Beware of Scammer Locksmiths
Their Google Adverts Stating from £39 / £49 / £59 Price but charging a lot more!
The number one sign of a rogue locksmith is usually a very cheap advertised price at the top of Google or similar search engines – the price I have seen is normally £39/£49 or £59.
How to Spot a Rogue Locksmith advert
A typical bait and switch rogue locksmith advert will likely consist of the following.
First Page on Top Ads on Google
Locksmith scams have gone overboard into using fake names and websites. They use the famous logos and photos as part of their scam to impersonate famous or largest companies. Their price quotes are irresistibly low on their website. When a customer calls, they quote low prices only for them to overcharge the client ten times more upon job completion. Some clients pay over £1000 for a £100 to £400 worth job.
1. Cheap Advertised Price be wary of from £39 / £49 or £59 prices and arriving time (at your door) 10-15 minutes.
– I have found these are the prices rogue locksmiths are promoting
– The scammer locksmith will usually charge significantly more upon completion of any work.
2. Minimum page website.
3. Fake and inappropriate photos of locksmiths (tehnitians) on her website.
4. Paid Ads The first positions on Google are often adverts & will have the word ‘Ad‘ before them.
– Ads have been paid for and are not organic results which are further down the page after Google business listings.
– Anyone can pay to have an Ad in Google and rogue locksmiths know this.
5.Nationwide Problem Rogue locksmiths also turn their adverts on and off to appear in ALL areas of the UK and at certain times of the day.
If a low price looks too good to be true then more often than not it will be!
Locksmith (call centre) is vague on the Phone about Price Details
A genuine locksmith should be able to provide a quote for the job either over the phone or by email or WhatsApp , as long as they know details about the job.
A rogue locksmith prices on the phone are very cheap:
1.Very vague about price details on the phone.
2.Keeps mentioning a low price on the phone.
-Unable to give accurate price quote for the job e.g price of specific lock, cost to unlock your lock.
3.Our prices start from £39,£49,£59.. but never not gave you a total price.
As a result, it will most likely be as I gave these examples !!!
Examples of Poor Locksmith Work
Locksmith Attempts to Drill Your Lock
Always be wary if a locksmith immediately attempts to drill to open your door lock as they will normally try other, non-destructive methods first.
Sometimes drilling a lock is the only way to open it though.
Warning signs of a locksmith using a drill:
1st attempt to open your lock is by drilling the lock
Drilling is usually a last resort for skilled locksmiths
Pro Tip: A locksmith will normally only use a drill if the lock is broken beyond repair and or the lock will need replacing anyway (e.g. keys stolen)
Poor Locksmith Work
How To Avoid the Dangers of Locksmith Scams:
Confirm The Price Prior
When on a call with the locksmith, ask them to quote the cost of service. Ensure the quoted price is close enough to the estimated price on site . If the locksmith gives varying prices, be cautious. A reputable company has fixed prices for products and services. Therefore, if you are suspicious, do not choose the locksmith.
Do not fall victim to the unscrupulous locksmith. The information above will help you to spot and avoid such scammers. Avoid wasting your money on cheap services that will cost you more than expected. Do your research before you hire any locksmith services. Even better, find a dependable and reputable locksmith with real review to work with in the future. Look for services from a reputable Locksmith that will help you at any time.
First Page on Top Ads on Google
Locksmith scams have gone overboard into using fake names and websites. They use the famous logos and photos as part of their scam to impersonate famous or largest companies. Their price quotes are irresistibly low on their website. When a customer calls, they quote low prices only for them to overcharge the client ten times more upon job completion. Some clients pay over £1000 for a £100 to £400 worth job
Scam locksmiths have destroyed the reputation of legitimate businesses. However Not all locksmiths are fake- Many locksmith companies are approved and famous for their outstanding services, products, and reputation.
Vague Website With No Company Details
The scammers also create websites with no details such as addresses, company registration number, and VAT number. Their website is very simple; however, it has fake reviews and ratings. This way, they have the advantage to rip you off your money when the job is done. Always do your research about the company before hiring their services. If the website is suspicious, avoid it at all costs. Fake websites, for example, Have no addresses.
Check For The Reliability.
Having a locksmith to rely on in cases of emergencies helps you to remain calm. Panicking in moments of lock emergencies makes many homeowners fail to see any red flags. These are the key details to look out for when checking reliability.
Fake Review
Scammers also use paid customer reviews with good ratings and positive testimonials. Many homeowners have fallen victims to scammers through such fake ads and reviews. The homeowners are left with defective locks and, they end up blaming it on legitimate companies, not realizing the locksmith was a scam. A lot of reviews on the scammers web site can not be verify.
ComingUp With Excuses
Rogue locksmiths always have excuses to make, such as “the lock is too old,” “high-security lock.” They use such statements to lure you into believing what they say. They can convince you they have to drill the door knowing that it will destroy your lock. They will then replace your lock with a defective cheap lock yet overcharge you in the name of a “high-security lock.” For example, in a situation where you wanted a duplicate key, and the locksmith tells you the door has to be drilled, do not hire their services.
Calls and Unclear Answers
When a customer calls to the locksmith companys , they respond with generic phrases like “locksmith” or “locksmith service.” and never not said operator name . Any legitimate company often answers calls by introducing themselves and the company name. If you call a locksmith and fail to do that, do not ask for any assistance until you have proof of legitimacy.
Another red flag during the call is, the locksmith quotes the price like “Our rices start from £49.” This could mean a lot for you, even way more £ than expected..
