Everyone’s conning someone nowadays and everyone is paranoid about being conned. So how can you tell whether the business you’re hiring is legitimate or not? The most important thing is always research. No matter what the topic, a quick Google search can tell you a lot. It will either pull up information which tells you something about the business or it pulls up no information at all which says something else about the company.
When searching for a locksmith, it is especially important the company you are trusting is honest. Check out tips on how to avoid non-licensed locksmith to make sure you’re not getting conned out of your number.
Remember The Name
A legitimate locksmith company will have a name. It’s a matter of pride, especially if they do good work. So be aware of businesses you find online that don’t state their names, instead using stereotypical phrases like “locksmith service”. That is highly unspecific. The same goes for if you call the company. They should answer with their name, not a stereotypical phrase. If you have to, ask them for a name and press until they give one to you. No legitimate company should have a reason to want to hide their name. Also, if you are on their website, browse around and see if it looks similar to other websites. This is because the conmen may open several websites to trap the searcher.
Logo
Usually, workers have company vehicles that they drive to on-site situations. Since they are company cars, it usually means that it is stocked with the necessary tools. The logo and name of the company should be on the side of the car. It might not be big and stretch the entire side of the vehicle, but it should be noticeable. It gives a certain piece of mind, knowing that the locksmith is affiliated with a legitimate company and that if something happen, you can call up the business and complain.
Check The License
Is the locksmith service licensed? NY requires its locksmiths to all be properly trained and licensed before they can open for business. Don’t be afraid to ask for the license number. If they are not forthcoming with it, you’ll know that something isn’t right. There should be no reason they won’t give it to you. Proving their legitimacy only reinforces the fact that they are a worthy company.
Swipe It
Pay by credit card if you can. Often it is easier to pay by cash, especially with things such as locksmith services, but most business off the credit card option, especially if they know the bill is going to run high. Most credit cards have built-in fraud protection so if in fact the locksmith company you chose is a fraud the card will sense it. It’ll halt the transaction and you won’t lose any money.
What’s Your Number?
Keep their number on your phone. Try walking around town and seeing what locksmiths you find. Most of the time locksmiths with an actual business location are legitimate. Walk in and start a conversation with the owners inside and ask for their number. Emergency situations happen when we least expect them and it is always better to be ready than caught off guard. With a locksmith service you can trust, the stress of being locked out suddenly disappears. You know they will provide good service and charge you a fair price.