Scam Locksmiths are out there here are some tips to avoid hiring them.

During the call
Get a quote
If they quote really low, like a lockout for $25 or a full house rekey for $70.
If They don’t have a local phone number.
if you call and they say “locksmith How can I help” its a call center for scammers.
The caller is Vague about prices.
If the response time is late.

Online Search
They have google adds (scammers love adds)
The add has a great price.
Search their address (they use fake addresses)
They don’t have a website.
If they don’t list their prices on their website.
Read the reviews. Too many means they faked them.

After arrival
If they show up is a car, not a van.
Ask for a valid Business license.
Ask for a business card.
They make a lot of excuses.
If they seem inexperienced, IE: lack of proper tools.
Their parts are way over priced Average generic doorknob ($35-$65)
Their parts are used but sold as new.

Rekeying Scams
Test your old key. Keep one for your self to test after the service.
They use your countertop to rekey the lock.
They file pins down to make them fit. 

Lockout scams
If they say quickly “this lock can’t be picked and need to drill”
       Note: Kwikset Smart keys need to be drilled if they don’t have a camera”
If they don’t have locksmith tools like picks, jigs, a pinning kit”

After Service
If they demand cash, and wont take a credit card, check or pay-pal, Venmo. (call the police)
They can’t produce an invoice with their business name and phone number on it.
If they cant produce a business license 

Other Locksmiths I trust in Seattle.
Ravenna Locksmith
Andy’s Advantage Mobile Locksmiths
Just Cars Advanced Locksmith

 

Wall of Shame – Pictures of scam locksmiths talent.

Scam Locksmith didn’t have the camera to decode this Kwikset Smart Key Deadbold. He could not pick the lock, so they drilled it out, and replaced it with a used lock at a high price.
Another drilled Kwikset Smart Key, again the Scammer did not have the camera to decode this lock so they destroyed the lock and charged high labor to drill and replaced with over priced generic locks.
Scam Locksmith couldn’t pick the easiest lock on the market, so he mangled the doorknob and still couldn’t get in. Charged the tenant $300 in cash and demanded the tenant go to the bank to get the cash. If a locksmith acts like this ask for a business license and call the police.
This is not a professional way to drill the holes to install a deadbolt. Scam locksmith didn’t have the proper jig or hole saw to do it right.