The vast majority of the locksmiths that you will find in the market are trustworthy and hardworking individuals looking to service their clients to the best of their ability. Unfortunately, there are those out there that are somewhat less than trustworthy. There are those individuals that pose as locksmiths when they have neither the certification nor the knowledge to provide the proper service. Using an uncertified, unlicensed locksmith can result in damage to your locks, property and worse. There are also those individuals that will use the occupation of locksmith as a cover for more nefarious activities. These people will use the cover of being a locksmith in order to case properties and gain information as to how to easily bypass a property’s security.Following, are a couple of indicators that one could look for in order to identify a fraudulent locksmith:
• Inflated Prices: Whenever contacting a locksmith in order to do work, one should always request a quote for products and services from a number of different locksmith companies. If two companies quote an estimate of £100 and a third company quotes an estimate of £800 then you can assume that something is fishy with the third locksmith.
• Tries To Increase Estimate Upon Arrival: One should always ask for an estimate of the necessary products and services required by a locksmith before having them come to your property or automobile. If they quote one price on the phone and try to quote an inflated price upon arrival then there is a chance that they are trying to pull a fast one.
• Refuses To Provide Qualifications: Before one allows a locksmith to perform any work, they should always request that the locksmith provide any relevant licensing and certifications. Most locksmiths will be at least partially qualified by the Master Locksmith Association. If they refuse to provide proof of certification then chances are that they have none and it is best to continue shopping around.
• Refuses To Provide References: Do not hesitate to request references from a prospective locksmith. If they are reluctant or refuse to provide you with any recommendations then you should certainly be wary.
• Poor Customer Support: A certain level of customer support is a necessity in any business. If a locksmith has done poor work then they should make good on it. Should they refuse, provide excuses or even become abusive then chances are that they are fraudulent.
• Insistent On Destructive Entry: It is a point of pride among locksmiths to gain entry into properties and automobiles without causing damage. If a locksmith seems insistent upon a destructive entry rather than spending the time to try and pick the locks then they could very well be looking to charge additional fees for equipment and services as well as for any repairs that the door frame would require.
• Pushy or Abusive: If, upon arrival, the locksmith becomes pushy or even abusive then do not hesitate to contact the police.
Finding a quality locksmith in advance will help you when you do require the services of a locksmith. It is highly recommended that one take the time to find a decent locksmith in their area before requiring one in the event of an emergency. Call a couple of locksmiths in your area and get a feel for them on the phone. Many locksmiths will come to your property and provide you with an assessment of your property’s security free of charge. This is a perfect way to meet the locksmith, verify their qualifications and make a proper determination.
The problem for the consumer is that the nature of the work that locksmiths perform is really only known to locksmiths. When a locksmith tells a property or automobile owner that some type of work or product is required, the tendency for the consumer is to believe it. Keeping the above indicators in mind will help in identifying a fraudulent locksmith and keep your property and self secure.
If you require the services of a certified professional locksmith in London or the Greater London Area then you need look no further than Always Locksmith, the premier provider of locksmith products and services in Tuscaloosa.