There are a great number of things to consider prior to hiring a locksmith. Individuals experience a great deal of stress however in hiring locksmiths simply because when one is needed the situation that calls for one is usually an emergency. Individuals need to be wary of scams, and will hopefully have a tablet, phone, or other Internet connected device to help them find a locksmith even in the most trying of times.
One thing that individuals really need to watch out for are locksmith businesses and individuals who advertise themselves as local but don’t actually operate in the specific area that they’re advertising in. Upon closer inspection it’s not uncommon to find that such locksmith firms and individuals advertise themselves as being a local locksmith in a number of areas but don’t actually operate in any of them. While these locksmiths can certainly be called upon in emergency doing so often yields several problems for consumers.
The first and perhaps most obvious of problems when contacting a locksmith that doesn’t actually operate out of the area you are in is that it may take them a significant amount of time to arrive on scene. When one is locked out of their automobile in a strange neighborhood or out of their home in the middle of the night one will want help sooner rather than later.
The second and far more dangerous problem one may encounter when contacting these types of locksmiths is that they may arrive on scene in unmarked vehicles and will not be uniformed. This can make it difficult for one to ascertain exactly who is there to help and who isn’t. Furthermore many of these companies will subcontract their work out to local locksmiths, some of whom may be less than professional and reputable. It’s very common for these types of individuals to run scams on desperate people in need of help and will often go to great lengths to take advantage of people.
When these “local” locksmith companies are contacted and send out subcontractors to do their work an individual is at great risk of receiving a quote over the phone and then a much more expensive bill by the person sent out to do the job. Many times not only is the subcontracted locksmith in on the scam but so is the “local” locksmith firm that was initially contacted. Some of these locksmiths will hold a customer’s keys or car hostage under threat of leaving or reporting them to police when they refuse to pay.
The best way for individuals to ensure that they get help from a reputable locksmith is to look for one well in advance of any issues. A few minutes or even hours spent online really help consumers find locksmiths that actually operate out of their local area or even an area they intend to be at some point down the line. Having a trusted professional locksmith at the ready when emergency arises is something everybody should have.
Astro Locksmith Inc Services Boston, Newton, Brookline, Watertown, Somerville, and Cambridge.