Protect your home, business, and wallet from locksmith scams
How to Spot a Legitimate Locksmith on Google Maps
Locksmithing is a specialized service. Whether you’re locked out of your car, house, need your locks rekeyed, or require a full security upgrade, the technician typically travels to your location to provide the service. Some locksmiths operate out of physical storefronts, offering a full suite of on-site services, while many are mobile-only, working out of branded or marked service vans.
With the convenience of Google Maps, most people in an emergency situation will simply search for “locksmith near me” and click the first result that appears to be nearby and highly rated. Unfortunately, this is where things can get risky!
Unfortunately, some locksmiths appearing on Google Maps are not legitimate businesses.
These listings may display fake addresses, use stock images, and feature fake or paid reviews to appear trustworthy. Scammers count on your desperation and your trust in technology to deceive you into hiring them—sometimes with serious consequences to your security and finances.
Red Flags and How to Verify a Legitimate Locksmith
If you’re about to hire a locksmith, especially in an emergency, take a few moments to verify the business listing. Here’s how:
- Look at the Photos
Check if the business listing includes authentic photos. A legitimate locksmith will typically show:
- A branded storefront or a clearly marked service van
- Technicians wearing a company in uniform
If all the photos look generic, low-quality, or overly polished, proceed with caution, or better yet, look into another company.
- Evaluate the Reviews
Don’t just look at the star rating—take a few minutes to read the reviews.
Ask yourself:
- Do the reviews sound authentic, or are they overly wordy that reflect what someone would write to self-praise? Would a customer write a review like this?
- Are there multiple reviews posted on the same day or with similar phrasing?
- Do the reviewer names reflect the demographics of your area, are they balanced? Consecutive reviews from Spanish sounding names that contain triple or quadruple names are characteristic of reviews purchased from Brazil. Consecutive reviews from Arab sounding names indicate reviews purchased from Bangladesh. Keyword here is balance!
- Read the negative reviews. Scammers often purchase fake reviews to bury legitimate negative reviews that reflect the true nature of their business.
- Check for Licensing and/or ID
If you’re in a state where locksmiths must be licensed, always ask to see the technician’s license before they begin any work. In states without licensing requirements, you should still request a valid photo identification. If a technician refuses to disclose this information, reconsider this service provider. This is a simple step can prevent unqualified or potentially dangerous individuals from working on your property.
Take a few extra minutes to verify who you’re hiring—even during an emergency. A legitimate locksmith will respect your due diligence.
When it comes to locksmithing, your safety and security are on the line!