Locksmith scams are a serious and growing problem in the UK. These scams exploit vulnerable consumers, often locked out of their homes or dealing with emergency situations, by charging excessive fees, providing poor workmanship, and operating without accountability.
Exploiting emergencies, dishonest sales, and gross overcharging is illegal and CLS believes companies that break the law should face the law.
If a locksmith…
…they may be breaking UK law — including:
Certified Locksmiths and Security (CLS) is committed to protecting the public. We are taking a stand against rogue traders by raising awareness, collecting evidence, and encouraging fair, transparent practices in our industry.
There are laws in the UK to protect the consumer about this and if a company exploits a customers misfortune in a way that effects their decision making, if they charge an extortionate amount or make a false representation to gain or cause a loss then they are breaking the law. Companies have received fines and even a custodial sentence so it is worth seeking advice if you have been a victim of a locksmith scam.
If you believe you paid a scam locksmith for unnecessary work our licenced locksmiths will look at the work that has been carried out and inform you if the work was needed and they will give you a price that they would charge if you had called them.
We always recommend using a CLS licenced locksmith.
Rogue locksmith companies use aggressive online advertising to dominate search results, especially through paid ads. When someone searches in a panic for a local locksmith, these companies appear first—often posing as local businesses without any genuine presence in the area.
Search engines use an auction type of process to sell advertising. The Scammers outbid and dominate the top listings so you see them first and call them.Â
They over charge and dupe the customer by charging for products and services not required. Drill or cause damage when other non-distructive methods are possible.Â
They will say they are local and promote low prices typically £49 we have seen invoices for over £1000! from companies located 100s of miles away.Â
Whilst search engines make vast profits and people don’t know the regulation in place to protect them, so these scammers still operate. these are three checks to protect yourself from being scammed.Â
Remember CLS
Never give card details over the phone. Scammers do this and have been known to take payments against the customers will for work not completed.Â
Use a locksmith who has agreed to operate to high standards, had background checks and is known to be competent because they have two other locksmiths endorse them.Â
Sponsored means paid for when looking at a search engine results page. if these use generic terms of offer low prices like £49 then avoid!
Locksmith scams are a serious and growing problem in the UK. There were 350 reports of locksmith scams in 2024 which is an increase of 25%. These scams exploit customers when they are locked out of their homes or businesses. Dealing with emergency situations impacts the how people make decisions and we have experienced customers who are quite savvy being duped, so its not limited to the older generation or people you might expect to be vulnerable. They are charging extortionate fees, providing poor workmanship, carrying out work that is not required.Â
Certified Locksmiths and Security (CLS) is committed to protecting the public. We are taking a stand against rogue traders by raising awareness, collecting evidence, and encouraging fair, transparent practices in our industry.
Rogue locksmith companies use aggressive online advertising to dominate search results, especially through paid ads. When someone searches in a panic for a local locksmith, these companies appear first—often posing as local businesses without any genuine presence in the area.
Tactics used include:
– Hiding true identity or operating under multiple names
– Refusing to give fixed quotes in advance
– Charging up to 10 times the going rate
– Using intimidation or high-pressure tactics
This is not just a UK problem—many countries have experienced the same issues.
Republic of Ireland: Compulsory Licensing
Ireland introduced mandatory licensing for locksmiths, costing businesses around €2,000 for vetting and compliance. While it has improved visibility of legitimate traders, the scheme has also created financial barriers for smaller operators. Rogue locksmiths have also achieved licensing because without being reported or convicted they will simply pass the checks. Â
United States and Canada: Advertising Restrictions
In parts of North America, Google has restricted paid ads and map listings for locksmith services unless the business is verified. This reduces scam exposure but does not eliminate it and it has also taken genuine business down so the checks are open to exploitation.Â
Why These Models Fall Short
Even with licensing or ad restrictions, scam companies can still pass basic checks if they have no criminal convictions. The biggest spenders often still dominate visibility.
If you want a local locksmith who is competent, honest and reliable they must be certified by Certified Locksmiths and Security.
If you want a local locksmith who is competent, honest and reliable they must be certified by Certified Locksmiths and Security.
We don’t support national locksmith companies or franchises in order to create a balance of opportunity for small and medium-sized independent locksmith companies.
Not supporting national locksmith companies will ensure we don’t support those who are known to quote below market prices but overcharge vulnerable customers, known in the industry as the 49rs.
Supporting local, competent and reliable locksmiths, approved by us and other rated locksmiths is the best way to protect our customers. Â
Stress-Free Experience
From Start to Finish
We intend to minimise the risk to customers when looking for a locksmith, safe engineer or security installer.
There are at least three laws that protect the consumer.
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 prohibits misleading actions, omissions and aggressive commercial practices and this law has a focus on
“Exploiting a consumer’s misfortune or circumstances in a way that significantly impairs their ability to make an informed decision.”
So if you have paid an extortionate price for a locksmith service that in reflection you wouldn’t have agreed to under normal circumstances they may have broken this law!
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires services to be:
Performed with reasonable care and skill
At a price that is fair and reasonable, if not agreed in advance
So if a price wasn’t agreed upfront (as is often the case in emergencies), the company cannot legally charge an unfair or extortionate amount.Â
The. Fraud Act 2006 protects the consumer from clear deception so if a locksmith has used a fake listing, trying to emulate another genuine company or invented charges to increase an invoice the fraud act may apply.Â
especially if:
The trader dishonestly makes a false representation with the intent to make a gain or cause a loss.
So if you have been the victim of a scam the law is there to protect you but through a lack of awareness and sometimes feeling embarrassed caused people to not want to pursue these people.Â
– Providing a public reporting tool to document scams
– Educating consumers about how to avoid being scammed
– Collaborating with MPs, councillors, and the media to drive policy change
We aim to lead the conversation and deliver real consumer protection.
Have you been scammed or overcharged by a locksmith?
You can now report your experience directly to us. This will help us build a clearer picture of how these scams operate and support our efforts to protect others.
Please include as much detail as possible, including:
– Date and time of incident
– Location
– What you were quoted vs. what you paid
– Name or description of the company or individual (if known)
– Any supporting images or receipts
Reports may be published in summary form (with personal details removed) to raise awareness.
We are collecting verified reports of scams submitted by consumers and professionals.
These include:
– Region where the scam took place
– Scam tactic used
– Price paid and level of overcharging
This section will be regularly updated as new reports are verified. Only substantiated cases will be published to ensure accuracy and avoid liability.
[View Scam Reports]
Know the warning signs before you call:
– Listings with no real business name or address
– Refusal to give a clear price on the phone
– Paid or sponsored listings advertising low prices like £49
– Poor online reviews or suspicious duplicate listings
– No invoice or formal receipt provided
– Demands for cash payment
Always look for a certified locksmith from a recognised directory.
If you believe you have been scammed:
We are here to support you.
We’re calling on consumers, ethical locksmiths, and policymakers to join us in tackling this issue.
– Consumers – use our directory and report scams
– Locksmiths – join our Voluntary Licensing Scheme
– Councillors/MPs – help us campaign for better protections
Together, we can create a safer, fairer locksmith industry in the UK.
Certified Locksmiths and Security – Raising Standards. Protecting Consumers.
What happened
Scam Locksmiths advertised cheap call-out rates from £59, but when customers were locked out and vulnerable, they were charged £744 to £820 for simple jobs — without proper explanations or quotes.
They also used fake five-star reviews to make themselves look more trustworthy online.
Legal outcome
Why it matters
This case shows that hidden charges and fake reviews are illegal, and Trading Standards will take action when people are misled — especially in emergencies.
What happened
Locksmith in question was convicted of fraud after charging more than £1,000 to drill or replace locks that didn’t need replacing.
In some cases, the real cost of parts was around £50, yet he demanded over £1,000, often in cash.
Legal outcome
Locksmith scams are a serious and growing problem in the UK. These scams exploit vulnerable consumers, often locked out of their homes or dealing with emergency situations, by charging excessive fees, providing poor workmanship, and operating without accountability.
Exploiting emergencies, dishonest sales, and gross overcharging is illegal and the CLS believes companies that break the should face the law.