You never think you’re going to need a locksmith until something goes wrong with your locks at home or you are locked out of your house completely. And trying to find a locksmith you can trust in a hurry is not always easy.
Fortunately, knowing what to look out for can make a big difference to your overall experience and give you that added peace of mind.
Ideally, you want to research locksmiths in Key Biscayne before you need one. This way, you can take your time and ensure the locksmith is ticking all the right boxes before you hire them.
Why is this important though? Aren’t all locksmiths trustworthy and professional? Unfortunately, locksmith scams happen more often than we would like to think, which is why it’s best to know what you should be looking out for.
Signs You Can’t Trust a Locksmith
As you begin your search for a locksmith in Key Biscayne, here are a few red flags to keep an eye out for.
- There Is No Business Name
If you contact a local locksmith and they answer the phone with something generic instead of a business name, you might be setting yourself up to be scammed. Any professional locksmith will have a legal name for their business.
- The Business Address Belongs to Someone Else
So, you think you have found the right locksmith. What you want to do next is ask for their local address. A quick online search can tell you whether that address is legit or if it belongs to another business. This is another quick way to find out whether you can trust a locksmith.
- You are Calling a Toll-Free Number
While it’s not impossible for a locksmith to use a toll-free number, generally, these numbers are connected to out-of-state call centers. And it’s usually these call centers that are linked to locksmith scams. If you do end up calling a toll-free number, keep the rest of the red flags on this list in mind before you decide this is the right locksmith for you.
- The Prices are Surprisingly Low
We all want to save money, but locksmith prices that seem a little too good could be a warning sign. What these locksmiths usually do is advertise low prices to get customers to call them. Once they hand over the final bill though, you will probably find a bunch of additional charges that skyrocket the total cost.
A professional locksmith will always provide you with a final quote once they arrive at your location and evaluate what needs to be done. And if they don’t, ask them for a final cost so that you know exactly what to expect. You can even go as far as reminding them to tell you if any extra work is required once they get started. Double-checking never hurt anybody.
- They Arrive in an Unbranded Vehicle
While there are some locksmiths who don’t have branding on their vehicles, most do. Branding is how many locksmiths attract new business, so it’s rare for a professional to not even have a logo of some sort on their car. If a locksmith arrives in an unbranded vehicle, be sure to look out for additional red flags. Remember, you don’t need to give someone the go-ahead if you don’t feel comfortable.
- They Don’t Have an ID On Them
A locksmith will always carry some form of identification with them – if they are a true professional anyway. Any locksmith that can’t produce an ID should not be working on your home, vehicle, or office. You could also ask to see a license but not all states require locksmiths to have a license, so this isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker. Only Miami-Dade County locksmiths legally require a license in Miami.
- They Can’t Answer All Your Questions
The final sign that you might not be able to trust a locksmith is if they can’t answer all your questions. Along with asking about their experience, you should also find out what methods they will be using to get into your house or fix a particular issue. Any locksmith that says they will be drilling a lock does not have the right experience to assist you. Opening a high-security lock is the only time a locksmith should be drilling a lock.
Also, if they are not able to provide you with a final quotation following an evaluation, it’s best to get a second opinion. A locksmith who does that might be trying to sneak additional charges onto your final bill.
In Closing
Finding a locksmith in Key Biscayne that you can trust doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It’s just the little details and signs you need to pay attention to.
Before you contact a locksmith, spend some time doing a bit of research online. Do they have a detailed website that includes an address and contact number? Are you able to read through any reviews from past customers? This can tell you a lot about what you can expect.
Aim to narrow your options down to three locksmiths. From there, you can call each of them and ask them some general questions about their services, pricing, and experience. You may even find that you’re able to settle on one locksmith following this exercise. You now have a number you can call should you ever need locksmith services in Key Biscayne.
And if you do think you have been scammed by someone claiming to be a qualified locksmith, you can report them to your local consumer protection office. If you know about any local locksmith associations, you can report them there too.
Now that you have all the information you need to determine whether you can trust a locksmith you’re thinking about hiring, you can begin your search.
