Lockouts are urgent, and that is exactly why scammers target them. A calm minute of checking can save you a lot of money.

Ask these before anyone comes

  • What is your business name and where are you based? A local company answers with its name, not just “locksmith services”.
  • What is the total price including the trip, labor and any parts? Be wary of a tiny “service call” fee that grows on arrival.
  • How soon can you be here, and will you call when you are close?
  • Are you licensed? North Carolina has a state locksmith licensing board and requires locksmiths to be licensed. Ask for the license number and check it.

Warning signs

  • No business name when they answer the phone
  • A price that changes once they arrive
  • They will not give you a total up front
  • They insist on drilling or replacing the lock when it could be picked
  • Unmarked vehicle or no company ID
  • Cash only with no receipt
  • No request for proof that you own the home or car

What a good visit looks like

  • The technician arrives within the window you were given, with company ID.
  • The price is confirmed before work begins.
  • They ask you to show the property or vehicle is yours.
  • The lock or key is tested before you pay, and you get a receipt.

Check them online

Look for a real Google Business Profile with a local service area and reviews that mention specific jobs. Locksmith Knights has served Raleigh since 2018, is open 24 hours a day and answers at (919) 397-5583.

Need a locksmith in Raleigh you can trust? We are mobile and answer 24 hours a day.

Call (919) 397-5583Areas we serve

Questions we hear

Is a cheap locksmith always a scam?

No, but a very low advertised price that changes once someone arrives is a common trick. Ask for the total before they come.

When should I pay?

When the work is done and you have tested the lock or key. A deposit for a special-order part is the usual exception.

What if I am being overcharged?

You can refuse the work before it starts. If you believe you were scammed, you can file a complaint with the NC Attorney General consumer protection office.

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We travel to Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Morrisville, Holly Springs and the rest of the Triangle. Browse more locksmith guides.