You don’t want to let just anyone into your home. And if someone is going to access the locks of your home and vehicle, how do you know whether they can be trusted? What’s more, is it possible to report a locksmith if you run into issues with them?
Licenses are how locksmiths in Miami, and across America, are regulated – there are also locksmith associations. However, not all cities and states have their own locksmith association or require locksmiths to have licenses.
Here is what you need to know before you hire a locksmith in Miami, or anywhere else.
Are Miami Locksmiths Regulated?
The following states require all locksmiths to have and/or carry a license.
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
Applying for a license is also different in every state, but overall, one standard requirement is a background or criminal history check.
As for the states that don’t appear on this list, some don’t require a license at all, while others have their own laws regarding the profession.
For example, in Miami, you can operate without a locksmith license, but only if you are part of an organization where at least one of the locksmiths is licensed.
How to Report a Locksmith in Miami
If you’ve fallen victim to a locksmith scam in Miami or paid for services with an unqualified locksmith who caused damage, there are a few ways to report them.
- Contact Miami-Dade County
Your first option is to submit a consumer complaint affidavit to Miami-Dade County. Include any supporting documents such as photos, text messages, emails, and contracts to support your case.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission
There is also the option of filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Unfortunately, they cannot resolve the issue for you. However, they will keep your information on file in order to build a larger case. You can file the complaint on the FTC website or contact their Consumer Response Center.
- Contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center
If you ended up dealing with a scam locksmith because you found their details online, you can report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. This unit investigates false or fraudulent online claims and can help build a case against the locksmith.
Just How Difficult Is It to Become a Locksmith?
Unfortunately, locksmith scams are a common occurrence in both Miami and other cities. It makes you wonder why it’s not more difficult to become a locksmith.
The truth is professional and reputable locksmiths undergo more specialized training than you might realize and are willing to take additional steps to help their customers feel more at ease. Obtaining a license, even when they don’t have to, is one of these steps.
Even though locksmiths aren’t regulated in all states, this doesn’t mean a potential locksmith can’t be trusted. This is where the need to do a bit of research comes in. In fact, even if a locksmith has a license, due diligence is necessary.
Reputable locksmiths are more than happy to produce proof of their license, qualifications, and insurance. They will also have an online presence and readily display customer reviews. In essence, it shouldn’t be difficult to find information about the locksmith you want to hire.
If for any reason you do run into problems with the Miami locksmith you hired, the good news is it is possible to report them.
