If you don’t have a spare key, call up a 24 hour emergency locksmith to help you in as much as the need to get back on road again or get into your home. Before contacting a locksmith, it is important for you to be aware that you could be putting yourself in danger if you end up calling the wrong person to handle your lockout needs. Lockout situations can be a really stressful experience, especially if it occurs in right in the middle of the night or in a deserted parking lot.
There have been many cases and complaints of fraud by unlicensed and counterfeit locksmiths in different areas. The complaints made by the victims of such phony locksmith service providers included overbilling as well as the use of outright intimidation tactics. Due to the fact that locksmiths will have unrestricted access to your property is among the reasons why you should be careful with the type of locksmith service provider you hire.
Always get a price quote on any service you require before allowing any work to avoid getting overbilled by illegitimate locksmith companies. This includes estimates for emergency services and any extra charges for things such as emergency hours, mileage and service call minimums before you agree to have the work performed. If the on-site price given by the locksmith upon arrival at your location doesn’t match with the estimates given over the phone, then it’s a clear sign that you may be dealing with an unlicensed locksmith company.
Don’t let an unlicensed locksmith to work on your doors. The most important precaution for you to take in order to avoid hiring such criminals is to always and never fail to ask for a valid identification and a locksmith license when the locksmith arrives at your location. Be careful of locksmith companies who insist on drilling or replacing the lock up front. It’s another clear indication that you may be negotiating with an unlicensed and possibly unskilled locksmith. An experienced locksmith would have the necessary skills, tools and equipment to unlock just about any door.
If a locksmith tries to overbill you for untenable reasons or hesitates to come to an agreement with you, walk away from the deal. Unlicensed locksmiths have been known to use intimidation and threats to make their victims agree to their terms. If you find yourself dealing with such locksmith, do not hesitate to contact the authorities right away.