Most locksmiths are honest tradespeople. But there’s a well-documented scam that targets people at their most vulnerable — locked out, late at night — and it runs to a script. Knowing the script is most of the defence.
How the bait-and-switch works
- You search “locksmith near me” and call a listing with a vague name (“Locksmith Services”) and a local-looking number.
- A call centre — often out of state — quotes a suspiciously low price, like “$19 service call.”
- An unmarked car arrives with an unbadged “technician.”
- They declare your lock “high security” and say it must be drilled and replaced — then present a bill for $300–$500, cash, on the spot.
The warning signs, before anyone shows up
- No real business name on the phone, or the person can’t say the company name when asked.
- A price that’s too good — and a refusal to put a flat number or a tight range on it.
- “We only take cash.”
- The address on the listing is a UPS Store or doesn’t exist.
- The car that arrives is unmarked and the person has no ID or uniform.
What a straight operator does
- Answers with the actual company name.
- Gives you a flat price or a tight range on the phone, and that’s the number on the invoice.
- Sends a licensed, background-checked technician in a marked van, with ID.
- Uses non-destructive entry on the large majority of lockouts — drilling is a last resort, and it’s shown to you and quoted first.
- Takes cards, and gives you a receipt.
That’s the standard we hold ourselves to — more on that on the about page and in the FAQ.
If a technician is already there and it feels wrong
You’re allowed to say no. Ask for the price in writing before any work. If they won’t, or the number jumped, tell them to stop and leave — you haven’t authorised the work. Then call a locksmith you’ve actually vetted.
Want a straight number before anyone drives out? Call 561-200-2832.