Getting locked out of a vehicle or home can happen to anyone at anytime. We all know what a hassle this situation can be. If it happens to you right in the middle of the night, your first impulse is apparently to call up a family member or friend to deliver a spare set of keys. However, if neither is available, the next best thing to do is to call up an emergency 24-hour locksmith to help you open your door. However, before you dial a random locksmith’s number, you should be aware that you could be putting yourself into real danger when you call a just about any emergency locksmith.
Unfortunately, there are numerous shady locksmith operators out there preying on unsuspecting customers. In fact, the Better Business Bureau has sounded the alarm on unscrupulous operators that rip off customers across the country. Complaints about locksmith services have increased by almost 75% in the first half of 2007. These complaints range from overcharging to intimidation tactics. With all these warnings and complaints, customers are advised never to trust a locksmith, especially if you’re getting their services for the first time. So before you go and dial a random emergency locksmith’s number, make sure you know the top five reasons why you shouldn’t trust your emergency locksmith easily.
Locksmiths gain access to your property – The chief reason why you should never trust a locksmith entirely is that they acquire access to your property when you hire a locksmith to help open your door. Some locksmith companies may be fronts for thieves and could be targeting your home when you call them up asking for locksmith services.
Unlicensed locksmiths – There are some unlicensed locksmiths out there who are out to rip off as many customers as they can. The best way to avoid being endangered by unscrupulous locksmith companies is to always go for a reputable company. Make sure the company has a local address and a phone number. Never trust a locksmith that works out of their vehicles and use only cell phones.
Locksmith scams – These scams are certainly on the rise. Make sure you take steps to prevent yourself from getting scammed by shady locksmiths. The danger is very real and many people have been injured and killed by providing access to these criminals.
Overcharging – Some fraudulent locksmiths provide a quote when you first call them up, but when the job is finished, you get billed with a price way higher than the one you first agreed upon.
Intimidation tactics – Some locksmiths in Layton UT locksmiths exploit their customer’s dire situation (such as getting locked out of the house in the middle of the night) by trying to intimidate them to pay a higher amount for the service rendered.
These are only five of the reasons why you should never trust an emergency locksmith entirely. It is always best to use the services of a reputable locksmith, preferably one that has a proven track record of trustworthiness. More importantly, the locksmith you pick should be licensed by the state.