When you need the assistance of a locksmith in Miami, the last thing you want to have to consider is whether or not you’re going to be scammed. Unfortunately, many professional industries need to deal with the reality of scams, including the locksmith sector.

On the plus side, simply knowing what to look out for can make a massive difference to your overall experience, saving time, money, and unnecessary frustration.

Spotting a Miami Locksmith Scam

Here are some of the signs to look out for if you want to stop yourself from becoming the next locksmith scam victim.

You seem to have reached a call center.

Many scam locksmiths will pay generic call centers in countries such as India to take calls from potential customers. These calls are then transferred to a scam locksmith company that will carry out the job. If you call a locksmith and it seems you have reached a call center or you’re being transferred a lot, it’s best to look at other options. Another clear sign is if the person answering the phone can barely answer any of your questions.

The price seems slightly too good to be true.

Another common locksmith scam is to advertise very low prices. It immediately catches the eye of potential customers and encourages them to schedule an appointment. Unfortunately, the locksmith then hits that customer with a massive bill, stating the job was more complex than originally described. If a price seems a bit too good to be true, rather ask for an official quotation before a locksmith begins any work. This scam is particularly common among locksmiths that get requests for emergency services. They might state the services only cost $40, but that only ends up being the call-out charge, not the cost of labor.

They’re charging per pin.

Rekeying is a common request among homeowners and tenants in Miami and generally, it’s not an expensive job either. Unfortunately, a scam locksmith will try to charge you for rekeying as well as the replacement of the lock’s pin. What many people don’t know is that replacing the pins is a part of the entire rekeying process. Another line you might hear is that your lock has more pins than usual. However, there is a very high chance your lock is standard, which means it has the usual five pins.  

Tips for Avoiding Locksmith Scams in Miami

Even though you now know about some of the most common locksmith scams, there are still additional steps you can take to avoid a scammer completely.

• Know who to call. It’s never ideal to research a locksmith in a hurry. You want to review their prices and website and read through feedback from past customers before you make a decision. Ideally, you want to research reputable locksmiths in your area before you need one. This way you know exactly who you can trust and call in an emergency.
• Ask questions over the phone. To ascertain whether you’ve reached a legitimate business or a call center, ask a few questions about their services, how to get a quote, and how long they’ve been in business. If you receive very vague answers, it’s best to keep looking around.
• Request identification and a quotation. When a locksmith arrives at your location, pay attention to their vehicle and uniform – are they branded? You should then ask to see their identification and request an official quotation before they begin any work. A reputable locksmith will always provide you with a branded quotation and won’t hesitate to produce identification.

With these tips in mind, you have a much lower chance of falling victim to a locksmith scam in Miami.

If you ever need assistance in an emergency, contact us on (305) 846-9360.