If you’re locked out of the car or home, or you can't manage to get in yourself, be extra careful about who you call to the rescue -- and that's advice from top Studio City locksmiths who make it their business coming to your aid.
Beverly Hills locksmiths advise residents: Know your locksmith before you hire your locksmith
A recent TMCNet report says customers must watch for locksmith scams being reported around the country. Locksmiths have seeing these kind of scams for15 years, but it's worsened in the last five. These illegal phony so-called locksmiths flood the phone books with local numbers for locksmiths, but with fake business addresses to make customers think they are legitimate businesses. When customers call the listed numbers, they ring back to "deceptive boiler rooms" -- the offices that get the calls and dispatch someone in the field to respond. The customers typically are quoted very low prices. And then they are deceived with bills much higher than their original quotes and in some cases, ten to fifteen times higher," according to an expert Los Angeles locksmith. He also says there are copycats who run ads similar to the names of established locksmiths to deceive customers. Phony locksmiths typically arrive in unmarked vehicles when responding to calls and often only accept cash.
One thing is clear: Someone who needs a locksmith might find it difficult deciding on which one to call. When you look in the phone book, make sure the person has been here a while. A plumber is easy because there's a license number, an electrician's easy because there's a license number. That's not always the case with locksmiths. Some research is necessary. For starters, Van Nuys locksmiths suggest visiting the locksmith in person. It’s a good idea to go in and see the people, see the shop. Other ways include calling family or friends for recommendations. If you find a locksmith in the phone book, Internet or through directory assistance, try to confirm the listed address belongs to that locksmith. Get an estimate for all work and replacement parts before any work begins. Most legitimate locksmiths will provide an estimate on the phone for the total cost of work. Find out if the locksmith is insured and ask for identification, including a business card and license, where applicable. Expect the locksmith to ask you for identification. Be suspicious if a locksmith tells you up front the lock has to be drilled and replaced. After the work is completed, get an itemized invoice and price of the service call.
Beverly Hills locksmiths advise residents: Know your locksmith before you hire your locksmith
A recent TMCNet report says customers must watch for locksmith scams being reported around the country. Locksmiths have seeing these kind of scams for15 years, but it's worsened in the last five. These illegal phony so-called locksmiths flood the phone books with local numbers for locksmiths, but with fake business addresses to make customers think they are legitimate businesses. When customers call the listed numbers, they ring back to "deceptive boiler rooms" -- the offices that get the calls and dispatch someone in the field to respond. The customers typically are quoted very low prices. And then they are deceived with bills much higher than their original quotes and in some cases, ten to fifteen times higher," according to an expert Los Angeles locksmith. He also says there are copycats who run ads similar to the names of established locksmiths to deceive customers. Phony locksmiths typically arrive in unmarked vehicles when responding to calls and often only accept cash.
One thing is clear: Someone who needs a locksmith might find it difficult deciding on which one to call. When you look in the phone book, make sure the person has been here a while. A plumber is easy because there's a license number, an electrician's easy because there's a license number. That's not always the case with locksmiths. Some research is necessary. For starters, Van Nuys locksmiths suggest visiting the locksmith in person. It’s a good idea to go in and see the people, see the shop. Other ways include calling family or friends for recommendations. If you find a locksmith in the phone book, Internet or through directory assistance, try to confirm the listed address belongs to that locksmith. Get an estimate for all work and replacement parts before any work begins. Most legitimate locksmiths will provide an estimate on the phone for the total cost of work. Find out if the locksmith is insured and ask for identification, including a business card and license, where applicable. Expect the locksmith to ask you for identification. Be suspicious if a locksmith tells you up front the lock has to be drilled and replaced. After the work is completed, get an itemized invoice and price of the service call.
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