If you've locked your keys in the car at 3 AM, you may need to employ the services of an emergency locksmith. With all of the scams out there, though, how do you ensure that you're not dealing with a crook?
Thankfully,
most locksmiths are hardworking folks, who are just looking to make an honest living. Unfortunately, there are also those other "locksmiths" that are looking to rip you off. These types of locksmiths will often use a number of different tactics to get to your money.
To avoid these unsavory individuals, be on the lookout for these signs that your locksmith might be a crook!
1. They can't or won't give you a legitimate business name.
When you call any reputable locksmith, the phone should be answered professionally, with the name of the business. For example, the person on the other end of the line should answer the phone something like "Homer's Emergency Locksmith services." Some less reputable locksmiths, however, may not keep a legal name, because it prevents them from being labeled as scam artists.
If you do not hear the actual name of the business when someone answers the phone, be sure to ask for the legal name of the business. If they can't or won't give you a legal business name, run - don't walk - to another locksmith that will.
2. They don't arrive in a clearly marked vehicle.
In certain situations, an emergency locksmith may use his own car to get to a location, but this is rare. The majority of emergency locksmiths will arrive at your location in a clearly marked business vehicle. The logo and business name should not be magnetic decals, however, and they should be professionally painted on the side.
If your emergency locksmith arrives in a plain vehicle with no business logo or name, you may want to reconsider letting him work on your property. While this is not always indicative that your locksmith is a crook, it is a red flag.
3. They can't provide proof of insurance or licensure.
Insurance is a must for any locksmith; in this line of work it is not very hard to damage someone's property, and the insurance helps cover the cost of any damage to your property. In some areas, locksmiths are also required to be licensed before they work on anyone's property. The states that require a locksmith to be licensed include Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas. Washington DC also requires locksmiths to be licensed as well.
When the locksmith arrives, be sure to ask him for proof of insurance, and his license, if applicable. If he cannot provide you with the proper documentation, it's best to send him on his way.
4. They won't provide you with their identification.
Even locksmiths that arrive in clearly marked vehicles and have the proper documents should also be willing to show you their identification. Along looking at the identification, you should also obtain a business card and check to make sure the names match.
If you allow a locksmith to work on your property without getting a business card, it will be much harder to locate him again if he damages your property. This will make it much harder to get reimbursed for the damages, or in some cases, press charges.
