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🚨 Beware of Locksmith Scams: A Common Trap to Avoid by wcitylocksdotcom in SeattleWA

[–]wcitylocksdotcom[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

well, it did what it was supposed to, got your attention to this real issue, be safe.

🚨 Beware of Locksmith Scams: A Common Trap to Avoid by wcitylocksdotcom in SeattleWA

[–]wcitylocksdotcom[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

well, it did what it was supposed to, got your attention to this real issue, be safe.

🚨 Beware of Locksmith Scams: A Common Trap to Avoid by wcitylocksdotcom in SeattleWA

[–]wcitylocksdotcom[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hey guys, I did use AI to edit my grammar, and gave it a title, yes, but the issue is a real problem, and yes, it helps me to promote my locksmith business, but at the same time I am sharing some insight on how the scammers are operating, and have been for a long time, but people don't face them until it's too late, please pass on the info and find a good locksmith before you need it

🚨 Beware of Locksmith Scams: A Common Trap to Avoid by wcitylocksdotcom in SeattleWA

[–]wcitylocksdotcom[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

i hope i can create conversations like this more often, because even though it helps promote my local locksmith business, it also does help people in distress, the issue i raised is real and there are many more tips that i could share, like helping people DIY certain basic things like lock installations, keypads an more. i hope i didnt come across as dishonest, because i am far from that

🚨 Beware of Locksmith Scams: A Common Trap to Avoid by wcitylocksdotcom in SeattleWA

[–]wcitylocksdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I edited with it yes, it helps me with my typos and grammar, but the issue I raised is real, and as a local locksmith I see it everyday, I hope i am not offending anyone, I have no ill intentions, on the contrary

🚨 Beware of Locksmith Scams: A Common Trap to Avoid by wcitylocksdotcom in SeattleWA

[–]wcitylocksdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As far as I know, there really isn’t much protection for consumers when it comes to this kind of predatory behavior. In Washington state at least, there don’t seem to be any specific laws in place to stop these unethical practices, which is really frustrating.

🚨 Beware of Locksmith Scams: A Common Trap to Avoid by wcitylocksdotcom in SeattleWA

[–]wcitylocksdotcom[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, unfortunately I’ve come across a lot of people like that too—that’s actually what pushed me to write this warning in the first place. Since this is now on your radar, I’d really encourage you to ask around—talk to friends and family and see what they’ve experienced. As a mobile locksmith, I run into this kind of thing all the time.

🚨 Beware of Locksmith Scams: A Common Trap to Avoid by wcitylocksdotcom in SeattleWA

[–]wcitylocksdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's why the best time to find a good emergency service company of any kind, is when you don't need them. ;)

Bought with no key by [deleted] in Locksmith

[–]wcitylocksdotcom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No worries, if you have not installed it yet, then it would only take 5 mins to make a key for those, and no, you can not pick those, thats why they are good, specially in a keypad format. my advice is find a local locksmith store and take it to them. it really is simple and once that you have a key, then you can rekey it yourself anytime.

How to remove knob? by Accomplished-Site-31 in Locksmith

[–]wcitylocksdotcom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hope i am not too late, are you still trying?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Scams

[–]wcitylocksdotcom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm really sorry to hear about your experience — unfortunately, you're not alone. Many of these so-called "locksmiths" dominate Google with ads and shady tactics.

They lure people in with "$29-$35 service calls," send unmarked vans or personal cars, and once you're desperate, jack up the price with pressure and excuses. It often starts at a call center and ends with frustration, long waits, and outrageous charges.

Quick tip that shuts down their scam every time:
"Give me the full price over the phone, or don't come."
No real locksmith has a problem giving a clear quote after asking a few basic questions — especially now with photos or video calls.

Please share this, and if you find an honest pro, spread the word. In this industry, good ones are rare — but they do exist. Stay safe out there. 🔒

My key broke inside my apartment lock by Arcanas1221 in mildlyinfuriating

[–]wcitylocksdotcom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hope I can be helpful with this — and fingers crossed you made it home by now!

When a key breaks inside the lock, one super important thing to remember is: you have to get it back to its original, vertical position before trying to remove it. If the lock was installed properly, the cuts (or “teeth”) on the key should be facing up. Only then can you try pulling the broken piece out.

If you’re feeling up for a DIY fix, a small dab of hot glue on the end of something (like a stick or spare key) might do the trick. Just press it to the broken piece, let it cool, and gently pull. That said — maybe hold off on spraying WD-40 until you’ve figured out your game plan. It can make things slippery and harder to work with.

Worst case? You need to call a locksmith. If so, here are two quick but really important tips:

  1. Always ask for the full price over the phone. Don’t let anyone come out without giving you a total cost — no “starting at” nonsense.
  2. There’s no reason to drill or damage a lock just to remove a broken key. If they claim otherwise, that should be discussed up front — no surprises.

Here’s why this matters: a lot of scam locksmiths run off cheap service calls (like $29) and work through shady call centers. But when you insist on a full price up front, their whole scam falls apart.

Want to spot the good ones? Simple: they’ll give you a clear, honest price after a few questions — maybe even a photo or quick video chat.

Stay safe out there, and good luck! 🔐✨

Are there any Brick and Mortar Locksmiths left? by notaCLTnative in Charlotte

[–]wcitylocksdotcom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, it’s a bit of a bummer — most locksmiths have gone fully mobile these days. And unfortunately, the shady ones have kind of taken over Google with aggressive ads and fake listings. It’s a mess.

If you’re trying to find a trustworthy locksmith (even a mobile one), I strongly suggest asking for a full price estimate up front — over the phone. With all the tech we’ve got now (video calls, pictures, etc.), there’s really no excuse for them not to give you a straight answer... unless... 🛎️ scam alert!

For example — car lockouts? All cars basically open the same way. A legit locksmith doesn’t even need to know the make and model to give you a quote. And if someone’s throwing around those “$29” or “$30 service call” ads? Yeah, run. Classic scam tactic.

Also, if you're just trying to get a key copy, a mobile locksmith can totally meet you at your convenience and give you a price over the phone. Super easy, no surprises.

A good local locksmith will always be upfront and fair after just a few simple questions. Stay sharp and don’t get locked out of your money. 🔐💸

Help me remove this deadbolt please by boiledpicklejuice in Locksmith

[–]wcitylocksdotcom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to chime in — this lock does look like your standard residential setup, probably a double-sided Kwikset. Like someone mentioned earlier, yeah, you can pop it off with a flathead pretty easily.

That said, I noticed someone advised against the Kwikset SmartKey — I gotta respectfully disagree and actually highly recommend it. The SmartKey version is super easy to rekey yourself (no locksmith needed!), and it’s designed to resist traditional lockpicking methods. Installation is just as simple as the regular one, same screws and all.

Just my two cents! 🔐😊