Whether you are locked out of your home or security concerns are prompting you to change your locks, the last thing that you need is to fall victim to a cruel Toronto locksmith scam. Yet these scams are prevalent, with CBC News even covering the story [1].

The most common scams that you should be aware of are listed below. However, the easiest way to avoid these scams is to ensure that the locksmith that you contact is licensed under the Locksmiths Licensing Act and that they show you their identification card which will have their name, license number, expiry date and signature on it prior to starting work.

1. The best locksmith in Toronto - truth or fiction?

There are many businesses claiming to be the best locksmith in Toronto but by employing the services of a fake, unlicensed business, you will receive an inadequate service, will invalidate your home insurance and you could become a victim of crime. If your chosen locksmith turns up in an unmarked vehicle and does not provide proof of identification, you should be very wary about allowing them onto your premises.

2. Unaccountable invoices:

If you have been quoted for work, that is the amount that you will be expected to pay. If you agree to a locksmith's quotation, then find that the bill is significantly higher than expected and cannot be substantiated, the chances are that you are being scammed. This is especially likely if the invoice is not itemized or the Toronto locksmith becomes hostile when questioned. If you feel threatened, you should discretely summon help.

3. Stolen credit card details:

A fraudster may impersonate a locksmith to gain access to your property or to steal your financial credentials. They may do this by taking your credit card details as a means of payment, but keeping them to make future purchases and payments from your account without your permission. Should this occur, you must notify your bank's fraud department immediately to safeguard your money.

4. Criminal damage:

This relates to the unnecessary removal of locks that could be repaired or the intentional damage of existing security infrastructure to force you to pay for replacement. In both instances, knowingly damaging your property when it is not required is illegal. Forcing you to pay for the work is fraudulent.

5. "Broken" card machine:

If the time comes to pay and the locksmith claims that their card machine is broken, you should offer to pay by bank transfer instead. Insisting on cash payment should arouse your suspicions. Cash payments do not provide you with protection or recourse in the event that the work conducted or the lock fitted is of substandard quality and requires re-work or replacement.

Allowing somebody that you do not know to access your home takes trust, so when you become the victim of a locksmith scam, it can be particularly unnerving. Take the time to check a tradesperson's credentials, business address and reviews before making contact and if you feel under pressure or uncertain at any point, contact a friend, family member or, if necessary, the police for support.

Reference :

[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-calgary-locksmith-fake-unlicensed-scam-1.4902166