Last week, we shared part 1 of this blog series,
where we examined some of the most common car locksmith scams. This week, we continue sharing two more that should instantly indicate a red flag!
The best advice we can share? Do your research.
Thanks to the internet, you have a ton of information and resources at your fingertips, so it pays to do your research!
We hope this blog provides you value. Catch up on part 1 here before continuing with part 2 below.
If you are looking for more useful information, check out the rest of our blog here.
We’re sure you’ll find some great nuggets of information around car, home, and commercial safety and security!
Scam #4: don’t let your auto locksmith talk you into breaking your lock!
Fraudulent locksmith scammers might advise you that the best thing to do to get you back inside your car is to remove the lock.
Needless to say, any mention of this should automatically raise alarm bells!
Scammers give this advice because while it might get you back into your car, it also leaves you with a busted lock. And that means more business for unscrupulous
locksmiths.
We know what you’re thinking: “I’d never fall for something like that!”
In our opinion though, it pays to remain vigilant. Most scammers pitch it not as breaking, but as drilling. They’re smart enough to dress it up with jargon
and technical terms.
Add to that the stress of being stranded and you’ve got a trick that works a lot more than you’d expect!
The best way to avoid this is with knowledge.
Safely unlocking a car door is one of the first things
a locksmith learns. Any locksmith can do this, regardless of where they trained, apprenticed or how long they’ve been operating.
And if that’s not the first option they offer, there’s a high chance they’re trying to fleece you for the additional fee that comes with reinstalling the
removed lock.
Scam #5: Cash-only = automatic locksmith red flag
Alright, so while this one isn’t a scam itself, it is a strong indicator that you’ve got an auto locksmith that may be trying to scam you.
Almost all locksmiths take credit and debit cards nowadays. This arrangement benefits both parties – it’s convenient for you, and it ensures that we receive
payment on-the-spot.
Simply put, in this day and age, there’s no excuse to not take card.
Car locksmiths who insist on cash-only (and who might even use intimidation to get their way) usually have something to hide. Some scammers do this because
unlike cards, you can’t issue a chargeback for cash payments.
Be careful of this type of scam style and don’t take their excuses at face value (e.g.: they “forgot” to bring their credit card equipment or “it’s broken”).
Save yourself from auto locksmith scammers!
Call a car locksmith you can trust: call Galmier Locksmiths!
Running into problems with your car lock and keys is bad enough. Don’t make your frustration worse by falling for car locksmith scammers.
Galmier Locksmiths is Melbourne’s most reliable auto locksmith. Our mobile team is constantly on the move across Melbourne’s Bayside, offering rapid, on-site
solutions to all your car lock and key issues.
We’re experienced, friendly, and most importantly, trustworthy. There’s a reason we’ve been one of WOMO’s best-reviewed businesses 7 years in a row!
We specialise in all sorts of locksmith services… and that includes auto locksmith services.
Contact Alex from Galmier Locksmiths on 0407 022 234 for a fast and reliable car locksmith service that comes to you.