You wouldn’t think that locksmith services would be a type of fraud you would have to look for. When they arrive to the scene of the lockout there is nothing to stop them from hiking their prices up. There is not a way to scan the companies for fraud before they are listed in the phone book. You should take precautions when looking for someone to help you, as it can already be stressful enough to be locked out.
Do Your Research
Websites like Angie’s list can be a valuable asset when you are faced with this type of situation. We are humans we make mistakes. Sometimes you forget that your keys are in your ignition or you leave your spare in the house. You can look up the locksmith services in your area and find those that have the most positive reviews. There are some 24 hour locksmith places that are legitimate, but you should be leery of them. The people who have used their services before will be honest about their experience and you can find one with favorable reviews. Researching the company online even if it is just for a few minutes will help you avoid a scam locksmith.
Ask Questions
You can ask the locksmith services questions as well, such as how long they have been in business, and how long their company has been around. If they don’t have anything to hide then they should appreciate that you are being careful.
Things to Look and Listen For
Another way you can be sure that you are not going to get scammed and ask them if they are certified through the state. Someone who is a 24 hour locksmith is not going to be in. If they say that they are you will be able to find them on the Better Business Bureau’s website, and if they are in good standing then you know that they are reputable. Here are some things that scam artists might say to you. “We have an initial rate of $30.00, but I will have to see how I have to go about it to give you a final price.” This is a red flag. They should have standard pricing. They answer the phone, “We unlock stuff.” No professional company is going to answer the phone like that; they will say the name of the company. This is another red flag. A 24 hour locksmith might show up in street clothes, but if someone claims to be from a legitimate daily company and does this you should be wary. Just be cautious when choosing Toronto locksmith services, and make sure that you don’t allow yourself to get taken.
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