How do I know if a locksmith is legitimate?

Scam locksmiths use fake local addresses and generic 'Locksmith Service' names that show up in Google ads. A real Clover, SC locksmith answers the phone with a company name and can prove a physical presence.

When the tech arrives, they should be in a marked vehicle, wearing branded clothing, and carry a license. Ask for the license number and write it down.

If a tech says 'the lock has to be drilled' on a standard residential deadbolt, that's almost always a scam — modern pin-tumbler locks open with picks 99% of the time.