Hiring a locksmith can come with a lot of risks. That is because, when you hire them, they can have access to your locked property. The main thing is you are letting a stranger into your office, car, or home. Some people will take advantage of your situation and pose as locksmiths.
Clockwork Locksmith, a go-to locksmith company servicing St. George and its surrounding areas has these tips on how you can lessen the risks of hiring a fake locksmith at St. George.
Follow these helpful tips, and you will lessen the chances of hiring a fake locksmith.
Know their business address
When calling a locksmith, make sure to ask for the business address. Fake locksmiths, as you would expect, will give a fake address to make their look real.
Once you have their business address, you can check them online on their website. Verify if the address and the phone number they have given a match with the ones on the website.
Also, make sure that the number you called is the same as what is written on their business website. This is one way of ensuring that you are dealing with a trustworthy locksmith, and at the same time, you have an idea of whether you are hiring someone local.
Hiring a local locksmith in St. George has plenty of benefits. Calls routed through call centers will have you dealing with somebody from another location and that puts you at a higher risk.
Check the locksmith service vehicle
Locksmiths in St. George used cars or vans to travel to the site of the service call. Check if the locksmith you called arrives in a marked vehicle. It should have the company logo in bold and can be easily seen. If the person who arrives at your doorstep comes in an unmarked vehicle, then you better go to the next step.
Ask for identification
This might seem unnecessary for a locksmith who arrives at a marked vehicle and will present his identification at once before he enters the door. However, if a person comes in an unmarked car or does not automatically present one, make sure to ask for proof of their identification.
Check the quoted price
If the St. George locksmith has given a quotation over the phone that is different from what he mentioned upon his arrival. Don’t deal with this locksmith unless he can justify the difference. Also, you need to be wary of the additional charges that a locksmith might charge you on top of the quotation.
Another move to protect yourself from getting scammed by a fake locksmith is not to give the full payment upfront. Payment should be made only when the job is done.
Conclusion
Every time you need a locksmith keep these tips in mind. The best way to deal with your situation is to have a reliable St. George locksmith on your speed dial. To make a better choice, practice due diligence.
The next time you need a locksmith in St. George, contact Clockwork Locksmiths. The company has a good reputation in the community and will not trick you into spending more than you have to.