give a locksmith the go-ahead.
A Locksmith You Can Trust
If you are searching for a trustworthy locksmith in South Beach, look no further than South Beach Locksmith. Our reputation and years of experience are just two of the reasons why we’re the preferred choice for residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith services.
