Locksmith Scams to Look Out For
July 30, 2025
Be careful when hiring a locksmith because there are a lot of locksmith scams out there. You may see online or newspaper advertisements from supposed companies claiming to be professional locksmiths, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to scam you.
Both licensed and unlicensed locksmiths can be out to scam you if you don’t recognise the signs.
Here are three common locksmith scams to watch for.
1) Subcontractors Inflating the Price
The most common locksmith scam is when an online advertisement gives you the phone number of a locksmith company, but then it ends up transferring you to a call centre somewhere else. The call centre will act like they represent the company and subcontract the locksmithing work to a local subcontractor.
When the subcontractor arrives, they will ask you to pay a lot more money than the estimated price you were given on the phone. They hope you will be desperate enough to pay the higher cost to resolve your emergency lock situation quickly.
2) Inexperienced Locksmiths Drilling Locks
A licensed locksmith will know how to pick most locks without leaving a scratch. But an inexperienced locksmith with no legal credentials won’t know how to use picking tools. So instead, they will attempt to drill your lock while causing extensive damage to your door in the process. They’ll claim it is the only way to unlock the door, which is not true.
3) Cash Only
Some locksmiths may claim to accept cash only. Please stay away from these locksmiths because they may want to avoid being traced for their shady business practices. Any genuine locksmith will accept credit cards and cash for payment. They will also provide a receipt for the work done.
This is one of the top questions people ask before calling a locksmith. Rekeying what it means Rekeying resets the lock’s internal mechanism, so only new keys work. It’s cheaper and fast. Good for: Lost keys (but lock itself is fine) Moving house (if the existing locks are in good condition) Replacing when it’s better Changing the whole lock is best when: Locks are old or damaged You want stronger security You’re upgrading to smarter or multi-point systems A locksmith will recommend the best option after inspecting your hardware.
People searching for a locksmith often worry about cost before they call. So let’s break it down clearly. Typical locksmith pricing Costs depend on: Whether it’s an emergency call-out The time of day Type of service (e.g., unlock, change lock, install new security lock) Parts required Example ballpark figures Emergency opening (no lock change): £60–£150 Lock change (cylinder replacement): £80–£200+ UPVC multi-point lock repair: £100–£250+ High-security lock fitting: £150–£350+ These are typical ranges a local locksmith will confirm before work starts. Tips to avoid surprises Ask for a firm quote before work Confirm whether VAT is included Check if emergency call-outs cost extra Request parts costs upfront SMS Locksmith gives transparent quotes up front , so you’re never left guessing.
