Locksmith red flags card
Keep this handy before you need it. If a locksmith on the phone or at your door shows two or more of these, stop and call someone else.
On the phone
- They won't give a business name, only "locksmith"
- They won't say where they're based or give a street address
- They won't explain how the price is worked out before sending someone
- The number goes to a call centre that won't say who will come
At the door
- An unmarked vehicle and no company ID
- They don't ask for your ID
- They want to drill before trying anything else
- The price changes once they arrive and they won't stop to ask you first
- They want cash only
What to do instead
- Ask the business name and look it up before they arrive
- Ask who is coming and what they'll show you
- Agree how the price works before any work starts
- Ask for a written invoice with the business name and address
- Save a locksmith number you have checked now, before you need one
- If a child or pet is locked in a car or a house, call 911 first