Consumer Guide

Locksmith calls often happen in urgent, stressful moments — a lockout late at night, keys lost before an important appointment. That urgency creates an opening for dishonest operators who use deceptive pricing and high-pressure tactics. Knowing the warning signs before you need a locksmith is the best protection.

How the Scam Typically Works

The most common pattern is a low quote over the phone — often unusually low — used to get a technician on-site. Once work has started or the situation feels irreversible, the price increases significantly with explanations like "the lock is more complicated than expected" or charges that weren't mentioned in the original quote.

Other common tactics include:

• Fake local listings — a website or directory listing shows a local Dallas address, but the company has no real local presence. These listings are designed to appear in local search results while dispatching from elsewhere.
• Unnecessary destructive work — drilling a lock can be legitimately necessary in some situations, but it should not be the first approach for a standard lockout. If a technician insists on drilling immediately, without explaining why non-destructive entry isn't possible in your specific situation, that warrants more questions before you agree.
• Cash-only payment with no receipt — an unwillingness to provide documentation makes it difficult to dispute the charge or report a problem later.

Warning Signs Before You Call

• The price quoted over the phone is unusually low, with no explanation of what it includes or how final pricing is determined.
• You can't find a verifiable local address, consistent business name, or real customer reviews across multiple platforms.
• No license number or business credentials are listed on their website or provided when you ask.

Warning Signs When They Arrive

• The technician cannot produce a license number or business ID when asked.
• They state immediately that drilling is the only option, without assessing the lock or explaining why other approaches won't work in your situation.
• The final price is significantly higher than the phone quote, with pressure to pay before you have a chance to ask questions.
• Payment in cash only, with no written receipt offered.

Questions to Ask Before Authorizing Work

Before allowing a locksmith to begin, you have the right to ask:

• What is your license number and company name?
• Can you confirm the total price before you start?
• Is drilling actually necessary here, and if so, why?
• Will I receive an itemized receipt?

Clear answers to these questions can help you understand who you're hiring and what you're agreeing to before work begins.

How to Check a Locksmith's Credentials

Before hiring, search the company name online and look for consistent information across their website, Google listing, and any directory profiles — business name, phone number, and address should match. Read reviews on multiple platforms, not just the one they link to themselves.

Ask for a license number and verify that the business information provided is consistent with what you find online. A legitimate locksmith should be able to tell you their license number, their company name as it's registered, and give you a written price before starting.

Right Choice Locksmith's license (TX DPS Lic # B31212401) is displayed on our website and provided on request. You can learn more about our credentials on our About page.

Need a Licensed Locksmith in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Right Choice Locksmith is TX DPS licensed (Lic # B31212401), locally owned and operated, with upfront pricing confirmed before work begins. Call for a free quote.

📞 Call (469) 640-6420

Related: About Right Choice Locksmith  ·  Emergency Locksmith