Rogue Scam Locksmith Report (Jan 2025) + Advice

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.

Protect Yourself against Locksmith Scam Companies

If you want to protect yourself against locksmith scams, 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.

Locksmith Scams on The Rise

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

We can confirm reports received by ourselves of consumers being overcharged by rogue locksmiths increased in 2024 by 25% compared to 2023.

• Locksmith Complaints in 2023 – 280 Complaints
• Locksmith Complaints in 2024 – 350 Complaints

Don’t fall for scams! Here’s how to protect yourself: