Tips to Avoid a Dodgy Auto Locksmith Scam
A certified automotive locksmith is needed if you find yourself in an emergency situation with your car keys.
Who can:
- Let us help you get back in the car
- Fix your ignition
- Send you a duplicate key
- Replace damaged keys
- Create a transponder key
- Get a replacement keyless fob
Clients will be able to take advantage of all the lock and key solutions an auto locksmith offers, as well as the panicked state that a lost car keys can cause,
Sometimes tradespersons are not checked properly, which can result in expensive payments and damage to property.
We share our tips for avoiding scammers that could cause you pain and unnecessary hassle.
We thought we would use this opportunity again to help you take the right actions towards avoiding any questionable transactions
Your auto locksmith
No matter if you have lost your car keys or you have broken them, you will need to get replacements in Melbourne. We know you are feeling overwhelmed and frazzled. However, we strongly encourage you to take a moment to verify that the locksmith you choose is trustworthy.
How do I determine if a locksmith really is legitimate?
It is crucial to find a reliable, trustworthy locksmith in Melbourne. This doesn’t have be difficult.
First, trust your gut and be aware of any alarms that may sound in your head. When you are looking for a reliable locksmith to help you in times of emergency, here are five things that you should consider.
1) Conduct your research before you hire an auto locksmith
You can avoid getting ripped off by an auto locksmith who is not trustworthy.
You don’t want the stress of panicking that you have lost or damaged your car key to make it worse.
The ignition.
We are confident that even taking five minutes to look through the website of a locksmith will give you assurance that they are trustworthy.
We are available 24/7 to help you.
Pay attention to:
- Associations that they are members
- They are licensed
- They won awards
- Review and Testimonials
- Because not much is hidden from the internet, we recommend you check out external review sites such as WOMO or the company’s Google Business Profile. These reviews will give honest and objective opinions.
- We also recommend hiring a local locksmith.
- They are trusted and well-known in your community. You may have met them.
- You can see vans going around town!
- The best part about being local is that wait times are usually shorter. This is especially helpful if you find yourself stuck at a local car park or shopping centre.
2) Examine any additional fees imposed by your car locksmith
- It’s very simple: auto locksmith scammers, or any other type of scammer, will take your money! Your money is always wanted.
- Be sure to confirm any additional fees before you sign off on any job.
- Call-out fees as low as $50 are often used by scammy locksmiths to lure clients. They’ll then charge unreasonable “service fees” after you’ve accepted the call out fee and job.
Do not solely rely on the price. More important than price is value.
The old saying is that you get what your pay for. It is easy to fall for scams by offering unrealistic pricing. While affordable pricing can be a good thing, if something sounds too good for it to be true, it most likely is.
If possible, you can pay with your credit card.
Cashless payments are easier in today’s world. When was the last time that you had cash? This is why you should consider it a red-flag in the event that an auto fails to meet its requirements.
Locksmith insists that cash-only payments are accepted
A trusted auto locksmith should offer multiple payment options to their customers. This is not only for their convenience but also to prove that they have the right license and experience.
4) Check the vehicle of your auto locksmith
While branding might not be something that you choose, it’s something to consider.
Clear signage should be placed on the van.
- Logo
- Company name
- Phone number
- Website
You should be aware that locksmiths who arrive in plain vehicles may have ulterior motives. While we aren’t sure this is true for all locksmiths it does increase the credibility of your locksmith to arrive in a professional-branded vehicle.
Pay attention to their phone usage
This goes beyond being polite. You should also pay attention to their telephone answers. Are they answering with a business name? Or are they more general and answer, “Local Locksmith”?
If the former, it could be a red alert.
This is a common strategy used by locksmith scammers, who travel to large cities in order to take on as many “jobs as possible.” These scammers may have remote call centers that work overtime to divert and accept your calls.
There is a risk that these scammers might not be police checked, licensed, qualified or registered.