Some people have been charged over a thousand dollars for a simple job. They’ve been told they needed new locks, and then sold junk at high prices. These scammers are there to rip you off! Here’s how you can stop them.

o  Quoting a low price on the phone ___
Most locksmiths charge a “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.

o  Pretending to be a local business ___
When you call a scammer, you may end up talking to a telephone “boiler room” on the other side of the country! Some scammers even put phony 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!  Locksmith listings in San Antonio are really Mexican restaurants, McDonalds, vacant lots, roofing companies, fitness centers ... anything to make you think they are just down the street! Some locksmiths are completely mobile, so do not be surprised if an adress is their house.

o Insisting on cash payment ___
Most legitimate locksmiths will accept checks as well as credit or debit cards. Ask about methods of payment when you’re on the phone.

o 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.

o “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.

o 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.