7 Common Locksmith Scams in the USA and How to Avoid Them
- alvishgajera
- Aug 28
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 29
When you lock yourself out of your car, the last thing you want to deal with is a dishonest locksmith professional. You are already in a stressful situation, and you are already under pressure; dealing with dishonest locksmith professionals will be even more stressful. If you are not aware of a few factors before hiring the locksmith professionals, it can cause locksmith scams.
But finding a dishonest locksmith professional is not uncommon; the world is a large place with many honest locksmith professionals, but there are also dishonest locksmiths who can scam you with faulty bills and excessive additional charges. How do you avoid these scams in the US and protect your property and bank account? Read through the entire blog to learn about common locksmith scams that occur in the United States and discover the security tips you should follow to protect yourself from these incidents.
7 Locksmith Scam Warning Signs in The USA
Here are the seven warning signs of locksmith scams in the USA and tips to avoid locksmith fraud.
1. Unrealistic Low Price For Services
Unrealistically low prices are among the most common scams in the USA. Suppose you are calling a professional locksmith service, and they are offering a very low service price. It sounds more like "go get the offer." Low prices often hook customers almost instantly, who are desperate during lockout and want immediate relief from the situation.
When the locksmith service arrives, the story changes entirely. The locksmith can charge more by referring to the clock as a special lock and requesting additional payment.
This is a very complicated situation; you would like to have the service as fast as can be. All of a sudden, your service charge increases to almost 2 to 3 times higher. While low service charges may seem attractive, they are often unrealistic. Dishonest locksmith professionals can exploit the situation during your lockout to demand higher fees.
How to Avoid It:
Try to avoid the locksmith services that are offering unrealistic low prices. Be skeptical of locksmith advertisements that display low prices.
Always ask for the clear estimations over the phone, including many potential charges, to avoid locksmith scams in the USA.
Research about the average locksmith prices in your area and book the most appropriate service; however, this can vary based on the specific job.
2. Unnecessarily Drilling for Service
Dishonest locksmith services may claim that drilling out the lock is the only way to open it. Therefore, drilling is necessary only for high-security locks or when your lock is severely damaged from either the inside or outside. Professional locksmiths are trained to pick and bypass most locks without destroying them.
Scammers use drilling as an excuse to charge extra fees. Occasionally, they offer drilling services because they lack the expertise to handle high-security lock mechanisms. Professional locksmiths should be trained and they are trained to bypass most locks without destroying them from any side.
How to Avoid It:
Ask for the proper upfront information on whether drilling will be required.
Always keep in mind that any professional locksmith will only use drilling as a final option.
Select locksmith professionals who hold licenses and certifications from reputable organizations.
Search for certified locksmith services near me and identify the desired service providers to avoid locksmith scams in the USA.
3. Significantly Increased Emergency Locksmith Service Fees
Lockouts can occur at any time. Lockouts can happen at night, in the morning, on weekends, and during holidays. Scammers can benefit from this, charging an excessive after-hours fee, sometimes doubling or tripling the standard rate without informing the customers upfront.
For instance, if locksmiths charge $100 for a locksmith job during the day, they may charge approximately $300 at night. Authentic locksmiths usually impose a reasonable surcharge on after-hours services.
How to Avoid It:
Before booking the service, always inquire about the emergency service fees to avoid any surprises.
If you have the time, try to compare the service types from multiple locksmiths and go through their services for better ideas.
You can save the contact information of the trusted locksmith service providers in advance; in this way, you can avoid being forced to call the first number.
4. False Locksmith Listings
There can be many scam locksmiths with fake websites or Google listings. This makes them appear local, but they do not offer the services they claim. They use generic business names like 24 Hour locksmith and list dozens of phone numbers with different city names. Only local locksmiths can help you in stressful lockout situations.
For instance, when you book an appointment for a locksmith to visit your location, they may send less experienced and untrained subcontractors who have no real connections to the business. In that situation, you must still provide the time requested, even if they demand additional money to begin the work. This situation is becoming increasingly serious and uncomfortable.
How to Avoid It:
Always look for a locksmith professional who has a real, verifiable street address.
You can check your Google Maps listing for authentic photos of their storefronts and see which stores are near your location.
You can search for "fake locksmith near me" and make a list of their names to avoid using their services in the future.
Match the contact number of the locksmith advertisements with their website. Do not hire them if there is no match. If any professional locksmith changes their number, they are going to mention it on their website.
5. Cash-Only Demands
Another common warning sign is when a locksmith solely accepts only cash payments. Some of the small businesses prefer cash to avoid the hassle of payments through credit cards. To identify the scammers among locksmiths, it's important to note that credit card payments are accepted everywhere.
Scammers can adopt numerous fraudulent tactics. There is a high chance of poor-quality service after your cash payment, and they can charge extra for proceeding with the work.
How to Avoid It:
Know what types of payments they are going to accept.
Always choose locksmith professionals who accept credit cards and provide payment protection.
Receive a detailed written receipt for the services.
6. No Proper Identification or Credentials
Any legitimate locksmith service provider must carry proper identification and a business card and often wear a branded uniform. Many of the states in the United States require locksmith professionals to be licensed; that means they should be able to show you the license and registration number.
If they cannot present any valid identification after arriving at your location, it suggests that you are dealing with untrustworthy service providers. Rejecting their services helps you to avoid locksmith scams in the USA.
How to Avoid It:
Always ask for the proper identification and licensing number when they reach your place.
You can search with “licensed locksmith near me” and find the licensed locksmith service providers near your location.
Be sure to verify the company logo, the vehicle's branding, and all relevant paperwork.
Do not hire any locksmith professional who does not want to share any credentials.
7. Intimidation and Pressure Tactics
Often dishonest locksmith professionals can resort to high-pressure sales tactics. They use sales techniques that may include insisting on replacing the lock. They can also address the lock as unsafe. Threaten to call the police if you refuse to pay their inflated bills. They often engage in aggressive behaviors to force compliance.
These tactics can leave you feeling shaken and pressured, and they may cause you to pay thousands of dollars for work that you never requested.
How to Avoid It:
Do not calmly agree to any unnecessary locksmith work.
If you feel unsafe stepping outside, you can call a friend or neighbor for support.
To address extreme cases, contact the local authorities for further assistance.
4 Useful Tips To Protect Yourself From Locksmith Scams
Here are the tips that you can follow to avoid the locksmith scams in the USA.
Don’t wait for a lockout; do the research in advance and save their number. Search for “licensed locksmith near me in Pittsburgh.” Please shortlist the numbers and save them.
Check the locksmith's name and the authenticity of their website.
Do not forget to ask for an estimate before work begins; authentic and licensed locksmith providers share written estimates for work.
Research the average cost of the locksmith services in your location.Always keep the backup option carry spare keys and leave them with a trusted neighbor; consider the smart lock system to reduce emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Locksmith scams in the USA are often addressed as uncommon, but knowing the warning signs can protect you from being overcharged or scammed. The key is to plan ahead of time, do research on the local locksmith service providers in advance, and stay alert when hiring professionals during any emergency. A genuine locksmith professional will always be transparent about pricing, share proper identification upon arrival at your location, and provide you with clear quotes. You can contact Murray Avenue Locksmith professionals to avoid any possible professional scams.
FAQs
What should you do if you are scammed by a locksmith in the USA?
If you are already scammed by a locksmith in the USA you have to first contact your bank payment provider and report the scam payment transaction. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the state’s consumer protection agency. You can also take help from local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission. You can also leave a review of your experience to help protect others from scams.
How can you determine if a locksmith is legitimate?
Before hiring the locksmith professional, look for the proper ID, a physical business address, and licensing as per requirements. The transparent pricing helps you to confirm legitimacy.
Is it normal for locksmiths to ask for cash?
Locksmiths typically prefer payment in cash, and if they decline to accept credit or debit cards, it's a warning sign. Reputable locksmith professionals accept multiple forms of payment, like credit and debit cards.
What steps can you take to avoid locksmith scams?
The best approach is to conduct research before emergency locksmith requirements. Maintain a list of trusted local locksmith professionals. If you hire someone for any emergency locksmith services, always verify their credentials and get the estimations first to avoid any unnecessary repair expenses.
How can you verify the authenticity of a locksmith service's online reviews?
Be cautious of reviews that appear generic, excessively positive, or posted on the same day. Authentic reviews will be different; some will give five stars, and the same can give three stars. Also, authentic reviews include more details about the services; fake ones sound repetitive and have no detailed information about them.
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