The bait and switch technique is a technique that is often employed by unscrupulous individuals looking to relieve an individual of their income
. Those who utilize this scam often do so when they sense or spot in individual that's distraught and desperate. This is especially true of some locksmith services. While the bait and switch technique is for the most part usually a tactic used by salespeople, it is sometimes used by locksmith services and independent locksmiths in an unethical attempt to bolster their business and profits.
Any individual who's ever needed the services of a locksmith is familiar with that discombobulated feeling that comes along with being locked out of a car, home, or a specific room within a home. Generally speaking those persons who contact a locksmith do so because they need access to something right away. All of these scenarios lend themselves perfectly to individuals and firms that aim to take advantage of people in stressful situations.
This scam is essentially a simple one and one that most locksmith clients don't see coming. Individuals locked out of an area or a vehicle will often call a locksmith after a few minutes of panicking. More often than not they take the first locksmith they see online or in a book and unfortunately many of the first ones people see are those that offer a "$19 locksmith service". While most locksmith services aren't overly expensive anymore the $19 charge should serve as an immediate red flag for anyone who sees it.
The unfortunate individuals who contact the $19 locksmiths will see the locksmith arrive and charge them a fee just for showing up even if the person in need chooses not to utilize their services. Those that do utilize the services will not only pay this fee but will also be asked to pay for additional parts and labor as well. Keep in mind that these fees and additional "services" are never discussed on the phone and only rear their ugly heads once the locksmith has arrived. All of these fees and hassles however can be avoided if an individual can temper emotion and spend just a few minutes looking over the many different locksmiths available in the area in which they are in.
While this scam is certainly unethical and leads to excessive fees, there is some good news. People who need a locksmith and who take the time to search for several rather than taking just the first for cheapest one they see will find that many locksmiths, both the independent ones and those working for large firms, won't charge a person in need anything just for showing up and assessing the work that needs to be done. Even if an individual chooses not to utilize the services after an assessment and quote, they won't charge you a dime.