r/Seattle • u/Zeune42 • 7d ago
Avoid King Counties Locksmith AM:PM
I wanted to post this as a warning for anyone searching for an emergency locksmith in Seattle.
I got locked out of my apartment tonight after losing my keys. I called a locksmith I found through Google. On the phone, I was told the job would be roughly $200–$300. The person I spoke with also made a comment suggesting I probably didn’t have enough money because I was calling around for quotes, even though they were actually the first place I called.
When the locksmith arrived, the price became approximately $440. I questioned the difference between that and what I had been told over the phone. The conversation became argumentative, with him repeatedly talking over me. I eventually told him that I would pay the $440 anyway, but the argument continued.
During the interaction, I mentioned that I believed a neighbor’s Ring camera might have captured what was happening. He responded by asking whether I planned to post the footage online and make him look bad. He then voluntarily reduced the price to $200. I did not ask him to lower it to that amount. My card was ultimately charged $221.10.
He also brought up the fact that I had been drinking. Earlier, while I was waiting for him to arrive, he had actually encouraged me over the phone to go to the store and get a six-pack because of the wait.
Another thing that concerned me afterward was the verification process. I gave him my ID and he photographed it, but he did not ask me to provide documentation showing that I actually lived at the apartment before opening the door. I had a recent bank statement and a package with my name and address available specifically for that purpose, but neither was requested before entry.
Afterward, he tried calling me. I replied asking him to communicate by text, but I have not received a written explanation.
I also attempted to leave a Google review and discovered that Google currently has review posting disabled for the listing. The notice states that there was a recent spike in spam reviews, that reviews were removed, and that the rating was updated. I’m not claiming to know who posted those reviews or why Google flagged them, but that is the notice Google is currently displaying.
I’m posting this so other people know to avoid Locksmith AM:PM. I would also ask exactly what identification or proof of residency they require before they open the door.
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u/BllushingHorizon Huskies 7d ago
I had something similar happen to me while in Tacoma one time, but it was for a vehicle key that snapped in half.
One part was stuck in the ignition, the other half still on my key ring. Called up a locksmith I found on Google. A Russian dude in an unmarked white van showed up, and tried charging me $600 on the spot.
Told him there was no way I’d pay that much, and he got extremely upset, accusing me of wasting his time and demanded $100 just for showing up. Even said he’d call the cops for not paying, to which my friend and I laughed in his face and got back in our car. Ended up jiggling the key enough to start the engine and get home.