As long as human beings are around, there will always be those looking to take advantage of them. Even in 2020, with the global pandemic, social unrest and other disruptive events, North Dallas citizens need to be wary of criminals looking to make a quick buck.
From COVID-19 charities and stimulus checks to locksmiths and other industries that service people’s homes and businesses, there are scams you need to avoid. If you get unsolicited locksmith advice, for example, you might want to think twice before you take the person up on it. Here are some other tips for how to avoid a locksmith scam in North Dallas.
Do Your Research
The rise of the internet has made it easier to identify locksmith scams. For starters, you can look up a company’s reviews to see if it has any testimonials from real customers. A professional website is another good indicator that a locksmith company in North Dallas is legit. There are other indicators you can look up as well, such as an address and a phone number that features a local number—in North Dallas, for example, the area codes are 214, 469 and 972.
Get an Estimate
Many scam artists won’t provide an official estimate upfront. Or, they’ll try to get you in the door with a bait-and-switch price of $10 or $15, then surprise you with fees and the true cost after it’s too late. A professional locksmith company in North Dallas, on the other hand, will provide an estimate ahead of time (in writing, if you so desire).
Check Licenses and Associations
Is the locksmith company you’re researching licensed in the state of Texas? Is it a member of any professional locksmith organizations or associations? If the answer to either (or preferably both) of these is yes, you likely are dealing with a legitimate locksmith. At A-1 Locksmith, for example, we’re licensed by the state to operate and are members of the Safe & Vault Technicians Association, the Texas Locksmiths Association and ALOA Security Professionals. Make sure your prospective locksmith has the appropriate paperwork.
Ask Questions
If you’re still unsure, you can ask the prospective locksmith additional questions and see if they provide detailed answers or vague, general answers. For example, you can ask what the process will be like for your repair/installation. Or, you can ask what payment method they accept. You can even ask for the name of the locksmith that will be servicing you. A real locksmith in North Dallas should have answers that give you peace of mind.
If you have more questions about how to avoid a locksmith scam in North Dallas, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at (972) 284-7500.
