There are a lot of scammers out there who are trying to take advantage of people. Locksmiths are no exception to this rule, and knowing how to recognize and avoid locksmith scams is vital for protecting yourself from these scammers.
These thieves often lure customers with online ads, then swindle them by charging them more money than they bargained for or providing shoddy work. The fraudulent websites look like a real business, with photos of storefronts and “customer” testimonials.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
One of the best ways to recognize and avoid locksmith scams in Bellevue is by asking questions. While it may feel awkward or even a little bit embarrassing to ask the right questions, it’s important to do so.
If you’re searching for a local locksmith, be especially wary of any company that isn’t a licensed and insured business in your area. Check for background checks and reviews via online verification, rating, and review platforms such as Yelp, Google reviews, Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau.
Many of the scams are committed by fake locksmith companies who occupy paid ad spaces in search engines and map services. These ads look real, with pictures of storefronts and “customer” testimonials. They often have better prices than other locksmiths and are located at the top of search results.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for References
Recruiters and hiring managers use references to help them make decisions about candidates. They want to know what it was like working with the candidate and whether they would be a good fit for their team.
References are also a great way to see what management style the candidate might have. Ask past direct reports about how they interpreted the candidate’s management style and if it aligns with your company’s culture.
When asking for references, make sure you are specific and don’t ask questions that could give you a false impression. For example, never ask the candidate’s age, race, religion or national origin.
Similarly, don’t ask references about personal or emotional issues. These can be a red flag and make it harder to judge the candidate’s character and integrity.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Quote
When it comes to locksmith services, you want to be sure that the company you hire is reputable. A good way to do this is by asking for a quote before they begin work.
A good locksmith will be happy to provide you with a written quote before they start working on your home or business. This will give you a clear picture of how much the service will cost and can help you avoid being taken advantage of by a scammer.
In addition to asking for a quote, you should also check the company’s website for reviews from prior customers. These reviews can be a great way to find out if the company is reputable and has a reputation for providing high quality locksmith services.
Unfortunately, there are many fake locksmith companies that are taking advantage of customers online. They use paid ads on Google search results that look legitimate and have pictures of storefronts and “customer” testimonials.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Written Estimate
It is essential to get a written estimate before hiring a locksmith. This will ensure that you are protected from hidden fees and charges.
Scammers will try to get you to hire them by claiming that they can get into your home or car for a low fee. Then, once they arrive at your home or car, they will damage the locks in order to increase their profit margins.
They will then charge you double or even triple what they quoted on the phone.
When you ask for an estimate, make sure that it is written on company letterhead and includes any additional fees or charges that you will incur. This way, you can dispute any extra charges later.
The estimate should also include terms and conditions for the job. This will help prevent any disputes in the future. It will also give you a chance to create a relationship with your client before the project begins.
