How to Pick a Good Locksmith (Avoid Scams)
Five questions to ask any locksmith before they touch your lock — protects you from the lowball-bait scam.
How do I find a trustworthy locksmith?
1. Ask for a local address. Real locksmiths have a physical shop or service vehicle registered in town. National 1-800 locksmith ads are often call centers that subcontract to whoever's nearby.
2. Ask for an all-in quote on the phone — service call, labor, and parts. If they refuse or give an unusually low teaser number, hang up.
3. Look for a marked, branded vehicle when they arrive. Unmarked cars are a major red flag.
4. Confirm they're licensed and insured. North Carolina licenses locksmiths through the NC Locksmith Licensing Board; ask for the license number.
5. Read recent local reviews — not just the star average. A real Chapel Hill, NC locksmith will have customers naming Chapel Hill, NC neighborhoods.