Rogue Locksmiths: How To Spot Them and Protect Yourself

Losing the keys to your home or vehicle is always an anxiety-inducing experience. It can be tempting to opt for the first locksmith you come across, especially if the prices they’re offering are almost too good to be true.

But, as is often the case, if something looks too good to be true, it probably isn’t. With rogue locksmiths on the rise, particularly with the common bait and switch scam, it’s more important than ever to do your research before committing. We’ll take you through a list of signs that a certain locksmith may be a scam, and show you why you can trust Quick-Keys for all your locksmith needs.

No Set Prices

One of the biggest signs a locksmith is a scam is that they will not offer fixed prices. Any professional locksmith will charge a set price for each service they provide, always without hidden costs. On the other hand, rogue locksmiths will advertise a cheap price, but usually with vague wording such as “from only £49”, while the actual price will be much higher – often as extortionate as £500. Always check for a fixed price and if you have any doubts, look elsewhere.

Vague Details and Reviews

When researching the locksmith, you may discover a few details don’t quite add up. For example, you may notice the company’s website is vague and does not provide much information about their different services. Take a look at the address and do a quick Google search – if there are several companies with the same address, it’s more than likely a scam. If the reviews are all 5-star and either short or overwhelmingly positive, think twice and check if there’s anything to back up the positive feedback.

False Claims of Accreditation

Many rogue locksmiths claim to be accredited or certified, yet they seem to have no way of backing up their claims. Most will simply state they are “certified locksmiths” and do not display a certificate on their website, or if they do there are errors within it. If they cannot provide any evidence of their claim, trust your gut and do not follow through.

At Quick-Keys, we’re proud to be trusted by Kent County Council as a reliable locksmith service, meaning you can have no doubt we will provide you with the highest standard of service.

Asking To Drill Your Lock

Another sign the locksmith is a scam is that they plan on drilling your lock. This could seriously damage your door, so avoid any locksmith attempting to drill before trying other methods to open it. A qualified locksmith will only drill your lock as a last resort; most will be able to pick the lock before any drastic action is needed.

Why Quick-Keys?

At Quick-Keys, we offer high-quality residential and auto locksmith services in Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable and the rest of East Kent. With fixed prices lower than national companies and major car dealerships, verified certifications and a string of satisfied clients, you can trust us to provide locksmith expertise of the highest standards. Plus, as one of the few locksmiths trusted by Kent County Council as a safe locksmith service, you can rely on us to help you in an emergency for a fair and reasonable price.