Beware of dubious key service

The dubious locksmiths mostly advertise via Internet pages with 0800 numbers. Customers would call these numbers and get through to call centers. In most cases, customers have to wait a long time for a service technician to arrive on site, writes the Cantonal Police St.Gallen. As a rule, the fitter carries out more than just the necessary work. In the end, he charges for his work, but also for additional costs for long journeys and unnecessary work. An immediate payment in cash or with EC directly is demanded. The surprised customers would only realize afterwards that the amounts demanded had been completely exorbitant.

Usually a few hundred francs

In the canton of St.Gallen, two cases were reported in the month of December in which the injured parties had to pay bills of several thousand francs. According to the Kapo, both injured parties ordered key services for the replacement of door lock cylinders via 0800 numbers. With a reputable company, the costs would amount to several hundred francs, stresses the cantonal police.

How to protect yourself?

The cantonal police of St.Gallen advises to consider known locksmith companies from the region. It is recommended to ask for a cost estimate on the phone and to agree on a fixed price. Anyone who has nevertheless ordered a key service via an 0800 number and a service technician is already on site must make the following demands before starting work:

• Personal data of the craftsman on the basis of his identity card
• Its phone number
• a cost estimate
• a payment term

In addition, the customer should make a note of the car number. "Make it clear from the start that no cash payment will be made," says the Kapo. If the work has already been carried out and the mechanic presses for payment, the police should be contacted immediately on emergency number 117.

Source: Kapo St.Gallen