When it comes to the security of your home, you need to know that any work that gets carried out is done to a high standard by a reputable locksmith. Unfortunately, there is a rising crop of dodgy locksmiths that are targeting people through paid ads on Google. They do very poor work and charge way over what should be charged. In one case, someone was charged £1000 for a job that should have cost no more than £100. Follow our tips below so you don’t end up a victim of one of these scams.

Be prepared

As is the case with most emergencies it is always best to be prepared before you need help. Research a locksmith before you need one and store their number on your phone. I am a known locksmith in Chelmsford and the surrounding areas, and I am UK Locksmith Association vetted and approved so you know when you call me out, I can be trusted. Stick this number in your phone as you never know when you may need it 07376249965.

Look for a reputable business name

Most of the scammers have generic-sounding business names that are stuffed with keywords that you are likely to be searching with on google. Avoid names like Cheap locksmith 247, 24-hour locksmith near you, etc. Look for names that are branded, have the person’s name in, or that have ties with your local area.

Beware of paid ads that offer cheap prices

The favourite scam of the rogue locksmiths is the bait and switch. They will be using paid ads on google and will offer their services very cheap. After they arrive at your property, they will find an excuse to increase the cost. The usual reason is that the job was more complicated than they first thought, or they had to use a more expensive part. This is why it’s always best to agree on costs upfront.

The location of the locksmith company

Before you call a locksmith out, be sure they are a reputable business. Most rogue locksmiths won’t list a physical address on their website so it’s always best to check out their contact page first. You can find our address on every page at the bottom of our website and on our contact page. If you notice the locksmith you are contacting doesn’t have a physical address on their website it’s probably best to find a different locksmith.

Check out their reviews

Another way of checking a company’s reputation is through its reviews. Most rogue locksmiths won’t have an option to review them as they do not want any of their clients leaving a bad review.

You can find my reviews on the Adlocks Checkatrade page along with some photos of the work I have carried out.

Check if they are part of a governing body

Most rogue locksmiths will not be part of a governing body as they don’t want to be vetted or be held accountable for any dodgy work they do. I am a proud member of the UK Locksmith Association, the National Guild of Certified Locksmiths and I have done training with the Master Locksmith Association. I have been DBS checked and vetted by all 3 governing bodies.

Avoid cash-only jobs without paperwork

If a locksmith asks to be paid cash and doesn’t want to provide paperwork for the work carried out it’s probably best to find another locksmith. They tend to do this so there is no paper trail leading back to them. If you have an issue with the work they have done you have no way of contacting them again to get the problem rectified.

Verify prices before the job starts

It is always best to get a price upfront and all reputable locksmiths will be willing to give one. It’s not always possible to give an exact price without first seeing the problem and some of the issues that may arise on the job, but it is always possible to give a ballpark figure.

Check for a Google my business listing

Not all reputable locksmiths have one, but most will. A Google my business listing has a wealth of information on it including the companies address, reviews, photos of work, and opening times. You can check out my GMB here.

Questions to ask a locksmith when you call them.

• Where are you located?
• How will you get into my house?
• Can you tell me the process of how you will gain entry?
• Can you give me an estimate? What factors will cause the price to change?
• Do you require cash, or can I pay with a card?
• Will you provide a receipt/Invoice?
• What’s the name of the locksmith who will be coming?

Why you should Choose Adlocks Locksmiths

My work is guaranteed so you can be sure of a decent job and I am DBS checked, and UK Locksmith Association vetted and approved so you know I can be trusted. I offer a no call out fee service and on average, I have a response time of under 30 minutes. I offer this service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to Chelmsford and surrounding areas. For a reliable local locksmith service that you can trust, get in touch today for a quote or emergency response. You can call me on 07376249965 or via the form on my contact page.