Scammers using Legitimate Locksmith Company Names Online

We’ve seen an increase in scam locksmith sites using business names that are nearly identical to well-known, locksmith companies. This is growing trend that makes it harder for customers to know exactly who they are hiring.

With reports of locksmith scams and overcharging on the rise, verifying the name of the company you hire is a crucial step in preventing being overcharged.

Scam Locksmith Companies try to fool customers

A concerning tactic we are increasingly seeing is rogue locksmiths actively impersonating legitimate businesses online. They attempt to steal the entire identity of a genuine company to mislead you.

This impersonation can include:

• Identity Theft: Using the real business name and branding of a legitimate locksmith.
• Review Scams: Copying genuine Google reviews to create a false sense of trust.
• Visual Deception: Reusing business images or staff photos from the real company.
• Lookalike Websites: Creating a website address that closely resembles the real company’s URL.
• Fake Google Maps Listings: Using a legitimate address and photos (sometimes AI generated) but displaying a different phone number to a hijack genuine companies calls.

The Danger: The phone number displayed on these fake sites is different. When you call, you are connected to a rogue trader rather than the legitimate professional you intended to contact.

They often use generic names like “The Lock Shop” but advertise using the physical address of a legitimate locksmith.

How do you know you’re being scammed?

These situations can lead to several common problems reported by consumers, including:

• Significant price increases once the locksmith arrives
• Unnecessary drilling or lock replacement
• Charges far higher than originally expected

Locksmith scam prevention tips
Locksmith Price Guide

Recent Examples of Locksmith Impersonation

One scary example involved unvetted people purporting to be from a legitimate company doing work at a school. They even signed in under the company’s name. The potential ramifications are terrifying.

In another case, MLA Licensed Locksmiths Capital Lock and Safe Ltd were victims of a scammer advertising the same phone number and claiming to trade from the same building.

How to stop scam locksmiths

Always double-check who you are dealing with. Get to know your local locksmith and save their details in your phone.

Always verify locksmith details before making contact.

Locksmith Verification Checklist

The safest way to verify is to use the Find a Locksmith tool on the MLA website. Consumers should confirm:

• Verify on MLA Website: Use the Find a Locksmith tool to confirm the company name, phone number, and location match the official approved listing.
• Inspect ID: Ask for identification upon arrival. A genuine MLA locksmith will provide ID readily; a scammer will often struggle or make excuses.
• Validate Business Status: Ensure the company name and address are registered and accurate via Companies House.

By checking these details, you ensure you are contacting a genuine MLA Approved Locksmith who has been independently vetted, inspected, and professionally qualified.

Verify an MLA Approved Locksmith

Questions to ask a locksmith – avoid being scammed

1. If anything, things sound a bit suspicious when you ask the locksmith for an ID then ask questions.
2. Be sure you know who you’re speaking to and who it is that you’re getting to do your work.
3. If things don’t feel right then contact the legitimate company using contact details you find yourself rather than any they provide.

For more tips view our scam locksmith prevention tips here.