You’ve locked yourself out of your car or home. It’s late, and you’re annoyed. You get out your cell phone and look up “locksmith near me,” then call the first number you find.
This is precisely the scenario the criminals are banking on.
Locksmith scams are one of the most prevalent service scams in the United States. The Philadelphia suburbs are hardly immune. Fraudulent locksmiths advertise themselves aggressively in the hopes of ranking at the top of search results, promising an outrageously low rate on the phone, then charging 5x to 10x that rate when they arrive. In some cases, they’ll even break into your lock in order to jack up the price.
So how do you know whether or not the locksmith you’re calling is a fraud? Let’s explore what makes a legitimate locksmith different from the rest.
How Locksmith Scams Work
These types of scams follow the exact same playbook no matter where you live. Here’s how they usually play out:
- Low-balling. You see an ad or get a phone quote for $15-25. When the technician gets to your location, they hit you with an actual price of $150-300 or more.
- No markings. The person shows up in an unmarked car with no business name, no uniform, and no identification.
- Drilling required. A legitimate locksmith should be able to pick or otherwise bypass most locks without causing any damage. Scammers will drill the lock, then charge you for a new one you didn’t need in the first place.
- Cash only. Many scammers ask for cash and won’t give you a receipt or estimate.
- High-pressure sales. They pressure you to pay on the spot, telling you that the lock is “unfixable” or they’ll walk away.
In other words, you end up paying much more than you should for services you didn’t need, and you have no way to seek restitution since the business is a sham and won’t exist by the same name the next day.
Signs of a Legitimate Locksmith
Trustworthy locksmiths go about their business in a completely different way. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Verified business credentials. They have a physical address, professional website, and listings on directories like the Better Business Bureau. D Express Locksmith is BBB A-rated and fully insured.
- Flat, transparent pricing. A legitimate locksmith will provide an estimate up-front. If something comes up that causes the cost to change, they’ll let you know ahead of time.
- No-damage entry. A good locksmith will bring along the proper tools and expertise needed to unlock your property without having to drill it. Drilling should be the last resort, not the first step.
- Branded vehicles. The technician will arrive in a branded vehicle and should be willing to provide identification.
- Itemized receipts. You’ll receive a receipt showing the business name, contact info, and services rendered.
- Licensed to operate. Locksmiths in Pennsylvania must be licensed and insured to conduct business.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Here are a few warning signs that you may be dealing with a fraudulent locksmith:
- The phone representative answers with something like “locksmith services” instead of giving a business name.
- The quoted price seems too good to be true.
- The technician arrives in an unmarked vehicle.
- He or she insists on drilling the lock before picking it.
- Cash is required, and no receipt or estimate will be provided.
- The final price is much higher than the phone quote.
- No documentation of licensing or insurance is available upon request.
Trust your gut! If you feel uneasy about a locksmith, then you are within your rights to hang up and call someone else.
How D Express Locksmith Does It Differently
We’ve been serving Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Philadelphia County since 2009. Our base of operations is in Ambler, PA, but we’re available throughout the Philadelphia suburbs, including Ambler, Horsham, Blue Bell, Lansdale, Willow Grove, Fort Washington, and more. When you hire us for emergency lockout service, you can expect to receive:
- Rekeying-first approach: We’ll always rekey the existing locks instead of replacing them, unless the locks are damaged. This saves you money, and you don’t have to carry a new set of keys with you every time you have guests over.
- Damage-free entry: We’ll get you back into your home or car without damaging your lock, door, or car.
- Transparent pricing: We’ll provide you with an estimate before we begin work so there are no surprises.
- BBB A-rated & fully insured: Your locksmith should be fully insured and have an A or better rating with the Better Business Bureau. Both of these are easily verifiable.
- 24/7 mobile service: Our technicians come to you, wherever you are in the Philly suburbs.
The Bottom Line
If you want the best locksmith in the Philadelphia suburbs, then choose D Express Locksmith. We take pride in offering honest, damage-free, transparent services to keep you safe.
What to Do Before You Need a Locksmith
When you’re in an emergency, you won’t have time to search for a trustworthy locksmith. You need to find one before you ever need them. It only takes a few minutes to prepare yourself now so that you don’t panic later. Here’s what we suggest:
- Save D Express Locksmith’s number in your phone. Dial (267) 551-6815.
- Save our web address. We’re at dexpresslock.com. Make sure you know how to reach us when you need us.
- Check out our reviews. See what our customers say about us on our website and on the BBB site.
- Talk to people in your community. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors which locksmith they trust. This could lead you to discover a gem that you might not have found online.
Now, when you find yourself locked out in the middle of the night, you’ll have a name you can trust. Don’t be afraid to call us!
FAQs
How much should a locksmith cost in the Philadelphia suburbs? It depends on the service. If it’s a simple lockout, it should cost less than having a deadbolt rekeyed or having a smart lock installed. Whatever the case, a legitimate locksmith will give you an estimate before they start working. If the estimate seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
Can a locksmith open my door without drilling it? In most cases, yes. They’ll use special tools to pick or otherwise bypass the lock without causing damage. Some locks, such as high-security locks, may require drilling. But, if a locksmith tries to drill your lock as soon as he shows up, ask him why.
How do I know if my locksmith is legitimate? A legitimate locksmith will have a business address, a professional website, and an A or better BBB rating. They will also be able to show proof of insurance and have positive reviews online. When they arrive on-site, they should be able to present ID and provide a receipt for their services.
Does D Express Locksmith serve my area? We’re based in Ambler, PA, but we serve the entire Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Philadelphia County. That includes Ambler, Horsham, Blue Bell, Lansdale, Willow Grove, Fort Washington, and more.
What if I’ve been scammed by a locksmith? Call the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office. Document everything, including the locksmith’s phone number, license plate, receipt, and the amount you were charged. Finally, call a real locksmith to have the damage repaired.
Are You Looking For a Locksmith You Can Trust?
Contact D Express Locksmith today at (267) 551-6815 or visit us at dexpresslock.com. We serve the entire Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Philadelphia County areas. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’re fully insured and BBB A-rated. Your security is our top priority.