How to Choose a Reliable Locksmith in San Bernardino: 7 Red Flags to Avoid

Choosing a locksmith in San Bernardino shouldn't be stressful, but unfortunately, the locksmith industry has its share of scammers and fraudulent companies. When you're locked out of your car or need emergency home locksmith services, you're vulnerable—and dishonest locksmiths take advantage of that.
As a licensed, established locksmith company serving San Bernardino County since 2010, we've heard countless horror stories from customers who were scammed before finding us. Today, we're sharing everything you need to know to identify trustworthy locksmiths and avoid common scams.
The Locksmith Scam Problem in California
Locksmith scams are a real problem throughout California, including right here in the Inland Empire. These scams typically follow a pattern:
You search online for "locksmith near me" or "emergency locksmith San Bernardino."
You call a number from the search results with a low advertised price.
Someone answers with a generic greeting (never mentioning a company name).
They quote you a low price over the phone to get you to commit.
A "technician" arrives in an unmarked vehicle with no company logo.
After looking at your lock, they suddenly claim it's more complex and quote triple the original price.
They pressure you to pay immediately, often demanding cash.
The work is shoddy, your lock is damaged, or you're overcharged dramatically.
Don't let this happen to you. Here are seven red flags that indicate you're dealing with a scam locksmith.
Red Flag 1: No Physical Address or Local Phone Number
Legitimate locksmith businesses in San Bernardino have physical locations and local phone numbers. If you can't find a street address on their website or their phone number has a different area code, be suspicious.
Scam locksmiths often use call centers located out of state. They dispatch whoever's available, regardless of licensing or experience. Real local locksmiths like The LockBusters have an established presence in the community.
What to look for: A verifiable business address, local (909) area code phone number, and physical storefront or service location you can visit if needed.
Red Flag 2: They Answer with "Locksmith Service" Instead of a Company Name
When you call The LockBusters, we answer with our company name. Scam operations answer generically with "Locksmith" or "Locksmith service" because they operate under multiple fake names.
This generic greeting is a huge warning sign. Legitimate businesses are proud of their name and reputation. Scammers hide behind generic terms to avoid accountability.
What to look for: A locksmith who clearly identifies their company name when answering the phone.
Red Flag 3: Quotes That Are "Too Good to Be True"
You call for a price quote and they say "$15" or "$19" to unlock your car door. This is the classic locksmith bait-and-switch. No legitimate locksmith in San Bernardino can provide professional service, drive to your location, and unlock your vehicle for less than $50.
These ultra-low quotes are designed to get you to commit. Once the "technician" arrives, they'll claim your lock is high-security, needs drilling, or requires special tools—and suddenly the price jumps to $200-$500.
What to look for: Honest, reasonable quotes. Legitimate locksmiths in San Bernardino County typically charge $75-$150 for most lockout services, depending on time of day and complexity. If the quote seems impossibly low, it's a scam.
Red Flag 4: They Can't Provide Licensing Information
In California, locksmiths are required to be licensed. Ask any locksmith for their license number before hiring them. Legitimate locksmiths will gladly provide this information.
You can verify California locksmith licenses through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. If someone claims they "don't need a license" or can't provide their license number, hang up and call someone else.
What to look for: Clear display of license information on their website, vehicles, and business cards. The LockBusters is fully licensed and insured—we're happy to verify our credentials anytime.
Red Flag 5: They Arrive in an Unmarked Vehicle
Professional locksmith companies have marked vehicles with company names, phone numbers, and logos. This is standard business practice and a sign of legitimacy.
Scam locksmiths show up in unmarked personal vehicles because they're not actually running a real business. They might claim "the company van was in use" or make other excuses, but this is a serious red flag.
What to look for: Clearly marked company vehicles with business names and contact information visible.
Red Flag 6: They Insist on Drilling Your Lock Immediately
Skilled professional locksmiths can open most standard residential and automotive locks without drilling or damage. Drilling should be the absolute last resort after all other methods have been tried.
Scam locksmiths drill locks immediately because it's faster for them, allows them to charge more for "complex work," and requires you to purchase new locks (which they sell at inflated prices). This is called "lock bumping" or the "drill and replace scam."
What to look for: Locksmiths who try non-destructive methods first. Professional locksmiths in Rialto, Fontana, and San Bernardino have the skills and tools to open locks without damage in most situations.
Red Flag 7: They Demand Cash Payment Only
While many businesses accept cash, legitimate locksmiths also accept credit cards and provide proper receipts. Scammers demand cash because it's untraceable and prevents you from disputing charges later.
If a locksmith insists on cash only and won't provide a detailed receipt with their license number, you're likely being scammed.
What to look for: Multiple payment options (cash, credit card, debit card) and detailed receipts showing company name, license number, services provided, and contact information.
How to Find a Trustworthy Locksmith in San Bernardino
Now that you know what to avoid, here's how to find legitimate locksmith services:
Check Reviews and Reputation
Look for locksmiths with established online reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Read both positive and negative reviews. Legitimate businesses will have a mix of reviews that feel authentic, not generic or fake.
The LockBusters has hundreds of verified five-star reviews from real customers throughout San Bernardino County. We're proud of our reputation and work hard to maintain it.
Verify Their Physical Location
Search for the locksmith's address on Google Maps. Do they have an actual storefront or service location? Can you see their business on street view? Scammers use fake addresses or mail drops.
Ask Questions Before They Arrive
Before hiring any locksmith, ask:
What is your company name and physical address?
What is your California locksmith license number?
What is the total estimated cost including service call and labor?
Will you provide an invoice with your license number?
Do you accept credit cards?
Legitimate locksmiths will answer all these questions clearly and honestly.
Get Everything in Writing
Before any work begins, get a written estimate. Make sure it includes all costs—service call fee, labor, parts, and any other charges. Don't accept vague estimates like "around $100" or "depends on the lock."
Trust Your Gut
If something feels wrong—the person seems sketchy, they're being evasive, or you feel pressured—it's okay to send them away. Your safety and property are more important than the sunk cost of a service call fee.
Why Choose The LockBusters
When you call The LockBusters for locksmith services in San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, or anywhere in the Inland Empire, you get:
A real, established local business serving the community since 2010
Licensed and insured professional technicians
Clearly marked company vehicles
Upfront, honest pricing with no surprise fees
Multiple payment options
Detailed receipts and invoices
Excellent online reviews you can verify
24/7 emergency service with fast response times
Quality work guaranteed
We're not a call center dispatching random contractors. We're your neighbors, and we care about our reputation in this community.
Common Locksmith Services We Provide
The LockBusters handles all residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith needs:
Emergency lockouts (home, car, business)
Lock rekeying and replacement
Key duplication and programming
High-security lock installation
Master key systems
Deadbolt installation
Transponder key programming
Ignition repair
Smart lock installation
What Fair Pricing Looks Like in San Bernardino
To help you identify reasonable quotes versus scams, here's what you should expect to pay for common locksmith services in San Bernardino County:
Car lockout: $75-$150
Home lockout: $80-$150
Lock rekey (per lock): $20-$30
New lock installation: $100-$200 per lock
Key duplication: $5-$15 per key
Transponder key programming: $75-$200
Emergency after-hours service may cost slightly more, but should still be reasonable. If you're quoted dramatically higher prices, get a second opinion.
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you've already been scammed by a fraudulent locksmith:
Document everything—save receipts, take photos, write down details
File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau
Report the scam to the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Leave reviews warning others
Consider disputing credit card charges if applicable
Call a legitimate locksmith to assess any damage and provide proper repairs
Contact The LockBusters Today
Don't risk your safety or money with unlicensed scammers. When you need a trustworthy locksmith in San Bernardino County, call The LockBusters at (909) 935-8844.
We provide professional, licensed locksmith services throughout San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga, Highland, Colton, Loma Linda, and Grand Terrace.
Available 24/7 for emergencies, we're the locksmith team your neighbors trust. Call today for a free quote or visit our website to learn more about our services.
Remember: A few extra minutes researching your locksmith can save you hundreds of dollars and major headaches. Choose wisely, choose local, choose The LockBusters.