Sadly scams seem to be everywhere today and you need to be cautious to not get caught out. One of the worst is falling victim to a locksmith scam. You are trusting them to help you ensure your property will be safe. However, they could be looking to take advantage. We want to have a look at this today so you know what things to keep an eye out for in 2024. Then, if you want to hire a reliable emergency locksmith in Ilford, you can choose us.

Bait and switch

The most common locksmith scam at the moment is probably the one where services are advertised at a low price but then you end up with a much larger bill. This bait and switch tactic is a very sad one. People often book a service thinking they are getting excellent value for money. However, it can end up costing significantly more. Some scammers get very forceful when demanding you pay the higher bill they deliver to strong-arm people into paying.

Charging for unnecessary things

Another scam is a locksmith doing work that is not necessary so they can charge you more money. For example, a scammer may try to convince you that you need to replace locks rather than repairing them. While replacing can be better in some cases, if it is a simple repair and there is nothing seriously wrong with a lock, you don’t need to pay for a full replacement.

Fake locksmiths

The biggest scam to watch for is people claiming to be a professional locksmith when they aren’t. Sadly there are cases of people setting up websites claiming to be locksmiths. Some are part of nationwide scam operations. Unfortunately it is difficult to police fake sites and listings can look very believable.

What to do?

As you can see, there are a few common locksmith scams out there. You should be careful whenever you need help. Luckily, you can always rely on us when you want an emergency locksmith in Ilford. There are several things you can do to protect yourself too.

For one, don’t fall for quotes that seem very low. It is likely bait and switch. Do some research to have a look at the market rates for different jobs. This will tell you what fair prices are. If a quote seems way too low, avoid it.

Be wary of any high pressure tactics too. Professional locksmiths shouldn’t be trying to coerce you into big jobs. Instead, they should advise about the options and let you choose the one that will offer you the best value for money.

Finally, always check for signs that the locksmith is a professional. Do they have ID and credentials? Do they wear branded clothing and have the branding on their van? Can they supply reviews and referrals so you can see their work? Ask to check they have insurance and confirm its validity too. If you can, get a written estimate in advance and make sure it includes costs and fees. Plus, always check the quality of the work before you make any final payments.

Choose a top emergency locksmith in Ilford 24/7

One of the best things you can do to avoid scams is to choose a locksmith that has been serving the area for a long time. We fit this mould for Ilford, Wanstead, Chigwell and other local areas. We can provide a full service to open, repair, and replace locks, whichever is best for you.

So, contact us any time you need an emergency locksmith in Ilford or other local spots. We have fantastic credentials and provide cost effective services.