Our team at Calgary Lock Services is proud to serve the Calgary community with honesty and integrity. Unfortunately, not everyone in our industry shares these values. Our professional technicians have seen an increase in “fake locksmith” scams that target people when they are most vulnerable—usually during a lockout. These scammers use trickery to overcharge honest people and often leave their doors damaged. Our team believes that an educated customer is a safe customer. By learning the warning signs of a scam, you can protect your wallet and your home’s security from these dishonest operators.
How the Typical Locksmith Scam Works
The scam usually starts with a very low price advertised online, sometimes as low as $15 or $29. When the “technician” arrives in an unmarked car, they will look at your lock and claim it is too “high-security” to pick. They will then insist on drilling the lock out and replacing it with a cheap, low-quality alternative. Transitioning from a $20 quote to a $500 bill is a classic tactic used to intimidate customers. Our professional technicians believe that no professional should ever change the price once they arrive unless the job has fundamentally changed. Our team stays transparent about costs.
Identifying Red Flags in Online Advertisements
When you search for help, be wary of companies that do not have a specific local address. Many scammers use fake Google Map locations or generic names like “Locksmith Near Me.” Our team suggests looking for a company name that matches the one on their website and their vehicles. If you call and they answer with a generic phrase like “locksmith services” instead of a specific business name, you should be careful. Our professional technicians believe that a real local business should have a history in the community. Checking for Break in Repair & Prevention is a good way to see if a company is real.
What to Look for When the Technician Arrives
A professional should always arrive in a marked vehicle that displays the company name and phone number. Our team also believes that a legitimate technician should be dressed professionally and be willing to show you their provincial license. In Alberta, locksmiths must be licensed under the Security Services and Investigative Services Act. If a person refuses to show their ID or acts aggressively when you ask questions, do not let them touch your door. Our professional technicians know it is always better to stay locked out for a few more minutes than to let a scammer ruin your hardware.
The “Drill First” Mentality is a Major Warning
Professional locksmiths take pride in their ability to open locks without causing damage. Our professional technicians use specialized picks and tools to manipulate the pins inside the cylinder. While some high-security locks do require drilling, it should always be the very last resort. Our team sees scammers reach for the power drill immediately because it allows them to sell you a new, overpriced lock. Our professional technicians believe that your original hardware is usually worth saving. If someone tells you that a basic deadbolt “cannot be picked,” they are likely lying to you.
Fair Pricing and Written Estimates
A reputable company will always give you a clear price range over the phone. While it is hard to give an exact total without seeing the door, our professional technicians can tell you what the service call and labour will cost. Our team believes that you should always ask for a written estimate before any work begins. If the technician refuses or gives you a vague answer, it is a sign of trouble. Transitioning to a finalized bill should never be a surprise. Our team takes pride in our Best Locksmith Services near you being both high-quality and fairly priced for all our Calgary neighbours.
Serving Calgary and Surrounding Areas with Trust
Our professional technicians provide reliable help to residents in Airdrie, Cochrane, and Chestermere. Our team also supports families in Okotoks and High River. Our professional technicians believe that building trust is the most important part of our job. Whether you are in Black Diamond or the heart of downtown, our team treats your property with respect. Being a local business means we care about our reputation and the safety of our city. If you ever feel unsure about a service provider, please feel free to Contact Us.
How to Protect Yourself in an Emergency
The best way to avoid a scam is to find a reliable locksmith before you actually need one. Our professional technicians suggest saving the number of a trusted local company in your phone today. Read reviews on independent sites and check if the company has a physical shop in the Calgary area. Our team believes that being prepared is the best defense against predatory business practices. If you are currently in an emergency and feel uncomfortable with a technician, you have the right to ask them to leave. Our professional technicians believe you are in control of your property.
Our Commitment to Ethical Service
Calgary Lock Services was founded on the idea that security should be accessible and honest. Our professional technicians never use bait-and-switch tactics because we want you to call our team again in the future. Our team believes that our success comes from the word-of-mouth recommendations of our happy clients. Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and background-checked for your peace of mind. Our professional technicians continue to invest in the best tools and training so we can provide superior service without the need for destructive methods. Trust our team to keep your Calgary home or business safe.
FAQ
Why is the price I was quoted different from the bill?
Scammers often quote a “starting at” price and then add hidden fees once they are at your door. Our team suggests getting a total price in writing before any work starts.
Do locksmiths in Calgary need a license?
Yes, all locksmiths in Alberta must be licensed by the provincial government. You can ask our professional technicians to see their pocket card, which should have their photo and a provincial seal.
What should I do if a locksmith drills my lock?
If they drill it without trying to pick it first, they are likely overcharging you. Ask for the old lock back and get an itemized receipt for the new hardware they installed.
Can a locksmith open any door?
Most residential and commercial doors can be opened by a skilled professional. High-security or specialized electronic locks are more difficult, but our professional technicians have the tools to handle them.
How can I tell if a Google review is fake?
Look for patterns. If a company has dozens of 5-star reviews that all appeared in the same week and have no text, they might be fake. Real reviews usually have specific details.
Should I pay in cash or by card?
Scammers often demand cash so there is no paper trail. Our professional technicians believe a legitimate business will always accept credit or debit and provide you with a printed receipt.
