We hire a locksmith when we find ourselves face to face with an emergency– being unable to enter one’s own house or car. However, more often than not, the locksmiths tend to take advantage of the customers’ vulnerability and problems. Charging sky-high prices for their services, delaying arrival and refusing to comply are some of the most common ways in which a fraud locksmith and harasses the customers. However, this can be avoided if the person chooses to hire a reliable locksmith.
A lot of times, these locksmiths are not even associated with any company or brand name. Therefore, there is no way for you to be compensated for any damages or losses. For example, if you are planning to hire a Tulsa lock and key specialist then make sure you hire a registered and authorised one. Therefore, knowing a few tricks to recognize a fraud locksmith can save you a lot of hassle and a lot of money as well.
How to hire the right locksmiths
- Find a local business – It is always best to hire a locksmith from a company or a brand name that is situated very close to your home. That way, they can get to your home faster than the rest. Also, in case something goes wrong, you always know where to find the locksmith you hired or the company that he represents.
- Checking license and credentials – It is not right to allow someone into your house without them showing you proper credentials and identity proofs. Therefore, you should never hire a locksmith without checking his license and identity proof. The moment the locksmith arrives, you should check for credentials and license to operate.
- Prices and costs – You must explain the problem you are facing to the locksmith and ask him for an estimate of the expenses you will need to incur. This does not give them a scope to charge you more. One should stay away from a company that charges too much and a company that charges too low as well. The last thing to ask about is hidden costs. Emergency service costs and other hidden charges should be informed beforehand. That way, a locksmith cannot cheat or fraud you.
- A written estimate – Always ask for a written estimate when you are hiring the services of a locksmith. That gives you a fair idea of how much you would have to pay. The real price may vary slightly. However, if you get a written estimate or a receipt of some sort then there is no way that you can be charged extra later. Fraud locksmiths will never provide you with a receipt of any sort.
- Payment – Fraud locksmiths will always ask you to pay them in cash and pay them upfront. It is always advisable to pay by other means and not cash because fraud locksmiths are always on the lookout for quick cash. Paying upfront is another bad idea. You should always pay after the service has been provided and the job done.
- Replacement and drilling – The first thing a fraud locksmith will say to you is that the lock cannot be fixed and that they need to drill into it. Another option would be to change or replace the lock. This is just a scam to wring more money out of you. All locks can be fixed if the locksmith is experienced enough.
- Keep an eye on them – Fraud locksmiths not only scam you in their profession, but will never leave an opportunity to steal. Therefore, if a locksmith is working at your place, never leave them unattended. A fraud locksmith will always want to be left alone so that his work cannot be supervised. This should not be allowed. Whenever people hire Tulsa lock and key specialists, they always supervise their work.