MONTREAL LOCKSMITH SCAMS – 438-998-0145

⚠️ MONTREAL LOCKSMITH SCAMS – BE AWARE

(Updated April 2026 – Based on real cases since 2017)

At Serrurier Shay Locksmith Montréal, we’ve been exposing dishonest locksmith practices for years.

📅 Original case date: April 2017

🚨 REAL CUSTOMER STORY

A client contacted us after being charged for a “high-security lockout.”

The previous technician claimed:

  • The lock was high security (6 pins)
  • It could not be picked
  • The only solution was to drill and replace

👉 Reality:
We opened the same lock in under 5 seconds — no damage.

The lock installed?
❌ A basic Weiser import deadbolt
❌ NOT high security

💰 Our charge at the time (2017, 6PM):
$95 + taxes

💰 Typical fair price today (2026 after-hours):
~$290 + taxes in Montréal

🚨 COMMON LOCKSMITH SCAM TACTICS

⚠️ Bait & Switch Pricing

  • Ads showing: $0.99 / $15 / $19.99 / $29.99
  • Real bill ends up: $300 – $1000+

⚠️ Fake “High Security” Claims

  • Regular locks are called “high security” to justify drilling

⚠️ Unnecessary Drilling

  • Drilling = more money
  • Skilled locksmiths can open most standard locks without damage

⚠️ No Identification / No Verification

  • Scammers don’t check ID
  • They just want payment

⚠️ Unmarked Vehicles & No Uniform

  • No company branding
  • No accountability

⚠️ LICENSING IN QUEBEC (VERY IMPORTANT)

In Québec, locksmiths are regulated by
👉 Bureau de la sécurité privée

✔️ There are 2 types of licenses:

  • Agency License
  • Agent License (REQUIRED to perform work)

❗ Many companies only have Agency License
➡️ That means they CANNOT legally perform locksmith work

🔎 Always verify here:
👉 https://www.bureausecuriteprivee.qc.ca/en/registry/

⚠️ INDUSTRY REALITY (HONEST TRUTH)

Even some legitimate locksmiths overcharge:

  • $650 → standard mortise lock replacement
  • $450 → 5-minute cam adjustment
  • $400–$1000 → simple service calls

📈 Reasons:

  • High demand
  • Fuel costs (over $2.60/L)
  • Shortage of experienced technicians

🔐 WHICH LOCKS CAN BE PICKED?

✔️ Usually PICKABLE:

  • Schlage
  • Weiser (standard)
  • Kwikset (non-SmartKey)
  • Generic / hardware store locks

❌ NOT PICKABLE (or very difficult – may require drilling):

  • Medeco
  • Mul-T-Lock
  • Abloy
  • SmartKey (special method required)
  • High-security restricted systems

💡 HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

✔️ Ask for full price BEFORE arrival
✔️ Ask if drilling is really necessary
✔️ Verify license (Agent + Agency)
✔️ Avoid “too cheap” ads
✔️ Check reviews and company history

📩 BEEN SCAMMED?

If you were overcharged or misled:

👉 Send us your invoice
We help expose scams to protect others.

📞 CONTACT A REAL LOCKSMITH

Serrurier Shay Locksmith Montréal
📞 514-836-9097
🕒 Fast Service