Be Aware of Unlicensed Locksmiths with Too-low Rates on Google

We have said it before, but this message bears repeating:

BEWARE THE GOOGLE LOCKSMITH SCAM.

Though it’s been around awhile, this scam is still being used daily on Calgary residents (and unsuspecting victims through Canada and the U.S.), taking advantage of them in their time of need and ripping them off of hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of dollars.

Here’s how it works:

First, “locksmith” scam artists advertise low rates on Google’s AdWords platform. These ads tout “the best rates ever” “the lowest cost” or sometimes even jaw-dropping 15-minute response times. For someone with an emergency need (say they’re locked out of their home, but their child is inside) these ads can be very tempting.

Use only Alberta Government Licensed Locksmiths.

For an example of what we’re talking about, just do a quick Google search of “locksmith Calgary.” At the top of the page, you’ll find a whole list of unlicensed, so-called locksmiths advertising their services. They look something like this:

The problem is, despite what their ad may say, they never live up to the hype. They might arrive hours later, or once they start work, they’ll disassembler your locks and tack on exorbitant fees to get it fixed.

At this point, you’re already vulnerable. What choice do you have? You could leave the lock broken or your house sealed shut, but that doesn’t solve your problem. You might as well have them finish the job and get it over with.

This is what they want: to put you in a difficult situation, to force you to yield to their demands and to get as much money out of you as possible Many times these phony locksmiths will even rely on bullying tactics or threaten to call the police if you don’t agree to pay up!

How the Avoid Scam Locksmiths

If you want to steer clear of the scam artists and make sure the job is done correctly, affordably and on time, then be wary about choosing locksmiths from ads. I would say the easiest way to spot a phony is an extremely low price – on that leaves you thinking “Wow! I didn’t know it could be that cheap!”

In most cases, it’s not. And you’re going to pay for it dearly in the end.

When you call an unlicensed locksmith company, they will typically quote you an extremely low introductory price. They won’t, however, agree to a final number or offer you any sort of guarantee or written contract, though.

In general, this is one of the biggest red flags that a locksmith isn’t to be trusted. As a standard rule in the industry, a licensed, properly trained locksmith should be able to guarantee a very accurate price as soon as they know the year, make and model of your car and the location of your home or vehicle.

Another way to tell a fraud is from the vehicle he arrives in. If it is not marked with the brand and name of the locksmith, you are dealing with an unlicensed hoax. A true professional should arrived in a branded vehicle, be fully clad in uniform and have a name tag on at all times.

What a Trustworthy Locksmith Looks Like

An accountable and genuine locksmith will be licensed, insured and bonded, and they’ll be highly knowledgeable, with years of experience and on-the-job training under their belt. From your first call or point of contact, they’ll put you in touch with a real technician who can help with your needs, as well as provide a final total for what you can expect to pay.

If your Calgary locksmith doesn’t sound like this, or you find yourself tempted by low-cost deals and ads on Google, think twice about moving forward. You could end up paying much more for the work because of it.