Be Careful Who You Call in an Emergency

Why That Toll-Free Number Could Cost You More Than Money

Emergencies have a way of catching us off guard.

You come home after a long day, reach for your keys — and realize they’re gone. You’re locked out, tired, and just want to get inside. So you grab your phone, search “locksmith near me,” and call the first number that looks professional — maybe one with a glossy ad or a catchy toll-free number.

It seems safe. It seems convenient.

But that number might not connect you to a real locksmith at all.

🧭 The Truth Behind Toll-Free Listings

Here’s what most people don’t realize: many of those toll-free listings are actually national call centers, not local locksmiths. They operate under dozens — sometimes hundreds — of fake business names to appear “local” in every city.

When you call, they dispatch whoever is available — often someone with no license, no insurance, and little or no formal training. These aren’t locksmiths. They’re gig workers paid by the job.

And here’s another big red flag: they often refuse to give you their company name, their location, or even their own name. If you ask where they’re based or what business they represent, you’ll get vague answers or be told “we service your area.” That’s not how legitimate local locksmiths operate. A trustworthy professional is proud to tell you exactly who they are and where they’re from.

When something goes wrong — your lock is damaged, the price skyrockets, or the technician disappears — there’s no one to hold accountable. By the next morning, that same number may be advertising under another name.

💸 How the Scam Works

These operations thrive on panic and urgency. They count on the fact that when you’re locked out, frustrated, or scared, you’re not thinking about who you’re calling — you just want help.

• Bait-and-switch pricing. You’re quoted $29 over the phone, but once they arrive, the cost jumps to hundreds.
• Incentivized upselling. The more they charge, the more they earn — and they often split profits with the call center.
• Unnecessary destruction. They’ll drill or replace perfectly good locks, insisting it’s “the only way.”
• Imitation hardware. They install flimsy, look-alike parts and claim they’re “high-security locks.”
• Pressure to pay. Some demand cash before leaving, intimidating customers into compliance.

By the time they’re gone, your wallet is lighter — and your home may be less secure than before.

🔧 What Happens Next

At Mike’s Locksmith, we see the aftermath all too often.

A homeowner calls, embarrassed and upset. The “new” lock they paid hundreds for is already sticking or grinding after a week. When we arrive, we can usually tell what happened the moment we see the door.

As security professionals, we recognize the signs instantly — misaligned hardware, stripped screws, cheap materials, knockoff parts passed off as quality brands. The installation tells the whole story.

And sadly, it’s almost always the same one: a call-center scam that preyed on someone’s stress and trust.

It’s frustrating because it’s preventable.

🏡 How to Protect Yourself

When you’re locked out, it’s easy to let urgency guide your choices. That’s when it’s most important to be prepared.

• Identify a reputable local locksmith with a verified address, proper licensing, and solid reviews.
• Save their number in your phone now — before an emergency happens.
• Ask for the company name when you call. Real locksmiths will say it proudly.
• Be cautious of prices that sound too low — they’re bait.
• Look for marked service vehicles and professional ID when help arrives.

A few minutes of preparation today can save you hours of frustration — and a lot of money — later.

🔒 The Bottom Line

That toll-free number might look easy and convenient, but it could end up costing you far more than money.

Unlicensed call centers don’t care about your safety or your home. A true local locksmith does.

At Mike’s Locksmith, we live here, work here, and take pride in helping our neighbors feel safe again. We believe in honest work, fair pricing, and integrity that lasts long after the job is done.

So before trouble strikes, take a moment now:
Save our number. Protect your home. Trust your local experts.

Mike’s Locksmith – Trusted across the DMV since 2012