Firstly you can check any locksmith is an MLA Approved Company by checking the find a locksmith section of our website or you can read below our mini-guide below:
1. There is NO Government Back Regulation for Locksmiths
With the lack of any government-backed regulation, it’s important not to rely on claims or logos on the locksmith’s website alone.
We’re unfortunately seeing more and more scam websites being created, where various logos as abused and incorrect claims of approval or membership are used.
2. A lot of Locksmiths have FAKE addresses – check first!
We’ve found a lot of these locksmiths websites have bogus addresses on them.
How do you know who they are? and how do you chase them after the job is done, especially if you have a complaint about a locksmith
If the locksmith has a fake address, from our perspective, it means that we are unable to serve legal papers to them in order to protect our trademarked logo.
Signs of a Rogue Locksmith
3. Check for proof of ID from the Locksmith!
You can ask the locksmith for proof of ID when they get to you.
Questions to ask the locksmith
- a) Ask them how long they’ve been in the trade
- b) What experience and or training they’ve undertaken as well
- c) Ask what vetting they’ve undertaken
All MLA approved locksmiths carry proof of ID
By having an up to date MLA ID card an employee of an MLA Approved Company will have met the strict vetting criteria of the MLA.
4. Check Google Maps
Another good idea is to check Google Maps – you’ll be amazed at how many “locksmiths” are apparently based in the central reservation of a dual carriageway or in a council building!
We’ve even had information provided to us whereby scam locksmiths are advertising as trading out of a legitimate locksmith’s premises without their knowledge!
5. Final Tip: check, check and check again
Make sure you use an MLA Approved Company for your locksmith requirements.
If you believe a company are NOT MLA locksmiths and using MLA Logo or advertising to be an MLA locksmith then please send a report so we can investigate.
Further Reading
- Locksmith Price List – Price guide and checklist
- About the Master Locksmiths Association
- Why use an MLA Approved locksmith
- Choosing a Locksmith – how to a find a good locksmith
