Most people contact a locksmith when they are at their most vulnerable.
Maybe you recently suffered a break-in, were locked out of your home or vehicle, need a lock change on a new house, or want to beef up your home security to give you peace of mind in a neighborhood that no longer feels safe.
Whatever the case, the best way to ensure the security of your home, car, or business is to learn more about these professionals and how to avoid locksmith scams.
Here are a few of the most common locksmith red flags, how to find a reputable locksmith in an emergency, and why you can always count on the reliable service provided by Meyer’s Local Locksmith:
Professional Locksmith Scams: Red Flags You’re Locksmith Isn’t Legit
Imagine being locked out of your vehicle in a busy parking lot or struggling with your key broken inside your front door lock, and you aren’t sure what to do next.
If you’re new to the area or haven’t worked with professional locksmiths, you may not be sure whether the locksmith who arrives at your door is the real deal or a duplicitous scammer looking to make a quick buck.
Watch out for these tell-tale signs the locksmith who showed up at your home, business, or vehicle is a potential con artist:
Locksmith Scammers Will Charge Far Less Than the Competition
The “professional locksmith” gave you an estimate that is way too low to be true.
Unfortunately, chances are you have just fallen victim to one of the oldest locksmith scams in the game.
Unprofessional locksmiths can charge such low prices because they aren’t carrying the proper insurance, aren’t licensed, or have outdated equipment.
Watch Out for Scammers Who Charge for What Should Be Free Estimates
You’ve pulled out your smart phone to find a locksmith near me, and most will promise exceptional service and free estimates on all parts and labor.
Imagine your surprise when the locksmith charges you a small fee for the estimate that was marketed as free.
This is a more common scam than you might realize and a clear sign you must keep looking for other residential, automotive, or commercial locksmith services.
A Professional Locksmith Will Be Licensed Through the Texas Department of Public Safety
Every locksmith working in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and throughout the rest of Texas must be licensed through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
To gain this license, the individual must complete a basic locksmith course, attend a state-approved locksmith school, and pass a criminal background check.
Before hiring a professional locksmith, take a few minutes and perform a locksmith license lookup in Texas.
Low-Quality Workmanship and Unnecessary Extra Keys
A legitimate locksmith will always provide transparent pricing and quality workmanship.
But you won’t always notice that extra spare key the locksmith made when you weren’t looking.
Unnecessary key duplication is another common locksmith scam that can leave your home vulnerable to unauthorized access by the locksmith you thought was helping protect your family.
A Good Locksmith Will Never Hit You with Hidden Costs
Whether you are rekeying locks, upgrading your outdated security system, or installing a new master key system for your business, you can count on your local locksmith’s transparency.
Quality locksmith services will never charge unexpected fees or ask you to pay a monumental surcharge on hardware.
Need Automotive, Residential, or Commercial Locksmith Services? Look For These Signs of Quality and Integrity
Now that you know what not to look for in a locksmith, it’s time to educate yourself about the clear signs that you are working with an honest locksmith who offers quality service at a great price.
Are you considering upgrading your home’s security, replacing the locks on your commercial property, or simply needing a quick car key replacement?
Here are the signs you are working with an experienced, qualified, licensed locksmith in Plano, TX:
Access to Highly Specialized Tools and Knowledge of the Latest Technology in Door Locks and Security Systems
Locksmithing has evolved over the last several years, and today’s professionals arrive equipped with the latest technology. (Bonus points if the mobile locksmith arrives at your door armed with all those high-tech gadgets!)
Need a new set of transponder keys or a spare key for your new property or business?
A reputable mobile locksmith will have the tools and skills necessary to complete any job on the spot.
A Reputation for Reliable Service at a Fair Price
Beyond a prominent license number and a well-known business name, a quality locksmith will have a reputation for providing unbeatable service at a price you can afford.
One of the most effective ways to avoid locksmith scams is to do your homework to ensure the professional you hire is reputable and honest.
Here are a few tips:
- Ask friends and family for recommendations.
- Check out well-known rating websites, including Yelp and the Better Business Bureau.
- Contact the locksmith directly and ask about their licensing and insurance.
From Car Key Programming Lock Repair and Installation: Look for a Licensed Locksmith Who Can Do It All!
Unlike other locksmiths in Plano, TX, Meyer’s Local Locksmith is a jack-of-all-trades that can handle all your locksmith needs, such as:
- New key and key replacement.
- Access control system installation and repair.
- Automotive locksmith services, including ignition repair.
- House lock replacement.
- Installation of smart locks.
Fear You Were the Victim of a Locksmith Scam? What To Do Next
Even the savviest consumer can fall victim to a locksmith scam.
Knowing what steps to take can help you recoup costs and ensure your neighbors don’t suffer the same fate.
Contact Local Law Enforcement
First and foremost, report the crime to local law enforcement.
Provide the name of the locksmith, the written estimate, and proof of the money you spent.
You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, which is another great way to warn your fellow consumers.
Seeking an Urgent Lock Installation? Work With a Legitimate Commercial or Residential Locksmith
Locksmith emergencies are unfortunate parts of life, and you want to ensure the professional who arrives at your Dallas, Fort Worth, or Plano, TX, door is knowledgeable, ready to work, and, most importantly, a consummate professional.
This is precisely what you can expect when you work with the tremendous team at Meyer’s Local Locksmith.
Meyer’s Local Locksmith: A Reputable Locksmith in Plano, TX
If you aren’t a fan of hidden fees and want to work with a reputable locksmith with an excellent reputation in your community and a team that understands all the unique needs of Plano residents, look no further than the crew at Meyer’s Local Locksmith!
We provide comprehensive commercial locksmith services, residential services, and automotive services that are guaranteed to always meet the needs of even the pickiest client or customer.
A Trustworthy Locksmith Who Has Your Back
Locksmiths can access your most prized possessions, including your house and car.
On top of this, you are entrusting your locksmith with the safety and security of your family.
If you want to learn more about our technicians’ qualifications, check out this: becoming a licensed locksmith in Texas.
We Provide Unparalleled Residential Locksmith Services
Whether you are moving into your first house or want to upgrade the locks throughout the house you have raised a family in for years, we’ve got you covered.
Our locksmiths provide comprehensive services, no matter how simple or complex your needs.
The Peace of Mind That Comes from Working with North Texas Reputable Locksmiths
Nothing is more important than your family, which is why you need to work with a legitimate locksmith who can also provide you with a cost-effective solution to every problem.
With decades of experience helping amazing families just like yours feel comfortable in their own homes, you can truly rest assured that when you trust our technicians, you will be thrilled by what we can offer.
A Talented Emergency Locksmith That is Available 24/7!
Unlike the other guys, we provide 24-hour locksmith services.
This means that whether you are installing new locks on a Monday afternoon or need someone to repair your ignition switch or reprogram a key fob on a rainy Friday night, one of your technicians will always be available.
From Key Replacement to Installing Access Control Systems: We Can Handle It All!
We offer an unbelievable variety of top-quality services throughout the Plano, TX area.
Our technicians are fully trained, certified, and abreast of the latest technology, including smart locks and state-of-the-art security systems.
In Conclusion: Avoid Locksmith Scams by Working with the Team at Meyer’s Local Locksmith
Most Plano locksmiths are hardworking, dedicated professionals who want nothing more than to provide you with outstanding customer service.
Unfortunately, those proverbial rotten apples always spoil the whole bunch.
If you ever need locksmith services and want to work with the best in Texas, look no further than Meyer’s!
People in Plano Also Ask
How do I determine the best local locksmith?
The best locksmith will have a strong reputation for providing exceptional service at a great price.
Look for a professional who is well-known in the community, carries the proper licensing and insurance, and offers you a comprehensive, free estimate on all services.
How to not get ripped off by a locksmith?
Do your homework, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety, and ask friends and family for recommendations.
How to know if a locksmith is legit?
The locksmith should arrive in a commercial vehicle with the company’s logo.
When you ask to see identification and licensing, the locksmith should present both without hesitation.
If the locksmith arrives in a personal vehicle and is unwilling to show identification, consider these both huge red flags.
How not to be scammed by a locksmith?
Never work with a locksmith who contacts you from an out-of-state number.
Ask the right questions, including their headquarters’ location and a price estimate.
Be wary of locksmiths who require a cash payment.
