When you’re locked out of your home or facing a security issue, the last thing you want is to deal with a rogue locksmith who exacerbates your stress with poor service and hidden charges. With the rise of unlicensed and unqualified locksmiths, it’s easy to fall victim to scammers posing as professionals. The consequences can range from financial loss to serious security risks but at RLM Locksmiths, we’re here to keep you aware and safe.
What Are the Risks of Hiring a Rogue Locksmith?
Hiring a rogue locksmith can expose you to a range of risks. From overpriced services to subpar work, the consequences of choosing the wrong professional can be far-reaching. Many rogue locksmiths operate without the necessary qualifications or certifications, meaning they can’t be trusted to perform the job properly. They might use cheap, unreliable tools or fail to secure your property correctly, leaving you vulnerable to break-ins.
How Can Rogue Locksmiths Negatively Impact Your Security?
A locksmith’s primary job is to enhance your home’s security. However, rogue locksmiths can do the opposite. By cutting corners, using inferior materials, or failing to secure your property properly, they can make your home more vulnerable to theft.
A rogue locksmith might install cheap locks to save themselves some costs on parts which could be easily broken, leaving you with a false sense of security. In some cases, they might even tamper with your existing lock systems to create additional problems that require costly follow-up repairs.
Untrained locksmiths are under risk of not having a deepened understanding in modern security practices. For areas such as smart locks and high-tech security systems require specific expertise to install and maintain.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Reliable Locksmith?
When you need a locksmith, the first step is to ensure you’re hiring a trustworthy professional. Here’s how to do that:
- Check for Accreditations: Look for certifications such as Trading Standards approval and membership in professional organisations like the Master Locksmiths Association. These accreditations show the locksmith is reputable and follows industry standards.
- Read Customer Reviews: Search for reviews on Google, social media, or review sites. Positive feedback from real customers is a strong indicator of a reliable locksmith.
- Verify Identification: A trusted locksmith will be able to provide ID and a business card. They should also have a branded vehicle. If the locksmith is hesitant to show you their credentials, it’s a red flag.
- Ask for Quotes Upfront: Always ask for a quote before any work begins. Rogue locksmiths might start with a low quote and raise the price once the work is done. Ensure the quote is fixed and clear, with no hidden fees.
How Can You Verify a Locksmith’s Credentials Before Hiring Them?
Verifying a locksmith’s credentials is easier than you think and it’s a safe bet to avoid getting caught in a scam:
- Check for Trading Standards Approval: In the UK, reputable locksmiths should be Trading Standards approved. This means they’ve passed a rigorous vetting process and adhere to strict ethical standards, far beyond others.
- Ask for Certification: A professional locksmith will have certificates proving their qualifications and membership in trusted industry organisations. You can verify these credentials with the relevant authorities.
- Research Their Business: Look up the company online to ensure it has a legitimate business address, phone number and professional website. If their contact details are vague or they can’t be traced back to a legitimate address, move on to another provider.
What Are the Common Tactics Used by Rogue Locksmiths to Scam Customers?
Rogue locksmiths use several tactics to deceive unsuspecting customers:
- Overcharging for services: They might provide a low initial quote but then add hidden charges for “additional” work once the job is completed.
- Using scare tactics: Some rogue locksmiths might claim that your locks are outdated or damaged, pressuring you into paying for unnecessary services.
- Falsely inflating repair costs: After the job is done, they may present inflated bills for minor repairs, expecting you to pay without question.
- No fixed pricing: Rogue locksmiths will often avoid offering a clear quote, making the cost difficult to estimate. This opens the door for inflated charges later.
A great piece of advice here is to ask questions. Do a little research for the right type of provider for your home or business but don’t be put off if what they are saying doesn’t make sense. Take the time to carefully consider what the person is describing and to see and be explained as to what is happening or in more severe circumstances, get a second opinion.
Why Is It Important to Work with a Local Locksmith for Home Security Upgrades?
When it comes to home security, hiring a local locksmith offers several advantages. First, local locksmiths are more likely to be familiar with the security challenges specific to your area. They are more invested in maintaining a good reputation in the community, which means they are less likely to engage in dishonest practices.
A local locksmith can provide quicker response times, and you’ll be more likely to establish a relationship with a trustworthy provider for ongoing security needs. They are more accountable to you as a customer and can offer tailored advice on how to best secure your home based on local crime trends.
When you’re facing a lock issue, whether it’s a lockout, a broken key or a security upgrade, you need to choose a trusted professional locksmith. Rogue locksmiths can cause serious harm to your property, your security and your finances.
Being in need of a locksmith is a difficult and often stressful position and we at RLM Locksmiths understand that wholeheartedly and it’s because of this that we strive to do better for us and for you. We are Trading Standards Approved, have Master Locksmith Association accreditation, are DBS checked and ask all customers – big or small – to leave us a review so that you can have the peace of mind knowing that you are getting a local that understands and cares about you.
By ensuring you “check them out before you call them out,” you’ll avoid the common pitfalls and ensure that your home remains secure and well-protected.
Call or book RLM Locksmiths today to discuss how we can keep you, your family and your business safe.
