Beware of SCAMS

Watch out for Scams by other Locksmiths. Most Locksmiths are trustworthy people... they have to be. But there are some Locksmiths out there that are Scammers. It gives us good Locksmiths a bad name. You can help stop them or at least protect yourself from them. Watch out for these Scams:

Quoting a low price on the phone

Most locksmiths charge a service/trip charge for coming to your location, then charge parts and labor for the work they actually perform. Scammers often mislead customers into thinking the trip charge is all they’ll have to pay. Ask for the total price.

Pretending to be a local business

When you call a scammer, you may end up talking to a telephone on the other side of the country! Some scammers even put fake local addresses in their ads. Ask where the company is located before you tell them where you are. If you get an evasive answer, watch out  ...They will say anything to make you think they are just down the street!  

Insisting on cash payment

Most legitimate locksmiths will accept checks as well as credit or debit cards. Ask about methods of payment.

No State of Texas Identification or business cards 

Ask to see the pocket card all locksmiths must carry. The card will have their name and a photo ID. Remember, a legitimate locksmith wants you to call him again for other work. You’ll get a business card with a company name and phone number, and the locksmith will want you to remember his or her name. If the company name on the business card does not match who you called, ask "why" before you have the work performed. All scammers want is your money, and hope they never see you again. 

Bait and switch pricing

Scammers often quote a low price to get in the door, then find excuses to charge you a lot more money. Ask how the total price will be calculated, both on the phone and again when the locksmith arrives. Even a legitimate locksmith can’t always give you an exact price over the phone (sometimes things in the field aren't exactly described on the phone), but be wary of sudden, massive increases in the price. Also, beware if a lock must be drilled and replaced. Most locksmiths have training in picking locks and have a variety of tools they can use before they have to drill a lock. In the event a lock must be drilled, replacement locks should be available that are reasonably priced.

Check the Invoice 

 In Texas, the company name, company adress and phone number, license number, and a consumer information" statement must be printed on the invoice: "This company is licensed and regulated by the TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, PRIVATE SECURITY BUREAU. COMPLAINTS may be directed to: PO Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0001 phone: 512-424-7710". If all of this information is not on the invoice, a complaint against the company should be filed with the state.

      Lic. # B13432       512-288-1000 or 512-301-9199