Locksmith Tips
How to Avoid Locksmith Scams in the Birmingham Area
Search for a locksmith near me and you'll see plenty of listings that look local but aren't. Some are call centers that send whoever is available and quote one price on the phone and another at your door. Here's how to tell the difference before you're standing outside a locked door.
How the Scam Usually Works
The typical version starts with an ad or listing that promises a very low service call price. Whoever answers the phone won't name a company or give a real quote. The technician shows up in an unmarked car, announces that the lock has to be drilled and replaced, and hands you a bill several times higher than the price you were given. Consumer protection groups have warned about this pattern for years, and it shows up in every major metro area, including Birmingham.
Warning Signs
- The phone is answered with a generic phrase like "locksmith service" instead of a business name.
- They won't give you a price range, or the quote sounds too good to be true.
- The listing has no real business name, or the name is just a phrase like "Locksmith Near Me."
- The technician arrives in an unmarked vehicle and can't show identification.
- They insist on drilling and replacing a standard lock during a simple lockout.
- They want cash only, or the invoice doesn't have a company name on it.
Check for an Alabama Locksmith License
Alabama requires locksmith companies to be licensed by the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL), and the license number is supposed to appear in their advertising. Licensed companies must give you their AESBL license number when asked, and each technician carries an AESBL identification card. The board posts information about licensed companies at aesbl.alabama.gov.
Questions to Ask on the Phone
- What is the name of your business?
- What will the total cost be, including the service call and labor?
- Are there any other fees I should know about?
- What is your AESBL license number?
- Will the technician have identification with them?
When the Locksmith Arrives
- Expect to be asked for ID or proof that you live there or own the vehicle. A legitimate locksmith verifies before opening anything.
- Confirm the price again before any work starts.
- Be cautious if drilling is recommended right away on a standard lock. Most residential lockouts can be opened without damage.
- Get an itemized invoice with the company's name and phone number on it.
Plan Ahead
The best time to find a locksmith is before you need one. Save the number of a local, licensed locksmith in your phone now so you aren't scrolling through ads in a parking lot later. Metro Locksmith Services is a locally owned locksmith serving Shelby County, Chilton County, and the Birmingham metro.
Related Services
Need help now? Call Metro Locksmith Services at (205) 419-7299. We serve Calera, Hoover, Birmingham, and the surrounding area.