Locksmith scams: how to spot them and what to do instead

Most locksmiths are honest, but a few operators advertise a local name, send an unmarked car and quote one price on the phone and another at the door. Here is how to protect yourself.

Warning signs

• The business answers with a generic greeting instead of a company name.
• No street address, or an address that is just a mailbox or a fake listing.
• A very low price on the phone that changes when the technician arrives.
• Drilling or replacing the lock without first trying to open it.
• No licence number, no receipt, or a receipt without a business name.

How to check a locksmith before you book

• Ask for the company name, the street address and the licence number.
• Ask for a price range for your exact lock or vehicle, including the service call and labour.
• Check that the business has a real website and a shop or office you could visit.
• Ask whether the technician is employed by the company or a subcontractor.

What to do when the technician arrives

• Confirm the company name and ask to see identification.
• Confirm the price before any work starts, and do not sign a blank form.
• Ask for a written receipt with the business name and address.

How we work

• We are a BC licensed and insured locksmith (BC licence B2370) with a shop at 4105 Macdonald St, Vancouver.
• We give a price range before we dispatch and a written receipt after every job.

Need a locksmith now?

Call 604-734-7233 for a price range and arrival window.