The locksmith industry is unfortunately swamped with scams. There are several con artists operating in Southern California, competing with thousands of properly licensed and responsible locksmiths. Whether you choose you work with JD Williams Locksmith Service or any of our responsible competition, we all want to see you stay safe and receive the service you're paying for. Here are some helpful tips to protect you when selecting a locksmith or lock and security equipment contractor in Southern California.
- The only service that is "so basic you don't need a license" is duplicating pre-existing keys. Think of your local hardware store. All other lock repair, install, modification, and lock-out services do require a license. Yes, even replacing the lock on your front door! (You can replace your own any time you want, just not for compensation.)
- A Locksmith Company Operator (LCO) license allows almost all residential and automotive services. An LCO can install, repair, modify, and open locks, and provide keys by duplication, decoding, or any other method chosen (including all-keys-lost situations).
- Any modification to a structure, including the installation of door hardware and security equipment (like access control), with a project value of $1,000 or more requires a contractor's license. This is true for all trades. Qualified locksmiths are eligible to take the exams for licensure as a C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Contractor. Generally, this license is only needed for work on commercial property or large jobs. This license does not grant any additional privileges in automotive work.
- Does the locksmith have General Liability Insurance? You are well within your rights to require your locksmith show you proof of liability insurance before they work on your property. JD Williams Locksmith Service is insured and is happy to provide documentation of this fact upon request.
- There is no such thing as a pick-proof lock. There are many pick-resistant locks, and several types which even well-qualified locksmiths will struggle to pick. If your lock says "Defiant" or "Kwikset" then you do not have one of these. A common scam is to tell the customer the lock is "pick-proof" and it must be destroyed to open it, then provide a new "pick-proof" high security lock for several hundred dollars. In reality, both the original lock and what the scammer provides are likely $20-range locks from a hardware store.
- Do not fall for the $29 lock-out. There is no way to run a legal, effective business in California making $29 at a time. These scams work by "hooking you" with a deceptively low price, then finding any way they can to jack the price up once they get to you! I have seen these scams charge over $500 for work they initially claimed would be less than $50. You're almost always better off, and safer, going with the licensed locksmith charging $100-$200.