A locksmith’s job requires absolute trust. They are literally working with the keys to your life, and so it’s not a job you’d advertise on Facebook and give to the first person to pop up.
When hiring a locksmith, it’s crucially important to watch for locksmith scams. Research by Google suggests that around 40% of trade scams based on Google Maps-type programs are related to call-out jobs, where the person is only seen once before they disappear with your money. Of course, these types of professions would include locksmiths (specifically emergency locksmiths).
To help you avoid the most common locksmith scams, this blog will equip you with everything you need to know.
Common locksmith scams
Unfortunately, locksmith scams have sometimes thrown the entire industry into disrepute. In our experience, customers’ worries most often revolve around irresponsibly-completed work or overcharging. Often, unscrupulous traders simply take your money and disappear. Some of the most common locksmith scams we see or hear about include:
- Unqualified, inexperienced locksmiths – these scams involve an incompetent individual taking on locksmith work. As inexperienced or unqualified tradespeople, they are liable to damage your keys, locks, or other security installations.
- Overcharging – some traders who advertise themselves as locksmiths might add a whole host of unanticipated costs to your bill without informing you. These might appear as unexpected ‘materials’ or ‘service charge’ items on an invoice.
- Intentional property damage – while this is rarer, it’s possible for a criminal to pose as a locksmith to get easy access to a property (for example, by drilling out the lock). We’ve even heard cases where criminals posing as locksmiths will install a new lock, but keep a copy of the keys to themselves, so they can return to the property and gain uninterrupted access.
How to avoid locksmith scams
By following a few simple steps, you can put yourself in a great position to avoid locksmith scams such as those mentioned above.
- Have a good relationship with a locksmith in advance – by building a relationship with a local locksmith, you’ll have someone you trust when you need an emergency call-out. This takes a lot of the stress and hassle out of the situation and is the best way to be sure you’re avoiding a scam.
- Check qualifications– for example, if a locksmith claims to be a member of the MLA (Master Locksmith’s Association), you can look this up on the MLA’s website.
- Take the time to do background checks on a locksmith– most reputable locksmiths have positive reviews from previous customers.
- Avoid strangely low (or excessively high) pricing– there’s no need to pay exorbitant amounts for locksmith services, but if someone offers to replace your car keys for £15, it should raise a red flag.
- Agree on the total cost before the locksmith starts– do this under contract, so the locksmith is obligated to work for that amount. Sometimes there might be legitimate reasons for extra costs, but these shouldn’t ever be necessary for the job’s completion.
- Pay after the job’s complete – this is especially important for domestic customers and small businesses – you don’t want to hand your money over only for it to disappear along with the scammer.
- Ask as many questions as you need to– it’s essential to trust your locksmith. They’ll always be able to answer your questions if they’re legitimate, so ask away. You might find some inconsistencies, suggesting a scam.
- Inspect the work your locksmith has done – once the job’s finished, check for any problems. If you see anything significant, such as poor workmanship or damage, bring it up with the locksmith. They should be happy to fix it. If not, you may need to hire another locksmith to do the job properly.
Trusted locksmiths’ services in Nottingham
At Grays Locksmiths, we are an MLA (Master Locksmiths Association) member. That means we’ve been through a rigorous vetting program and must frequently attend refresher courses and conferences. As mentioned, you can see this by searching for locksmiths in Nottingham on the MLA’s website.
Founded in Nottingham, we’ve provided local locksmith services to the surrounding area since 1987. The job of a modern locksmith is far more than traditional lock and key work, although this is still one of our most important services. We also work with car keys, commercial security, safes, alarms, CCTV, security lighting, ID access systems, and more.
Having been in business in Nottingham for 35 years, we understand your concerns regarding common locksmith scams. We’ll always be happy to answer all your questions, and we’d encourage you to raise anything you’re worried about.
Get in touch with us for more information about our locksmith services. You can get hold of us by email at hello@grayslocksmiths.org or by giving us a call on 0115 942 2315. Alternatively, use the form here on the website, and we’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.