Tips on how to avoid a locksmith scam:
DO NOT be fooled by £49 quotes; if it looks too good to be true, it is too good to be true.
NEVER press the first few results on the google search page. Top searches are always advertisements and costs up to £30 per click, and you will be the one paying for that.
That how Google makes its money, and although they have a small 'Ad' next to the link, many people just don't know about it.
ONLY choose a locksmith with reviews on google map, don't even bother with Trustpilot for a locksmith search, as many of those locksmiths use fake reviews. Referring to locksmith trade only, as Trustpilot could be fantastic with other areas.
ASK friends or family for a locksmith contact they had used before and was happy with. It may take you a few more minutes but can save you hundreds of pounds.
WHEN booking a locksmith, ask: what is the price range, will there be a call-out charge, do they charge vat. You do not want to find out this info on your final bill.
WHEN the locksmith is, will you please ask how much each step will cost before drilling or changing a lock? Do not be scared to refuse their service if they charge more than they quote you for over the phone.
IF you do get scammed and feel threaten to pay an outrageous price, DO NOT agree to pay; tell the locksmith you will call the police. You will not get this refunded by these companies; once it’s gone, it’s gone. Even the fraud departments in the bank and credit card provider will not help you out.
The locksmith scam traps:
- Please do not click on the first results on your google search with an 'Ad' next to them; they are advertisement traps.
- £49 quotes are too cheap; it's another trap.
- Ask for a reference from friends and family.
- Choose a locksmith with genuine google reviews on google maps, do not use Trustpilot for locksmith search.
- Ask for as many details as possible before booking.
- Check if there will be an additional vat of 20% on the final bill.
- When a locksmith tries to rip you off onsite, do not pay more than agreed.
- If you feel threatened, call the police.
Locksmith Scams: Beware!
In the last couple of years, we have had an increasing number of complaints about locksmith scams. Most of the complaints involved outrageous prices on simple lockouts and lock changes. Many clients also complain about the poor quality of craftsmanship, where rough locksmith has damaged their doors while drilling out locks.
Most of the locksmith scam complaints we get are because of our registered name. We are the only registered 247 London Locksmith in the company house. Another shady company is misleading customers by hiding their registered name and using our name as their 'trading name'. They use our name on their card reader slip, in their invoices and on bank transfer name.
Because a locksmith is an unregulated trade, anyone could set up a company and charge as much as their wish. Many of these 'locksmith' are from east Europe (Romania and Albania) looking for quick cash, have no intention of helping other, or building a reputable locksmith company. These locksmiths usually give out competitive quotes of £49. They fail to mention that they usually will charge about ten times this amount in the final price. We have seen a few of these recipes and was left shocked!
They charge triple labour:
1. for call-out fees (which we don't charge),
2 for labour. Each lock handled is a multiple of the labour fee. so for three locks, there will be £60, about
3. for the lock change. Again, for each lock, additional labour charge multiplying by the number of locks.
On top of that, they add another 20% that they fail to mention online or by calls.
RIP OFF! BEWARE.
