Rogue Scam Locksmith Report: Scams Increased by 66% since 2021

We can report scam locksmiths are on the rise for another year compared to 2025. Victims of rogue locksmth companies were not only face hefty financial losses but also report feeling vulnerable and distressed after the experience.

Users report scam locksmiths via our locksmith complaint form after being overcharged by a locksmith.

Locksmith Scams on The Rise

Reports received by ourselves of consumers being overcharged by rogue locksmiths for emergency lockouts increased by 15% in 2025 from the previous year, with 402 cases recorded.

Overcharging Locksmiths Increase by 66% since 2021

As the UK’s largest locksmith association, we keep records of all overcharging complaints that are sent in via our complaint form.

From 2021 to 2025, the volume of locksmith scam reports has risen by 66%. This highlights the importance of consumers being careful when hiring a locksmith, & the need to use a professional, local, vetted locksmith find a vetted MLA locksmith in your area here.

Year of Report	Reported Locksmith Scams
2025	402 Complaints
2024	350 Complaints
2023	280 Complaints
2022	299 Complaints
2021	242 Complaints

Source: Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) Rogue Locksmith Report. Media outlets using these statistics please click here for attribution requirements.

The “Bait and Switch” Scam

The primary cause of these reports is the bait and switch scam. In this scenario, a rogue locksmith quotes a low price (typically £39, £49, or £59) to secure the job, but the final billed amount is significantly higher, often reaching hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Fake Google Locksmith Reviews

We are also seeing a concerning rise in fake reviews on locksmiths’ Google profiles. We urge consumers to take extra care if reviews appear overly generic or lack specific details about the work performed

How to Protect Yourself from Locksmith Scams

If you want to protect yourself against locksmith scams and avoid being ripped off, we recommend saving the number of a local MLA approved locksmith in your phone.

Locksmiths approved by the Master Locksmiths Association are fully vetted, inspected and qualified, which is why we are recommended by Police and Neighbourhood Watch.

Resources to Report a Rogue Locksmith

Misled by an online locksmith advert?

If you believe you were mis-lead by an online advert, please report it directly to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

The more people who report misleading ads, the more likely it is that meaningful action will be taken. You can download our ASA complaint template to make the process quick & easy.

Download ASA Complaint Template

You can also report the issue to the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA)

January 2025 Update on Locksmith Scams

In January 2025, we received almost 30 reports of rogue locksmiths overcharging for emergency lockouts.  Victims of scam locksmiths were not only face hefty financial losses but also report feeling vulnerable and distressed after the experience.

Some individuals were charged over £1,000 for a simple lockout, with one shocking case at £1,800!

Many were initially quoted £49-89 for a callout, only to be hit with a much higher final bill.

Overcharging reports have come in from areas including:

• Maidstone, London, Aylesbury, Rickmansworth, Coulsdon, Banbury, Sutton, Fareham, Hemel Hempstead, Wickham, Barrow-In-Furness, Bedford, Bristol, Edinburgh, Surrey, Dunfermline, Kent, and Orpington.

Media & Press Enquiries

Our statistics and research on rogue locksmith scams are available for editorial use. We kindly request that all media outlets:

• Attribute Data: Provide a reference back to this report or www.locksmiths.co.uk as the original source
• Verify Facts: Contact our press office prior to publication to ensure the most up-to-date figures are used.

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