Phoney businesses, fake invoices, credit card trickery, unneeded lock removals —​ consumers are being warned of these cons and more as unlicensed locksmiths rip off customers and legitimate businesses alike.

Source: www.cbc.ca

No honest locksmith can stay in business charging a low price service call, so that’s your first red flag. A real locksmith will tell you something like $75-$100 service call.  A real locksmith has liability insurance, commercial insurance, advertising, a service truck, employee’s and a shop. Trained for years to be able to pick your lock in 3 minutes. You are paying for travel expense, skill, and a reasonable mark up on hardware. If you think someone is coming to your house and performing a free service you have unrealistic world views and/or expectations.