Colorado locksmith are relied upon for assisting customers through all manner of annoying situations. They can open safes, allow access into vehicles, and install secure deadbolts to make it harder for potential thieves to breach. But like all services, there are scams that you should be made aware of.
The overwhelming majority of locksmith services are managed by reputable, trustworthy businesses. That’s why finding the best locksmith in Longmont is easy to do. But to help you avoid a costly mistake, read the tips below to help you avoid these common scams.
- Only Hire Trusted Locksmiths
This can be a tricky one since locksmiths in Colorado aren’t required by law to have a license to operate as a locksmith business. In fact, there are fewer than 20 states with laws that recognize locksmiths through licensing. It means that anyone in these states, including Colorado, can claim to be a locksmith. While there are advantages and setbacks to having a lack of regulation, you can avoid getting scammed by sticking to businesses having one or more of these accreditations:
- Members of a larger association body – Colorado locksmiths with good reputations tend to belong to one or more locksmith associations, such as the ALOA. Many associations have their own certifications that are required for locksmiths to retain their membership and must pay annual dues. They could also have accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.
- Legitimate tools – Though you might not think of it, fraudulent locksmiths sometimes possess tools that aren’t used in the business.
- Insured locksmiths – With an insured locksmith, you and the business are guaranteed to have protection in the event of an accident. You can ask up front if the locksmith of your choice has an insurance policy.
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- Stay Vigilant for Fraudulent Sites
There are two types of risks involved with locksmith scams online. The first is typically composed of persons or people with no experience in the profession at all. However, they are oftentimes hackers and distributors of malware. Such people could mimic the HTML template of a real locksmith website, stealing credit card numbers and selling emails to any unsuspecting victims they can scam.
To avoid this deceptive scheme, always ensure that the web address of the locksmith service you’re visiting is correct. Furthermore, ensure the HTTP protocols come back as legitimate and up-to-date. And lastly, don’t pay for any services that you haven’t received assurances for. Most customers pay for locksmith services during or immediately after the service is completed.
The second online scam could come from people pretending to be a locksmith through a phone call or message application linked to a fake website. In some cases, the site could be from a locksmith that’s actually in existence but isn’t on the web. They could display contact info that connects you to scammers that wish to steal money from you, either through rushing you to pay over the phone or sending funds through a payment application.
- Read What Others Have Said About the Locksmith
When doing this, only seek out reviews from verifiable customers. Check the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Yelp. Customers can also be reliable for receiving tips on the kind of services that are done best by a business. Stick to those with good customer feedback for multiple jobs, such as home and vehicle door lock repairs.
