How to Avoid Getting Scammed by a Locksmith

You’re in a hurry to get to work, and as you pull up to your house you notice that your garage door is open. You get out of your car to close it, and then you realize that your house key is inside the garage.

Now what? Do you try to jimmy the lock on the door? What if that doesn’t work and you end up breaking into your own home? Or do you call a locksmith?

Calling a locksmith seems like the obvious solution, but how do you know which locksmith to call? And more importantly, how can you be sure that you won’t get scammed by this locksmith?

Garage Door Express Austin has been providing honest, reliable locksmith services in Austin for over 10 years. We are a family-owned and operated business, and we take pride in our reputation for being trustworthy and dependable. We offer 24/7 emergency service, and we’re always here to help when you need us.

We’ve created this guide to show you how to avoid getting scammed by a locksmith. We’ll teach you what red flags to look for, as well as what questions to ask before hiring someone.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to find a reputable locksmith that you can trust.

With These Fifteen Helpful Tips, You Can Avoid Getting Ripped Off By A Fake Locksmith!

1. Get referrals from people you trust.

If you need to find a locksmith, ask friends, family members, or other people you trust for referrals. This is one of the best ways to find a reputable locksmith who won’t try to scam you.

2. Check for credentials.

When you’ve found a locksmith you’re considering using, make sure to check their credentials. In the United States, locksmiths are required to have a license in order to operate legally. You can typically find this information on a locksmith’s website or business card.

3. Ask for an estimate.

Before hiring a locksmith, be sure to ask for an estimate of all fees upfront. A reputable locksmith should be able to give you a rough estimate of the cost of their services before they begin work.

If a locksmith refuses to give you an estimate or tries to charge you more than the estimated price once the job is finished, this is a red flag that you may be dealing with a scammer.

4. Be wary of locksmiths who advertise “cheap” prices.

While it’s important to get an estimate of the cost of a locksmith’s services upfront, be wary of locksmiths who advertise excessively low prices. In many cases, these locksmiths are scammers who will drastically inflate the price of their services once they’ve begun work.

5. Avoid locksmiths who say they need to drill your lock.

In most cases, a reputable locksmith should not need to drill your lock in order to gain entry to your home or car. If a locksmith says they need to drill your lock, this is a red flag that you may be dealing with a scammer.

6. Be wary of locksmiths who give you a low estimate over the phone.

When getting an estimate from a locksmith, be wary of locksmiths who give you an excessively low estimate over the phone. In many cases, these locksmiths will try to charge you more money once they’ve arrived at your location.

7. Ask if the locksmith is insured.

Before hiring a locksmith, be sure to ask if they are insured. This will protect you in case any damage occurs while the locksmith is working on your home or car.

8. Avoid locksmiths who show up in an unmarked vehicle.

If a locksmith shows up at your location in an unmarked vehicle, this is a red flag that you may be dealing with a scammer. Reputable locksmiths will usually have some sort of markings on their vehicles so that you can easily identify them.

9. Ask for ID.

When the locksmith arrives at your location, be sure to ask for their ID. A reputable locksmith should have no problem showing you their Identification. If they refuse to show you their ID or seem hesitant, this is a red flag that you may be dealing with a scammer.

10. Be wary of locksmiths who give you a generic name.

When you’re talking to a locksmith, be wary of locksmiths who give you a generic name, such as “John Smith” or “Mike Jones.” In many cases, these are fake names that scammers use to avoid being identified.

11. Avoid locksmiths who can’t provide you with a physical address.

When you’re looking for a locksmith, be sure to avoid any locksmiths who can’t provide you with a physical address. In many cases, these locksmiths are operating out of a vehicle and may be trying to scam you.

12. Be wary of locksmiths who try to upsell you on services.

Once the locksmith has arrived at your location, be wary of locksmiths who try to upsell you on unnecessary services. In many cases, these locksmiths are only trying to scam you out of more money.

13. Avoid locksmiths who demand cash payment.

When you’re hiring a locksmith, be sure to avoid any locksmiths who demand cash payment. In many cases, these locksmiths are scammers who will take your money and never return it.

14. Be wary of locksmiths who give you a high estimate.

Once the locksmith has arrived at your location, be wary of locksmiths who give you an excessively high estimate for their services. In many cases, these locksmiths are scammers who are trying to take advantage of you.

15. Avoid locksmiths who refuse to give you a receipt.

Once the locksmith has finished their work, be sure to ask for a receipt. A reputable locksmith should have no problem giving you a receipt for their services. If they refuse to give you a receipt or try to charge you more than the agreed-upon price, this is a red flag that you may be dealing with a scammer.

Garage Door Express Austin is a locksmith company based in Austin, Texas.

We have been in business for over 10 years and have locksmiths who are experienced in all types of locksmith work.

We offer a wide range of services including lock picking, key duplication, and emergency locksmith services. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you with your locksmith needs.

If you’re ever locked out of your home or car, don’t call just any locksmith.

Call the experts at Garage Door Express Austin. We’re here to help you 24/7 with all of your locksmith needs. From lock picking to key duplication, we can do it all.

And we’ll do it at an affordable price. So call us now and we’ll be there to help you in no time. Call us at (512) 482-0081!

Reasons Why You Should Choose Us?

When you’re looking for a locksmith, you want to know that you’re getting the best possible service. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should choose us:

We’re fully licensed and insured
We’re available 24/7
We have years of experience
We’re affordable
We’re fast and efficient

Don’t take our word for it, though. See what our satisfied customers have to say about us. Visit our website or give us a call today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions. Call us at (512) 482-0081!

Customer Testimonials for How to Avoid Getting Scammed by a Locksmith With Garage Door Express Austin

“I was so relieved when I called Garage Door Express Austin for help – they were able to come out right away and help me change my locks. They were also very honest and upfront about their pricing, which was much appreciated.”

– Amy G.

“I had a great experience with Garage Door Express Austin – they were quick, efficient, and very reasonably priced. I would definitely recommend them to anyone in need of a locksmith.”

-John S.

“I called Garage Door Express Austin when I got locked out of my house and they were able to come out within 30 minutes. They were very professional and did a great job. I would definitely recommend them to anyone in need of a locksmith.”

-Kate H.

“I was so relieved when I found out about Garage Door Express Austin. They came and helped me change my locks after I got scammed by a locksmith. They were so professional and did a great job. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.”

-Jessica, Austin TX

“I called Garage Door Express Austin after I got scammed by a locksmith. They were so helpful and changed my locks quickly. They were also very affordable. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.”

-Tom, Austin TX

FAQs About How to Avoid Getting Scammed by a Locksmith

What is a locksmith scam?

A locksmith scam is when a locksmith takes advantage of a customer by overcharging them, damaging their property, or failing to provide the services they promised.

There are many different ways that locksmiths can scam their customers. Some common scams include:

Charging for services that were never performed
Using substandard materials and products
Damaging property while working
Failing to show up for an appointment
Quoting one price and then charging another

These are just some of the most common scams that locksmiths use. Unfortunately, there are many other ways that locksmiths can take advantage of their customers.

What red flags should I look for?

You should be on the lookout for several red flags when hiring a locksmith. These red flags will help you avoid getting scammed, and they’ll also help you find a locksmith that you can trust.

Some of the most common red flags to look for include:

The locksmith doesn’t have a physical address
The locksmith doesn’t have a business license
The locksmith uses a generic voicemail message
The locksmith has bad reviews online
The locksmith quotes a very low price over the phone

If you see any of these red flags, it’s best to find another locksmith. These are all signs that the locksmith may not be reputable, and they could end up scamming you.

What questions should I ask before hiring a locksmith?

Asking the right questions is one of the best ways to avoid getting scammed by a locksmith. You should always ask for a written estimate before hiring a locksmith, and you should also ask about their qualifications and experience.

Some other questions that you may want to ask include:

Do you have liability insurance?
What type of payment do you accept?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
How long will it take you to complete the job?

Asking these questions will help you weed out the locksmiths that are not reputable, and it will also help you find a locksmith that you can trust.

What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed by a locksmith?

If you think you’ve been scammed by a locksmith, contact your credit card company or bank immediately to dispute the charges.

You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or your state’s attorney general’s office. And be sure to spread the word to your friends and family so they don’t become victims of locksmith scams, too.

What makes a good locksmith?

A locksmith should be someone you can trust to not only do a good job but also charge a fair price. Here are a few things to look for in a locksmith:

They should be able to give you a firm quote over the phone.
They should have good reviews from past customers.
They should be certified by an organization like the Associated Locksmiths of America or the National Locksmith Association.
They should be licensed and insured.
They should be willing to show you proof of their qualifications upon request.

How do I determine the best local locksmith?

There are a few things you can do to find a reputable locksmith in your area. Start by asking your friends and family for recommendations. You can also check online review sites like Yelp or Angie’s List.

Once you’ve found a few locksmiths that you’re considering, be sure to ask them all of the questions listed above. This will help you narrow down your choices and find the best locksmith for your needs.

When hiring a locksmith, always remember to trust your gut. If something feels “off,” it probably is. And if you have any doubts, it’s best to find another locksmith. With so many scammers out there, it’s better to be safe than sorry!