Welcome back to the Firstline Locksmith blog! In part one we shared five tips on how to avoid locksmith scams. In this post, we’ll discuss seven more tips to consider before you hire your next locksmith.
At Firstline, we understand if you lock yourself out of your car, home, or office while in a rush. It can be frustrating and annoying to forget about your keys and then have to call a locksmith to remedy the situation. This is why we want to share the top tips to not get scammed by a locksmith. We don’t want you to find a random locksmith online and feel like it’s your only option. You have at least one locksmith in Hamilton that you can trust. Give us a call today!
Seven helpful tips to avoid being scammed by a fake locksmith
Before you search “locksmith near me” or “locksmith Hamilton” consider these seven tips to ensure you get the best service in New Jersey.
Tip #6 – Observe the locksmith’s vehicle
You want to hire a professional who runs a business, not an individual who’s trying to scam you for some money and gain access to your property. A phone number or logo on a vehicle is a good sign you hired a pro.
Tip #7 – Listen for outlandish claims
If a locksmith states they need to shatter a window, break a lock, or cause more damage to unlock your door, do not believe them. In most cases, when claims like this are made, it’s in an effort to charge you more for something you could have avoided entirely by calling a professional.
Tip #8 – Get your service agreement in writing
If you want to hire a locksmith, make sure you have what they plan to complete in writing, their signature, and a copy of the contract. It’s the worst feeling when a locksmith sends an invoice with outrageous charges for services not rendered.
Tip #9 – Don’t pay until you’re satisfied
If you’re not satisfied with the services rendered from a locksmith in Hamilton, inform them of your disdain. You deserve professional, high-quality craftsmanship.
Tip #10 – Make sure the locks/services are complete
Before the locksmith you hired leaves, test all work they installed or repaired. You want to make sure your locks, doors, and whatever else they worked on actually works before they leave and you get an invoice.
Tip #11 – Create a paper trail with payment
Cash is still king in the United States; however, you want to create a paper trail in the event that you do get scammed by someone. If you pay in cash without a contract or business information, you won’t be able to make moves to recover your losses.
Tip #12 – If you do get scammed, report it
If you have business information for the individual who did scame you, you can report them to the Better Business Bureau. You can also file a police report. It’s best to tell someone about the scam so others don’t face the same fate as you.
Firstline Locksmith serves Hamilton, New Jersey
You can trust 25 years of professional locksmith services in New Jersey. Firstline has served the Northeast region of the U.S. for almost three decades. We’re here to serve you and your “locked out” needs. Give us a call today!