Whether you’re asking your partner to move in, lost your spare, or just want an extra set of keys on hand in the event that you have an emergency or lock yourself out, duplicating your keys can be an important disaster-prevention measure. But with dozens of key duplication scams out there, knowing where to get your keys copied isn’t always straightforward. One thing is for sure: you should never use an online service for key duplication.
Online Services Take Financial Advantage
The biggest risk to using an online service for key duplication is that these companies often utilize tactics to take advantage of the customer. Often times, online key duplication companies will hook customers with the prospect of copying a key at a very low cost—often only a few dollars—and with very little work for the customer – in fact, all you have to do is send in a picture of your key! While this may sound tempting as a time and money-saver, don’t be fooled; online services often over-promise and under-sell. While you may be quoted a reasonable price, a bait-and-switch scheme is often in play – after you agree to have your key copied, you may really be charged dozens more than you were originally told.
Keep in mind that when you pay for a service online, handing over your credit card is often the only option; unlike a physical store, you can’t pay cash for online key copying. This means that if you do receive services from a fraudulent company, you may risk handing over your credit card information, which could result in a future credit card scheme with you as the victim.
Putting Your Home and Family at Risk
In the worst of cases, a scam online key duplication service may use the photo of your key in order to make copies of your key with ill intentions. Because it can be very hard to track down who’s behind online companies, you may be sending a picture of your home or auto key to someone who’s involved in criminal activity, including burglary.
Not a Proper Cut
Another reason that choosing an online service for key duplication isn’t worth it is that often times, a basic photo of a key is not enough to yield a proper cut. This is especially true if the key has been used excessively, and is worn down in certain places. If your key isn’t cut properly, then you’ve not only wasted your money, but you’ve also wasted valuable time as well. In order to ensure that you get an accurate cut, it’s always best to have your key(s) duplicated in-person by a trusted professional.
How to Find a Trustworthy Key Duplication Service
So how do you find a trustworthy key duplication service near you? The best way to find a reputable key copying company in the DFW area is to look for one with years’ of experience and positive customer reviews. If you need key duplication services today, the professionals at A-1 Locksmith can help. With 60 years’ experience helping customers just like you, we’re ready to get put our expertise to work for you today.
