How to Spot a Fake Locksmith in Miami
(Don't Get Scammed)
You're locked out. You're stressed. You Google "locksmith near me" and call the first number. Big mistake.
Miami has a serious problem with locksmith scams. Fake locksmiths advertise low prices, show up unprepared, and hit you with massive bills for simple work. Some are just incompetent; others are outright criminals casing properties for future burglaries.
Legitimate locksmith service in Miami-Dade County
The Locksmith Scam Playbook
Understanding how these scams work helps you avoid them.
The "$19 Service Call" Bait-and-Switch
This is the most common scam:
1. Advertisement:
"Locksmith $19!" or "$15 Service Call!"
2. The Call:
You call while locked out (desperate). They quote the low price.
3. Arrival:
Person arrives, may have vague identification.
4. Price Explosion:
"Oh, this is a high-security lock. Now it's $350."
5. Pressure:
You're already locked out. They're there. They pressure you to agree.
6. Payment:
Cash preferred (no paper trail). If you refuse, they may threaten to leave you locked out.
Victims typically pay large amounts for lockouts that should cost much less.
The Drill-First Technique
Legitimate locksmiths pick locks—it's the professional way to open doors without damage.
The scam:
Fake locksmith immediately reaches for a drill instead of picking tools. Why?
- Faster: Drilling takes 2 minutes. Picking takes 5-15 minutes.
- Forces Replacement: Drilling destroys your lock, forcing you to buy a new one from them.
- More Profit: They charge for the lockout + expensive lock replacement + markup on the lock.
What you should expect:
Fair pricing for lockout service
What scammers charge:
Much more after drilling and replacing your lock unnecessarily
The Fake Credentials
Some scammers create fake company names that sound similar to established locksmiths or use fake addresses.
The scam:
- •Google search shows "ABC Locksmith - 123 Main St, Miami"
- •You call, they confirm that address
- •They arrive, do poor work or scam you
- •You try to follow up—the address doesn't exist or is a vacant lot
They're exploiting local business listings with fake information to seem legitimate.
Red Flags: Signs of a Locksmith Scam
Before They Arrive
Red Flag #1: Extremely Low Advertised Prices
"$15 service call!" or "$19 locksmith!"
Legitimate service cannot be provided at these prices. This is always bait-and-switch.
Red Flag #2: Can't or Won't Give Company Name
"We're a locksmith service... we'll be right there."
Ask specifically: "What's your company name?" Legitimate businesses state it clearly.
Red Flag #3: Won't Provide Specific Price Quote
"We'll give you a price when we get there."
Legitimate locksmiths provide phone quotes with reasonable ranges.
Red Flag #4: No Physical Business Address
Just a phone number, no website with business address, no verifiable location.
Red Flag #5: No License Number
Can't or won't provide their Florida locksmith license number when asked.
When They Arrive
Red Flag #6: Massive Price Increase
"Oh, this will be $350 now, not the $50 we quoted."
Legitimate locksmith: Might adjust price slightly for unexpected complexity, explains why, gets your approval first.
Red Flag #7: Immediate Drilling
Reaches for drill before trying to pick the lock.
Legitimate locksmith: Uses picking tools first, only drills when absolutely necessary (and explains why).
Red Flag #8: Cash Only
Refuses credit cards, insists on cash payment.
Legitimate locksmith: Accepts multiple payment methods including credit/debit cards.
Red Flag #9: No Receipt or Vague Invoice
Provides no receipt, or gives handwritten receipt with no business details.
Legitimate locksmith: Provides detailed invoice with business name, address, phone, license number, and itemized charges.
Red Flag #10: No Identification
Person with no company identification or business card.
How to Protect Yourself
Before You Call
Research in Advance (While Not Locked Out)
Find a legitimate locksmith before you need one. Save the number in your phone.
Check Reviews
Look for established Google reviews, Facebook presence, actual customer feedback.
Verify Business Presence
Does the company have a real website? Physical address? Established online presence?
Verify Licensing
Check with Florida Department of Agriculture that locksmith license is valid.
During the Call
Ask These Questions:
1. "What's your company name and license number?"
2. "What's the complete cost for this service?" (Get specific dollar amount)
3. "Do you accept credit cards?"
4. "Will I get a detailed receipt?"
Get It in Writing:
Ask them to text or email the price quote before they come.
When They Arrive
Verify Identity:
Check that technician has proper identification.
Confirm Price Before Work Begins:
"You quoted $95 on the phone, correct?"
Watch the Technique:
Legitimate locksmiths use picking tools first, not drills.
Don't Be Pressured:
If something feels wrong, you can refuse service. Yes, you might stay locked out longer, but you won't get scammed.
Get a Receipt:
Detailed invoice with company information, license number, itemized charges.
Common Locksmith Scam Scenarios
Scenario 1: The Late-Night Lockout
The Situation:
You're locked out at 11pm. Desperate.
The Scam:
Scammers count on desperation. They quote low, arrive fast, then hit you with huge bills knowing you're unlikely to refuse at midnight when you're exhausted.
Protection:
Have a legitimate locksmith's number saved beforehand. If you don't, take 10 minutes to verify credentials even though you're desperate.
Scenario 2: The Elderly Target
The Situation:
Elderly homeowner locked out or needs locks changed.
The Scam:
Scammers specifically target elderly victims, knowing they're less likely to question prices or push back.
Protection:
If helping an elderly family member, be present during service. Get multiple quotes. Verify credentials.
Scenario 3: The Property Manager
The Situation:
Property manager needs multiple units rekeyed quickly.
The Scam:
Scammers offer tempting volume discounts to get the contract, then do shoddy work or damage locks.
Protection:
Verify licensing, insurance, get references, and inspect work carefully. Legitimate locksmiths provide professional service agreements.
If You've Been Scammed
Document Everything
- Take photos of the person and vehicle
- Save all receipts/invoices
- Document the charges
- Note date, time, and exactly what happened
Report It
- Miami-Dade Police: File report if you believe fraud occurred
- Florida Department of Agriculture: Report unlicensed locksmith activity
- Better Business Bureau: File complaint
- Google Reviews: Warn others (if company actually exists)
Dispute the Charge
If you paid by credit card, dispute the charge with your card company. Explain the bait-and-switch.
Consider Small Claims Court
For significant overcharges or damage, small claims court may be appropriate.
What Legitimate Locksmiths Look Like
Technician
- Professional identification
- Carries professional tools
Pricing
- Reasonable quotes given over phone
- Minor price adjustments explained clearly
- Accepts credit cards, not just cash
- Provides detailed itemized receipt
Technique
- Uses lock picking tools first
- Only drills when necessary (and explains why)
- Works efficiently but not rushed
- Tests lock after opening to ensure it still works
Professionalism
- Verifies you're the property owner/resident
- Explains what they're doing
- Answers questions
- Provides receipt with business details
Work With 305 Locksmith
We operate as a legitimate, professional locksmith service:
Professional Service
Trained technicians with proper identification
Transparent Pricing
Quoted over phone, confirmed on arrival
Professional Tools
Lock picking first, drilling only when necessary
Proper Licensing
Florida locksmith license, full insurance
Multiple Payment Options
Cash, credit, debit cards accepted
Detailed Receipts
Itemized invoices with all business information
Get Legitimate Service
Don't gamble with fake locksmiths. Work with a licensed, established locksmith who operates professionally.
Call (305) 539-0439 for:
- Honest pricing quoted upfront
- Professional, uniformed service
- Damage-free lock picking
- Detailed receipts
- Licensed and insured
Serving Miami-Dade County with legitimate locksmith service. No scams, no games, just professional work at fair prices.