How to Avoid the 24-Hour Locksmith Scam

How the Locksmith Scam Works

Imagine yourself getting out of your car or house. Then, you suddenly realized that you do not have your keys with you! Of course, the first thing that comes to your mind is to call for help. Yet, it is best that you read this before you even think of calling for a locksmith.

Many people fall victim to this 24-hour locksmith scam every day. In fact, this happens anywhere around the country. Although many of these locksmiths are trustworthy, the number of victims keeps increasing. Therefore, it is best that you learn about the scam before you become a victim yourself.

If you ever need a locksmith, you search for an ad for a technician. Surely, you will opt to take advantage someone offering his services for a low price, for example, $25. You …show more content…
Majority of the locks have one keyhole only. Locksmiths charge two locks for double-sided locks. They may require a minimum charge and service trip/call charge.

In a re-keying fraud, a locksmith can charge for new pins together with the other charges. You may not know it but replacing the pins is what he is supposed to do. Thus, the locksmith is charging you double for the service.

The locksmith can also offer a different price based on the number of pins in a lock. Although most basic locks have five pins, he will tell you that he needs to open the lock to know the number of pins. Furthermore, he will tell you that a basic lock has four pins only. He needs to charge you more if the pins go beyond four. After opening the lock, he will tell you that it has five pins so you have to pay extra for it.

On the other hand, the locksmith may tell you that he needs to fix the lock first before it is broken. The thing is that your lock is not broken because it worked before you called him. That locksmith just wants to gyp you of your money by breaking the lock on