How to Detect and Avoid Scam Locksmiths

The worst mistake to make is to call a locksmith at random, the first one you find. You should always check before contacting a professional. Beware of scams! Some dishonest locksmiths take advantage of emergency situations, when you are locked out late at night or on weekends, to exploit your distress and charge you for unnecessary services at exorbitant prices.

An investigation by the consumer police, the DGCCRF, concluded that  64% of the companies checked (plumbers, electricians, locksmiths) are not compliant. It denounces particularly unfair and aggressive practices, carried out by unscrupulous people.

✅ How to recognize an honest locksmith?

When a door is slammed, an honest locksmith can open it without damage and in a few seconds using a simple radio . The radio is inserted into the door slot, it is pushed down while pulling slightly, and the door opens. Sometimes, it takes a little longer, but in 90% of cases, this method works without any problem.

The average price for this intervention is about 100 to 150 euros.

How do scammers operate?

Scammers, on the other hand, will claim they cannot open the door with the radio. They will  drill the lock, which then requires replacement – and that's when the bill explodes.

They try to convince their victims to accept unnecessary interventions, like drilling the lock ❌ when a simple opening with a radio would suffice.

They will try to gain your trust, telling you they are professionals with years of experience… Real  actors ! They charge exorbitant and sometimes go as far as offering you to lie to the insurance to get reimbursed. Faced with your hesitation, they insist by saying that you have no choice.

How to avoid falling into the trap?

Here are some tips to spot a scam :

• Beware of prices that are too low ❌. An honest locksmith will never travel never  for 15 or 25 euros. These are bait price intended to lure you before exploding the bill.

• Avoid sponsored ads on Google. These locksmiths pay thousands of euros to appear first, which often hides a scam. An honest company does not need this kind of advertising.

• Never call a number found in a mailbox or displayed in common areas. These are often dubious companies. Companies offering locksmithing, plumbing, heating, and electricity at the same time are often generalists with little qualification.

• Favor word of mouth. Ask your close ones if they know a good locksmith.

• Read Google reviews carefully. Check that the profiles of people leaving reviews are real and not fake reviews posted en masse.          

• Favor local craftsmen and authorized networks. Recognized professionals are often affiliated with brands like Point Fort Fichet, Bricard, Picard or Vachette.               

What to do in case of emergency?

                                                 CONTACT AN EXPERT / 07 67 96 22 46

In case of emergency, if you find yourself locked out late at night or on a weekend, it is important to stay calm and avoid hasty decisions. 

Before any intervention, always ask for an estimate, it is a legal obligation from the first euro. 

inquire about the ✅ rates of an honest locksmith to avoid unpleasant surprises: the travel cost, the hourly rate, and any possible flat fees. A good habit is to take a look at their website and compare with other locksmiths, but beware of prices that are too low! No serious locksmith travels for a trivial amount. 

Also take the time to ask questions: a true professional will clearly explain what they will do. If you are told that a part needs to be changed, demand a written and detailed estimate and above all, keep the old part so you can later verify if the replacement was really necessary. Another golden rule: never pay in cash without a receipt, otherwise you will have no recourse in case of a problem

Finally, if in doubt, you can check the label list ✅ serruriers de France 

Label Serruriers de France is a professional guide bringing together trustworthy and quality locksmiths. In response to users' needs, an online portal with geolocation and mobile applications has been developed. Listed companies benefit from a label guaranteeing their reliability, their information being rigorously verified to ensure customer safety.

Some information presented in this article comes from a report by TF1.

 

Useful Links: