Locksmith Scams in the UK: The Hidden Risk of Searching for a Locksmith Online

A recent BBC investigation has highlighted a growing issue affecting homeowners across the UK — bait-and-switch locksmith scams.

When people find themselves locked out of their home or business, the first reaction is often to reach for their phone and search for “locksmith near me”. Unfortunately, rogue locksmith operators rely on exactly this situation.

In an emergency, customers are vulnerable and under pressure to get back inside quickly. This creates the perfect opportunity for dishonest operators to take advantage.

How Locksmith Bait-and-Switch Scams Work

Many rogue locksmith companies advertise very low call-out prices online, often as little as £39 or £49.

These low prices are designed to attract customers quickly. However, once the locksmith arrives, the situation can change dramatically.

Customers frequently report that the technician claims:

• the lock is “too complex”

• specialist parts are required

• additional security work is needed

Locks are often drilled immediately, even when non-destructive entry methods could have been used.

Once the work is completed, the customer may be presented with a bill hundreds or even thousands of pounds higher than the advertised price.

Because the job has already been done and the customer may feel pressured, many end up paying far more than expected.

Why Searching for a Locksmith Online Can Be Risky

Search engines and online advertising platforms have unfortunately become a common route for rogue locksmith companies.

These operators often create multiple websites and fake local listings designed to appear like legitimate locksmith businesses. In reality, the listing may simply connect customers to a call centre that dispatches whoever is available.

This means the person who arrives at your property may not be properly trained, licensed, or accountable.

In many cases, the technician’s first solution is to drill and replace the lock, even when this is unnecessary.

Locksmith Scams Are Increasing

Reports of locksmith scams have increased significantly in recent years.

As more people rely on search engines to find emergency services, rogue operators have become more sophisticated in how they advertise and present themselves online.

These scams not only cost consumers large sums of money but also damage trust in the locksmith profession.

Legitimate locksmiths invest years developing the skills needed to open locks without causing damage, and reputable companies operate with transparency and fair pricing.

How to Avoid Rogue Locksmiths

If you ever need a locksmith, taking a few precautions can help protect you:

• Be cautious of very low advertised prices

• Ask for clear pricing before any work begins

• Avoid companies that cannot provide proper identification

• Be wary if a locksmith insists on drilling the lock immediately

• Check the company has a real address and reputation

Most importantly, choose a locksmith who has been independently verified.

Find a Certified Locksmith You Can Trust

Certified Locksmiths & Security (CLS) works with locksmith companies that meet strict professional standards.

To help protect consumers from rogue locksmith operators, CLS maintains a directory of certified locksmith companies across the UK.

If you need a locksmith, we strongly recommend choosing a company listed in the CLS directory:

https://certifiedlocksmithsandsecurity.co.uk/find-a-certified-locksmith/

Choosing a certified locksmith helps ensure:

• Transparent and fair pricing

• Proper identification and accountability

• Qualified and trained professionals

• Non-destructive entry methods whenever possible

When it comes to the security of your home or business, choosing a certified locksmith provides peace of mind and protection from scams.

Read the full BBC article here.

If you have been a victim of a Locksmith scam or know someone who has you can report it here.