Locksmith scams are on the rise, and it can be tough to know who to trust when you’re locked out of your car or home.
It’s easy for a locksmith scammer to take advantage of someone in a vulnerable situation. These scammers often pose as legitimate locksmiths, but then try to charge inflated prices or even damage your property while trying to help.
San Antonio Car Key Pros is here to help. We are a licensed, insured, and bonded locksmith company with years of experience helping people get back into their homes and cars. Our team is available 24/7 to help you with any lock-related emergency. We never charge more than our quoted price, and we always work hard to ensure that our customers are happy with our service.
Unfortunately, not all locksmiths are honest. In fact, there are many scams that locksmiths use in order to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners.
The majority of search results are not vetted by Google or other search engines. The company listings and addresses might be phony enterprises or even vacant properties. Don’t let this con happen to you! Follow these guidelines to ensure that you locate a trustworthy locksmith.
1. Prepare Yourself, Do Some Research
The best way to avoid being scammed by a locksmith is to be prepared. If you know what to look for, it will be easier to spot a scammer. When you’re locked out of your home or car, the last thing you want to do is waste time searching for a locksmith. But if you take the time to do some research ahead of time, it will pay off in the long run.
Asking friends and family for recommendations
One of the best ways to find a reputable locksmith is to ask your friends and family for recommendations. If someone you trust has had a good experience with a locksmith, then there’s a good chance that you will too.
Avoid no-name locksmith companies
Locksmiths who give generic phrases like “locksmith services” rather than a precise name should be avoided. If a locksmith refuses to provide the company’s legal name, look for another one.
Check online reviews
Another great way to find a reputable locksmith is to check online reviews. Sites like Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List can be a great resource for finding honest reviews from past customers.
Be sure to read both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded view of the company. Look for locksmiths with positive reviews and testimonials from happy customers.
Verifying licensing and insurance
Before you hire a locksmith, make sure that they are licensed and insured. This information should be readily available on their website or over the phone. A legitimate locksmith will have no problem providing you with proof of their licensure and insurance.
Get multiple quotes
When you’re in need of a locksmith, it’s important to get multiple quotes before making a decision. This way, you can compare prices and services to find the best deal. Don’t just go with the first locksmith you find. Get quotes from at least three different locksmiths before making your decision.
2. When You Call a Locksmith…
Pay close attention to how they respond to the phone call
Do they answer with a generic “locksmith services” when you call them? Make sure you know their company’s name and that it corresponds to where you think you’re being called from.
Are they professional? Do they seem like they know what they’re talking about? If not, hang up and find someone else.
Be wary of toll-free phone numbers
These are often used by scammers who are based in other states. If a locksmith company uses an 800 number instead of a local phone number, this is pretty suspect. It’s often a sign you’re dealing with an out-of-state call center, which is a red flag for a locksmith scam.
Be wary of locksmiths who give you a quote over the phone without seeing the problem first-hand
A locksmith who is honest and reputable will need to see the problem in order to give you an accurate quote. If a locksmith gives you a quote over the phone, be very wary. This is usually a sign that they’re trying to scam you.
Get the locksmith’s full name, company name, address, and phone number
Make sure you have all of this information before the locksmith arrives. This way, you can verify that they are who they say they are when they show up.
Keep an eye out for suspiciously low pricing
Customers are taken advantage of by enticing them with low prices and then charging a premium once they arrive. The typical argument is that the task is more difficult and costly. While prices are not always higher, a task does become more complicated over time, as evidenced by the suspiciously low beginning price.
When you hire a local mobile locksmith to come to your home, there are several associated expenses. It’s not cheap to equip yourself with the tools, obtain licensing, learn how to use them correctly, and travel from place to place. Locksmiths simply can’t charge $15 for the service call and still have enough left over at the end of the day. The typical service fee for a locksmith is around $60.
Ask for a flat rate or a range of prices
A genuine locksmith will be able to provide you with a precise quotation for the work. Scammers will tell you that the “work begins at $X.” Most lockouts necessitate the use of “flat rates,”. It’s also typical for scammers to return and offer you a cheaper price if you don’t accept their initial offer.
Don’t forget to ask about hidden fees
Some locksmiths will try to charge hidden fees, such as a service call fee or a night/weekend surcharge. Be sure to ask about all possible fees before agreeing to hire a locksmith.
Ask if they will have to drill the lock
Drilling a lock is an uncommon occurrence. Even high-security locks have workarounds. If you’re not sure what kind of lock you have, send a photo of it to the locksmith for verification. Without damaging the lock, a locksmith will know exactly what needs to be done by looking at the photo of it.
Be extremely cautious of anybody who claims they must drill your lock. You’ll need to get a new lock and it won’t match any of your other locks if you have to drill yours. In the end, after the locksmith has gone, your key should still work.
3. When the Locksmith Arrives…
Be sure to ask for their ID and documentation
This is another way to check to see if the locksmith is legitimate. Most locksmiths will be happy to show you their ID and documentation, but a scammer may try to avoid this. Don’t let them in until you’re sure they’re legitimate.
Make sure they’re traveling in a clearly marked business vehicle
This should have the locksmith’s company name and phone number on it. A locksmith that tries to do the job without a vehicle is likely not legitimate. Most scammers work out of their personal cars.
Be sure they’re wearing a uniform
A locksmith should be wearing a uniform with their company’s logo on it. This is another way to spot a fake locksmith. A locksmith that arrives in plain clothes is likely not legitimate.
Ask to see an invoice form before they start
This is a way to ensure that you’re not being overcharged. A locksmith should be able to give you an estimate of the cost before they start working. If they try to avoid this, it’s a red flag.
4. Support a Local Locksmith-Owned Business!
When you’re looking for a locksmith, try to find one that is locally owned and operated. These businesses are more likely to be legitimate and have your best interests in mind. They’re also more likely to be familiar with the area and the types of locks that are common in homes and businesses.
A local locksmith will have a physical address and a landline phone number. They should also be listed in the local business directory. Do your research to find a locksmith that’s local to you.
San Antonio Car Key Pros: Your Trusted and Reliable Locksmith
If you’re in need of a locksmith in San Antonio, TX, look no further than San Antonio Car Key Pros. We are a trusted and reliable locksmith company that has been serving the San Antonio area for years. We offer a wide range of locksmith services, from key duplication to lock installation and repair. No matter what your locksmith needs may be, we can help!
We understand that when you need a locksmith, it’s usually because you’re in a bind. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency locksmith services. Whether you’re locked out of your car or home, or you’ve lost your keys, we can help! We’ll come to your location and get you back on your way as quickly as possible.
We offer a wide range of locksmith services, including:
- Key duplication
- Key cutting
- Lock installation
- Lock repair
- Lock replacement
- Emergency locksmith services
If you’re looking for a locksmith that you can trust, look no further than San Antonio Car Key Pros! We’re here to help you with all of your locksmith needs, 24/7! Call us at (210) 960-8984!
Customer Testimonials For Locksmith Services With San Antonio Car Key Pros
If you’re looking for a locksmith in San Antonio, TX, look no further than San Antonio Car Key Pros. We provide fast, reliable locksmith services at affordable prices, and our customer testimonials speak for themselves.
“I needed a locksmith to come to my office to change the locks on our front door. I called San Antonio Car Key Pros and they were there within an hour. They did a great job and were very professional. I would definitely recommend them to anyone in need of a locksmith!”
– John F., San Antonio, TX
“I was so pleased with the locksmith service I received from San Antonio Car Key Pros. They were able to come to my rescue when I locked me out of my car. The locksmith was very professional and was able to get me back into my car in no time. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone in need of a locksmith.”
– Sarah R., San Antonio TX
“I needed to get my locks changed after a break-in attempt, and San Antonio Car Key Pros did a great job. They came out quickly and had everything done in no time. I’m very happy with their service.”
– John K., San Antonio TX
“I locked my keys in the car and was getting ready to call a tow truck when I remembered I had San Antonio Car Key Pros’ number. I called them and they came out right away and got my car unlocked. Saved me a lot of time and money!”
– Mary P., San Antonio TX
“I needed to have my locks changed after I moved into a new home. I contacted San Antonio Car Key Pros and they were able to send a locksmith out to me within minutes. The locksmith was very professional and did a great job changing the locks on my doors. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone in need of a locksmith.”
– Jane W., San Antonio TX
How to avoid locksmith scams
As a consumer, it’s important to be aware of the many locksmith scams that are out there. Here at San Antonio Car Key Pros, we want to make sure you’re informed and protected from these scammers, so you can avoid becoming a victim.
Our goal is to help you get what you need as quickly and easily as possible. We know that when something goes wrong, like being locked out of your car or home, it can be a real hassle. That’s why we’re here to help – so you can get on with your day.